Big Bend

https://www.nps.gov/bibe https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Bend_National_Park Big Bend National Park is in southwest Texas and includes the entire Chisos mountain range and a large swath of the Chihuahuan Desert. The Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive leads to the ruins of Sam Nail Ranch, now home to desert wildlife. The Santa Elena Canyon, carved by the Rio Grande, features steep limestone cliffs. Langford Hot Springs, near the Mexican border, has pictographs and the foundations of an old bathhouse. There is a place in Far West Texas where night skies are dark as coal and rivers carve temple-like canyons in ancient limestone. Here, at the end of the road, hundreds of bird species take refuge in a solitary mountain range surrounded by weather-beaten desert. Tenacious cactus bloom in sublime southwestern sun, and species diversity is the best in the country. This magical place is Big Bend... Several highways lead to Big Bend National Park: TX 118 from Alpine to Study Butte or FM 170 from Presidio to Study Butte (then 26 miles east to park headquarters) or US 90 or US 385 to Marathon (then 70 miles south to park headquarters). Distances between towns and services are considerable. Be sure you have plenty of gas, food, water, and supplies for your trip. There are no electric vehicle charging stations in Big Bend National Park. The closest EV charging station is 130 miles away in Fort Stockton. Castolon Visitor Center Located in the Castolon Historic District, the Castolon Visitor Center is open daily during the winter months. River use permits are issued during normal business hours, and entrance fees can be paid at the Castolon Visitor Center. The Castolon Visitor Center has a Big Bend Natural History Association bookstore and nearby restrooms. The visitor center is located in the historic Garlick House, immediately behind the Magdalena House Exhibits. Stop by to meet a ranger and plan your adventure. The Castolon Visitor Center is located within the Castolon Historic District of Big Bend National Park. The site is located along the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, approximately 8 miles from the Santa Elena Canyon trailhead. The visitor center is inside the historic officer's quarters building. Chisos Basin Visitor Center The Chisos Basin Visitor Center includes interactive exhibits on plants, animals, and birds found in the Chisos Mountains. Backcountry and river use permits are issued during normal business hours, and entrance fees can be paid at the visitor center. A Big Bend Natural History Association bookstore and restrooms are located at the visitor center. A water faucet is available on the east side of the building for filling personal water containers The Chisos Basin Visitor Center is located in the Basin developed area, 10 miles southwest of Panther Junction. Panther Junction Visitor Center Panther Junction Visitor Center is the best place to begin your visit. Backcountry & river use permits are issued here. Entrance fees can be paid here. Exhibits provide an overview of geology & natural and cultural histories of the park. The visitor center also has a theater with a park orientation movie shown upon request.The visitor center complex includes a Big Bend Natural History Association bookstore, U.S. Post Office, and restrooms. A water faucet is available for filling personal water containers Panther Junction Visitor Center is located in the center of the park. It is 68 miles south of the town of Marathon, and 29 miles east of the town of Study Butte. Persimmon Gap Visitor Center Located at the north entrance to the park, Persimmon Gap Visitor Center offers park orientation and information. The visitor center has exhibits, bookstore, mini-theater, and restrooms. River permits for the Lower Canyons are issued during normal business hours, and entrance fees can be paid at the Persimmon Gap Visitor Center. The Persimmon Gap Visitor Center is located on Hwy 385, 42 miles south of the town of Marathon, Texas, and 26 miles north of Panther Junction. Rio Grande Village Visitor Center The Rio Grande Village Visitor Center is located 0.25 miles north of the Rio Grande Village developed area. New exhibits focus on the Rio Grande (how it has changed over time, how the NPS works with our Mexican counterparts to protect and care for it, and the rich assemblage of species that it supports). An outdoor ramada showcases a large raised-relief map of the area, and life-sized bronze sculptures showcase some of the area's special wildlife. River use permits are issued during normal business hours. Rio Grande Village Visitor Center is located 0.25 miles north of the Rio Grande Village developed area, and 20 miles east of Panther Junction. Chisos Basin Campground The Chisos Basin Campground is nestled in an open woodland within a scenic mountain basin. Campers enjoy the iconic views of Casa Grande and Emory Peak. The sunset through the nearby "Window" is a Big Bend highlight. Some of the park's most popular trails begin nearby. Elevation is 5,400 feet. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Trailers over 20 feet and RV's over 24 feet are not recommended due to the narrow, winding road to the Basin and small campsites. Campsite Fee 16.00 Per night. Campsite capacity is maximum of 8 people and two vehicles. Reservations required through www.recreation.gov. Park entrance fees are separate from campground fees. An entrance pass is required in the park and while staying in the campground. View of Casa Grande View of Casa Grande View of Casa Grande from the campground Chisos Basin Campground Chisos Basin Campground Nice views from the campsites in the Chisos Basin Campground View of the Window View of the Window from Basin campsite A nice view of the Window from a Basin campsite Basin campground area Basin campground area Basin campground area Cottonwood Campground Cottonwood Campground is a quiet oasis in the western corner of Big Bend National Park. Reservations are required. Conveniently located between the Castolon Historic District, the scenic Santa Elena Canyon and the tail end of the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, this small, 22-site campground is one of the least-known and quiet campgrounds in the park. There is one group campsite and 21 individual sites. This is a remote campground in a remote park. It is dry camping, no hook-ups, and no generators are permitted. Campsite Fee 16.00 Per night. Reservations required through www.recreation.gov Pit toilets, picnic tables, grills, and water are available. No dump station, no generators allowed. Campsite capacity is maximum of 8 people and two vehicles. Park entrance fees are separate from campground fees. An entrance pass is required in the park and while staying in the campground. Enjoying the scene Campers enjoying Cottonwood Campground Campers enjoying Cottonwood Campground Cottonwood Campground Cottonwood Campground Cottonwood Campground is located in the shade of a small grove of cottonwood trees. Cottonwood view Cottonwood campground view Cottonwoods and acacia trees provide shelter and shade to campers. Colorful foliage Colorful foliage Golden cottonwood leaves at cottonwood campground Rio Grande Village Campground Set in a grove of cottonwoods and acacia trees, the Rio Grande Village Campground is located near the Rio Grande. Elevation: 1,850 feet. Paved roads connect each campsite, and grassy areas separate each site. Flush toilets, running water, picnic tables, grills, and some overhead shelters. Dump station nearby. Campers enjoy birdwatching, hiking, exploring. A camp store with showers and a park visitor center are nearby. Campground Fee 16.00 Per night. Campsite capacity is maximum of 8 people and two vehicles. Reservations required through www.recreation.gov. Park entrance fees are separate from campground fees. An entrance pass is required in the park and while staying in the campground. Rio Grande Village Campground Rio Grande Village Campground The Rio Grande Village campground is located near the Rio Grande and Mexico. Nice views above the campground Nice views above campground Nice views above the campground along the nature trail Rio Grande Village Campers Rio Grande Village Campers Camping at Rio Grande Village Grassy areas in the Campground Grassy areas in the Campground Grassy areas in the Campground Rio Grande Village RV Open, paved lot with grassy, tree-lined edges. Adjacent to the Rio Grande Village camp store. This campground, operated by Forever Resorts, has the only full hook-ups in the park. 25-site RV park (full hook-ups—water, electrical, and 3-inch sewer connection). All sites are back-in only. Tents are NOT permitted. Operated by the park's concessioner, Forever Resorts. Periodically, a few sites may not be available for a 38' or longer RVs due to the size of the parking lot and orientation of the spaces. RV camping fee 36.00 $36 double occupancy, with a $3 per additional person charge. Front Desk Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Daily Rio Grande Village RV sites Rio Grande Village RV sites Hookups for water sewer and electricity. Rio Grande Village RV Campground Rio Grande Village RV Campground Rio Grande Village RV Campground is the only camping with hookups available in the park. RV Hookups are very popular RVs lined up in Rio Grande Village RV campground RV Hookups are very popular. Blooming Cenizo Blooming Cenizo Cenizo, or Big Bend Silverleaf blossoms after summer rains. Century Plant Agave Century Plant Agave Century Plants bloom only once in their long lives. Vermilion Flycatcher Vermilion Flycatcher Big Bend is home to over 450 species of birds! Fascinating Geology Fascinating Geology Volcanic features abound near Castolon Desert Scenery Desert Scenery Big Bend is a prime example of Chihuahuan Desert Santa Elena Canyon Santa Elena Canyon Santa Elena Canyon View from the South Rim of the Chisos View from the South Rim of the Chisos Big Bend is a place of expansive views Rio Grande Scene Rio Grande Scene The Rio Grande serves as the park's southern boundary Blooming Ocotillo Blooming Ocotillo When ocotillo bloom, they transform the desert Balanced Rock Balanced Rock The balanced rock is a popular day hiking destination. Top of the Lost Mine Trail Top of the Lost Mine Trail Hiking the Lost Mine Trail affords many amazing views. Chisos Mountains Chisos Mountains The Chisos Mountains rise above the desert NPS Geodiversity Atlas—Big Bend National Park, Texas Each park-specific page in the NPS Geodiversity Atlas provides basic information on the significant geologic features and processes occurring in the park. canyon, river, and cliffs 2012 NPS Environmental Achievement Awards Recipients of the 2012 NPS Environmental Achievement Awards 2008 NPS Environmental Achievement Awards Recipients of the 2008 NPS Environmental Achievement Awards 2014 Recipients: George and Helen Hartzog Awards for Outstanding Volunteer Service Discover the inspirational stories and amazing dedication of volunteers honored with the 2014 Hartzog Award. Volunteer Thelma Johnson standing with her cooking equipment Big Bend National Park Reptile and Amphibian Inventory The reptiles and amphibians of many of the most diverse areas of the park were already well known, so this inventory focused primarily on three mountain ranges that were not previously surveyed: the Sierra Quemada south of the Chisos Mountains, the Sierra del Caballo Muerto on the eastern edge of the park, and the Mesa de Anguila in the southwestern corner of the park. Camouflaged trans-pecos ratsnake A Century of Candelilla: Wax-Processing Camps in Big Bend National Park Candelilla (or "wax weed") harvesting has occurred in Big Bend for over a century. Archeologists investigated wax-making camps and factories where laborers, many of whom were Latino, lived and worked each day. Burros transporting candelilla bundles. It’s Alive! Biological Soil Crusts of the Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts It might come as a surprise to learn that in the sublime expanses of the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts, some of the most interesting life around can be found in the dirt right in front of your feet! Biological soil crusts form a living groundcover that is the foundation of desert plant life. Soil crust at White Sands National Monument National Park Service Aviation Personnel Attend DOI National Pilot Ground School During the week of December 10, 2017, twenty-eight National Park Service (NPS) airplane and helicopter pilots, pilot trainees, national and regional aviation staff attended the 2017 DOI National Pilot Ground School (NPGS). The weeklong training brought together over 100 DOI pilots from the NPS, US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and DOI’s Office of Aviation Services (OAS). A group of 17 men stand in front of a room. Climate Change and the Chihuahuan Desert The Chihuahuan Desert Network is currently developing protocols to monitor several vital signs that may reflect current and future impacts of climate change. This brief offers a summary of how Chihuahuan Desert Network monitoring will detect future change. Smith Springs is one of many springs that serve as a water source for plants & animals in the CHDN. Rio Grande Cane Prescribed Fire Reduces Exotic Fuels in Big Bend National Park The Rio Grande Cane prescribed fire in March 2014 reduced exotic fuels, loss of diversity, and flooding risk along the Rio Grande in Big Bend National Park. An international and interagency crew worked the fire. A firefighter stands near the bank of a river observing a fire. Big Bend National Park Fresno Fire Honored as Southwest Fire Science Incident of the Year The Southwest Fire Science Consortium honored the Fresno Fire at Big Bend National Park as the Incident of the Year 2016 for fire managers’ efforts to safely maximize beneficial fire. aerial view of smoke in the mountains Historic Visibility Studies in National Parks Haze can negatively impact how well people can see and appreciate our national parks across the country. This article summarizes the visibility studies from the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s aimed at identifying the sources of haze causing pollution at specific parks and improving visibility monitoring methods. Big bend national park river Park Air Profiles - Big Bend National Park Air quality profile for Big Bend National Park. Gives park-specific information about air quality and air pollution impacts for Big Bend NP as well as the studies and monitoring conducted for Big Bend NP. Cactus and desert landscape in Big Bend NP Air Quality Monitoring in the Southern Plains and Chihuahuan Desert Networks Both the Clean Air Act and the National Park Service Organic Act protect air resources in national parks. Park resources affected by air quality include scenery and vistas, vegetation, water, and wildlife. Over the past three decades, the National Park Service has developed several internal and cooperative programs for monitoring various measures of air quality. Cactus and clear skies at Tonto National Monument Air Quality in the Chihuahuan Desert Three park units in the Chihuahuan Desert Network, Big Bend National Park (NP), Carlsbad Caverns NP, and Guadalupe Mountains NP are designated as Class I air quality areas under the Clean Air Act. Class I areas receive the highest protection under the act, and degradation of air quality must be minimal. Air quality concerns include atmospheric deposition effects and visibility impairment from fine particle haze. Rugged landscape under a partly cloudy sky at Big Bend National Park Monitoring Upland Vegetation and Soils in the Sonoran Desert and Chihuahuan Desert Networks Vegetation and soils are two of many natural resources monitored by the National Park Service (NPS) Division of Inventory & Monitoring (I&M). Learning about vegetation dynamics helps us to better understand the integrity of ecological processes, productivity trends, and ecosystem interactions that can otherwise be difficult to monitor. In NPS units of the American Southwest, three I&M networks monitor vegetation and soils using the scientific protocol described here. Quadrat used for biological soil crust sampling Chihuahuan Desert Plant Responses to Climate Change Determining the impact of climate on vegetation is especially important in desert regions that are prone to land degradation. Vegetation changes can dramatically change the productive capacity and diversity of a site, alter food and habitat for wildlife, and affect soil erosion, carbon and nutrient cycling. White tufted evening primrose flower Big Bend Bird Studies Big Bend National Park, located within the bend of the Rio Grande in southwestern Texas, encompasses the largest protected area representative of the Chihuahuan Desert. More than 450 species of birds have been recorded at the park, including some unique Mexican species that range into the U.S. only along the border. A vermillion flycatcher, a bright red bird with a black eye mask and wings, perched on a bare branch 2005 NPS Environmental Achievement Awards Recipients of the 2005 NPS Environmental Achievement Awards Exotic Plants Monitoring in the Southern Plains and Chihuahuan Desert National parks, like other publicly managed lands, are deluged by new exotic species arriving through predictable (e.g., road, trail, and riparian corridors), sudden (e.g., long distance dispersal through cargo containers and air freight), and unexpected anthropogenic pathways (e.g., weed seeds mixed in with restoration planting mixes). Landscape with a uniform, green foreground consisting of invasive kochia Of Night Skies & Kerosene Lamps Growing up in a small city in Colorado, seeing the Milky Way galaxy was a nightly experience. As time went on, the city got larger, more lights appeared, the Milky Way was more difficult to see. A sky filled with stars towers over the desert landscape. The Darkness That Refreshes The Big Bend is dark. Probably darker than where you are from. It is so dark, that some people feel uncomfortable, as super dark nights are not what they are accustomed to. A slight crescent moon is lit from the bottom; a planet nearby is similarly lit. Protecting Life, Large & Small Why worry about a tiny fish or one species of grass, which, if it were to disappear would hardly be noticed by most people? Pink-purple cup shaped flowers with black and yellow centers bloom on a low growing cactus. Fossil Discovery Exhibit at Big Bend National Park In January 2017, a new fossil exhibit was dedicated at Big Bend National Park. The exhibit was the 20 year dream of park geologist Don Corrick. Through careful planning and strategic partnering, a design was put forth and funded. Park visitors who tour the new exhibit will be provided a wonderful fossil-focused experience and learn about the important fossil record preserved at Big Bend National Park. painting of four giant pterosaurs Wildland Fire in Ponderosa Pine: Western United States This forest community generally exists in areas with annual rainfall of 25 inches or less. Extensive pure stands of this forest type are found in the southwestern U.S., central Washington and Oregon, southern Idaho and the Black Hills of South Dakota. Recently burned ponderosa pine forest. Big Bend National Park Conducts Prescribed Burn While Taking Coronavirus Precautions Big Bend National Park Conducts Prescribed Burn While Taking Coronavirus Precautions Aerial view of prescribed fire along riverbank The Legacy Of The Civilian Conservation Corps At Big Bend Picture it: A steamy summer morning in Big Bend. The year is 1934. Reveille has just sounded on a bugle, and a company of young men, already sweating from the heat in their tar paper huts, start to rise. They pull on their blue jean dungarees, load themselves into one-and-a-half ton trucks, and make the steep drive out of the Chisos Basin, stopping twice to pour water on the vehicles' struggling radiators. Young men take a break from road work in a 1930s photo. Hot Water, Health, & History For J.O. Langford and his family, the hot springs along the Rio Grande represented health, business and home. And for several decades in the early 20th century, they were also the center of a desert community. The stone foundation of a hot springs bath house remains abuts a river. Of Darkness & Solitude Parks like Big Bend preserve not only darkness for the benefit of people, more importantly, they allow flora and fauna to thrive in environments that each and every species evolved to exist in—cycles of light and dark, varying in length only by the seasons, for millions of years. Bright stars and wisps of galactic dust glow in a deep blue night sky. Soldiers Along The Border In the years before it became a national park, Big Bend's remoteness favored banditry along the border-- and an increased U.S. military presence. Remnants of the Big Bend’s military history remain near Glenn Springs and Castolon. More than twenty mounted cavalrymen and their horses pose for a photo in 1916. The Unusual Ocotillo At first glance, ocotillo looks like a large shrub that died-- just a cluster of drab, gray stalks covered in sharp half inch spines, and no obvious signs of life like leaves along the branches. This bare-bones appearance is actually part of ocotillo’s desert survival strategy. Two thorny plant stalks grow side by side, one with small oval leaves and another without. Multi-subject Photo Prompts Inspire learning with photographs from Big Bend National Park. Each photograph has links to related articles and suggested prompts for writing, science, art, math, and history.  This mud was wet, dry, and slightly wet again, leaving cracks and raindrop impressions. Survey of Winter-resident Grassland Birds In winter of 2002 and 2003, an independent researcher began conducting a two-year inventory of winter-resident birds in grasslands in two parks in the National Park Service’s Chihuahuan Desert Network. The objective of this study was to inventory selected grassland habitats in Big Bend and Guadalupe Mountains national parks for the presence, diversity, and abundance of wintering bird species. Rufous-crowned sparrow at Guadalupe Mountains National Park Southwest River Environments In the arid Southwest, water means life, and prehistorically, rivers were the lifelines of the people. The Colorado River flowing through a canyon Southern Basin and Range The Southern Basin and Range is an extension of the Basin and Range Province centered on Nevada and the Great Basin and extending from southern Oregon to western Texas, and into northwest Mexico. Mountains and Desert in Guadalupe Mountains National Park Prescribed Burn Reduces Exotic Fuels The Fire Management Office at Big Bend National Park, in conjunction with the park's Science and Resource Management Division, completed a prescribed burn April 4-9, 2016 Approximately 110 acres were burned to manage invasive river cane along the Rio Grande. Firefighters reach river cane by boat for ignition during a prescribed burn along the Rio Grande Climate Monitoring in the Southern Plains, Sonoran Desert, and Chihuahuan Desert Climate is one of many ecological indicators monitored by the National Park Service (NPS) Division of Inventory & Monitoring (I&M). Climate data help scientists to understand ecosystem processes and help to explain many of the patterns and trends observed in other natural-resource monitoring. In NPS units of the American Southwest, three I&M networks monitor climate using the scientific protocol described here. Kayaking across a fl ooded parking lot, Chickasaw NRA, July 2007. Wildfire Strikes Castolon Historic District in Big Bend National Park On May 22, 2019, a fire in Mexico jumped the Rio Grande. With temperatures around 110°F the fire spread rapidly. Wind gusts showered embers across the Castolon Historic District, igniting the latrine building and barracks (which housed the La Harmonia Store and Visitor Center) and threatening the other buildings. View the story map for a visual summary of the actions taken that day and lessons learned. A firefighter talks on the radio while monitoring a fire. Series: Geologic Time Periods in the Cenozoic Era The Cenozoic Era (66 million years ago [MYA] through today) is the "Age of Mammals." North America’s characteristic landscapes began to develop during the Cenozoic. Birds and mammals rose in prominence after the extinction of giant reptiles. Common Cenozoic fossils include cat-like carnivores and early horses, as well as ice age woolly mammoths. fossils on display at a visitor center Series: Geologic Time Periods in the Mesozoic Era The Mesozoic Era (251.9 to 66 million years ago) was the "Age of Reptiles." During the Mesozoic, Pangaea began separating into the modern continents, and the modern Rocky Mountains rose. Dinosaurs, crocodiles, and pterosaurs ruled the land and air. As climate changed and rapid plate tectonics resulted in shallow ocean basins, sea levels rose world-wide and seas expanded across the center of North America. fossil dinosaur skull in rock face Series: NPS Environmental Achievement Awards Since 2002, the National Park Service (NPS) has awarded Environmental Achievement (EA) Awards to recognize staff and partners in the area of environmental preservation, protection and stewardship. A vehicle charges at an Electric Vehicle charging station at Thomas Edison National Historical Park Series: The Wild Dark Skies Of Big Bend Most people live with such an abundance of light that very few stars can be seen. Big Bend National Park is a refreshing exception. A series of essays examines our relationship to the diminishing realm of dark. Stars shine as the Milky Way backlights the silhouette of a mountain range. Series: Chihuahuan Desert Network Reptile and Amphibian Inventories In 2003 and 2004, the University of Arizona conducted an inventory of reptiles and amphibians (herpetofauna) in six National Park Service Chihuahuan Desert Network parks. Primary objectives of this inventory were to document reptile and amphibian species, map the distribution of all species found, and determine a rough relative abundance for each species. Trans-Pecos ratsnake Series: Defining the Southwest The Southwest has a special place in the American imagination – one filled with canyon lands, cacti, roadrunners, perpetual desert heat, a glaring sun, and the unfolding of history in places like Tombstone and Santa Fe. In the American mind, the Southwest is a place without boundaries – a land with its own style and its own pace – a land that ultimately defies a single definition. Maize agriculture is one component of a general cultural definition of the Southwest. Series: Park Air Profiles Clean air matters for national parks around the country. Photo of clouds above the Grand Canyon, AZ Series: Park Paleontology News - Vol. 09, No. 1, Spring 2017 All across the park system, scientists, rangers, and interpreters are engaged in the important work of studying, protecting, and sharing our rich fossil heritage. <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/fossils/newsletters.htm">Park Paleontology News</a> provides a close up look at the important work of caring for these irreplaceable resources. <ul><li>Contribute to Park Paleontology News by contacting the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/common/utilities/sendmail/sendemail.cfm?o=5D8CD5B898DDBB8387BA1DBBFD02A8AE4FBD489F4FF88B9049&r=/subjects/geoscientistsinparks/photo-galleries.htm">newsletter editor</a></li><li>Learn more about <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/fossils/">Fossils & Paleontology</a> </li><li>Celebrate <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/fossilday/">National Fossil Day</a> with events across the nation</li></ul> NPS Paleontology logo illustration with fossil icons Cretaceous Period—145.0 to 66.0 MYA Many now-arid western parks, including Chaco Culture National Historical Park and Mesa Verde National Park, were inundated by the Cretaceous Interior Seaway that bisected North America. Massive dinosaur and other reptile fossils are found in Cretaceous rocks of Big Bend National Park. dinosaur footprint in stone Quaternary Period—2.58 MYA to Today Massive ice sheets advanced and retreated across North America during much of the Quaternary, carving landscapes in many parks. Bering Land Bridge National Preserve contains geologic evidence of lower sea level during glacial periods, facilitating the prehistoric peopling of the Americas. The youngest rocks in the NPS include the lava of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the travertine at Yellowstone National Park, which can be just a few hours old. fossil bone bed and murals of mammoths Mesozoic Era The Mesozoic Era (251.9 to 66 million years ago) was the "Age of Reptiles." During the Mesozoic, Pangaea began separating into the modern continents, and the modern Rocky Mountains rose. Dinosaurs, crocodiles, and pterosaurs ruled the land and air. As climate changed and rapid plate tectonics resulted in shallow ocean basins, sea levels rose world-wide and seas expanded across the center of North America. fossil dinosaur skull in rock face Paleogene Period—66.0 to 23.0 MYA Colorful Paleogene rocks are exposed in the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park and the badlands of Badlands and Theodore Roosevelt national parks. Extraordinary Paleogene fossils are found in Fossil Butte and John Day Fossil Beds national monuments, among other parks. fossil skull with teeth expsoed Neogene Period—23.0 to 2.58 MYA Some of the finest Neogene fossils on the planet are found in the rocks of Agate Fossil Beds and Hagerman Fossil Beds national monuments. fossils on display in a visitor center Cenozoic Era The Cenozoic Era (66 million years ago [MYA] through today) is the "Age of Mammals." North America’s characteristic landscapes began to develop during the Cenozoic. Birds and mammals rose in prominence after the extinction of giant reptiles. Common Cenozoic fossils include cat-like carnivores and early horses, as well as ice age woolly mammoths. fossils on display in a visitor center Top Ten Tips for Visiting Big Bend Top ten tips for visiting Big Bend. A ranger on a trail points to a sign about bear and mountain lion safety. “Wandering” Through Park Skies: How Peregrine Falcons Connect National Parks Peregrine falcons live across the world and can be found throughout the United States. Learn how four national parks are connecting visitors to these remarkable birds. A brown falcon sits on a green metal spike over water with a boat Volcanic Processes—Lahars Lahars are volcanic mudflows and are among the most destructive of volcanic phenomena. Lahars present significant geohazards since they can travel great distances down river valleys and impact population centers away from the immediate area of a volcano. wide river valley filled with sediment and snowy peaks in the distance Maars and Tuff Rings Maars and tuff rings are low-standing pyroclastic cones with large craters that usually form from highly-explosive eruptions caused by the interaction of magma with ground or surface waters. Ubehebe Crater in Death Valley National Park is a maar. lakeshore and tundra Changing Patterns of Water Availability May Change Vegetation Composition in US National Parks Across the US, changes in water availability are altering which plants grow where. These changes are evident at a broad scale. But not all areas experience the same climate in the same way, even within the boundaries of a single national park. A new dataset gives park managers a valuable tool for understanding why vegetation has changed and how it might change in the future under different climate-change scenarios. Green, orange, and dead grey junipers in red soil, mountains in background Volcanic Domes Lava domes are steep-sided rounded accumulations of highly viscous silicic lava over a vent. Some domes are part of composite volcanoes, but large ones can make up their own volcanoes. Lassen Peak is a dome. photo of a rounded hill of blocky rock Presidios of the Spanish Frontier The presidio ruins were not impressive at first glance. After careful examination, archeologists recognized the outlines of structures and identified how much of the complexes still remained. In most areas, the floors are well-protected under a blanket of fallen and dissolved wall, preserving the objects used by the Spanish and indigenous men, women, and children that inhabited the Big Bend. Blue and white ceramic sherd Women in Landscape-Scale Conservation: Denise Louie Denise Louie started her career in landscape-scale conservation in Big Bend National Park in the 1990s, when she was able to work with biologists across the border, in protected areas in Mexico. closeup of woman wearing a lei over her clothes Older Caldera Complexes The presence of voluminous ash-flow tuffs are one of the main markers for the presence of older caldera complexes. Subsequent erosion and/or volcanic activity can make their caldera walls hard to find. Most of the older caldera complexes in or near national park sites are very large and were of the resurgent type. photo of hillside with layered rock outcrops Calderas Calderas are large collapse features that can be many miles in diameter. They form during especially large eruptions when the magma chamber is partially emptied, and the ground above it collapses into the momentary void. Crater Lake and Aniakchak Crater are calderas. photo of oblique aerial view of a volcanic caldera with snow and ice Series: Volcano Types Volcanoes vary in size from small cinder cones that stand only a few hundred feet tall to the most massive mountains on earth. photo of a volcanic mountain with snow and ice Explosive Calderas Explosive calderas result from violent eruptions of great quantities of silicic magmas. These eruptions produce massive eruption columns that extend into the stratosphere, and voluminous pyroclastic flows. Eruptions that produce explosive calderas generally range from 6 (Colossal) on the Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) to 8 super eruptions (Apocalyptic). digital oblique aerial image of a volcanic caldera Volcanic Necks and Plugs Volcanic necks are the remnants of a volcano’s conduit and plumbing system that remain after most of the rest of the volcano has been eroded away. photo of a riverside rocky spire with mountains in the distance Conditions and Trends of Sky Island Forests in Big Bend National Park A Sky Island is an isolated mountain range that rises above the surrounding lowland “sea.” In Big Bend National Park, the sky island forests, which occur in the Chisos Mountains, are surrounded by a “sea” of desert. Park scientists evaluate the status and trends of the sky island forests in Big Bend. Rainbow over the Chisos Mountain in the background, shrub desert foreground. Pyroclastic Flows and Ignimbrites, and Pyroclastic Surges Pyroclastic flows and surges are among the most awesome and most destructive of all volcanic phenomena. Pyroclastic flow deposits are found in at least 21 units of the National Park System. photo of a cloud of ash and dust moving down a mountain side. Studying the Past and Predicting the Future Using Rat Nests In the western United States, packrat middens are one of the best tools for reconstructing recent environments and climates. These accumulations of plant fragments, small vertebrate remains, rodent droppings, and other fossils can be preserved for more than 50,000 years. Packrat middens have been found in at least 41 National Park Service units. Photo of a wood rat. Series: Park Paleontology News - Vol. 14, No. 2, Fall 2022 All across the park system, scientists, rangers, and interpreters are engaged in the important work of studying, protecting, and sharing our rich fossil heritage. <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/fossils/newsletters.htm">Park Paleontology news</a> provides a close up look at the important work of caring for these irreplaceable resources. <ul><li>Contribute to Park Paleontology News by contacting the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/common/utilities/sendmail/sendemail.cfm?o=5D8CD5B898DDBB8387BA1DBBFD02A8AE4FBD489F4FF88B9049&r=/subjects/geoscientistsinparks/photo-galleries.htm">newsletter editor</a></li><li>Learn more about <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/fossils/">Fossils & Paleontology</a> </li><li>Celebrate <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/fossilday/">National Fossil Day</a> with events across the nation</li></ul> Photo of a person sitting while using a laboratory microscope. Series: Geologic Time—Major Divisions and NPS Fossils The National Park System contains a magnificent record of geologic time because rocks from each period of the geologic time scale are preserved in park landscapes. The geologic time scale is divided into four large periods of time—the Cenozoic Era, Mesozoic Era, Paleozoic Era, and The Precambrian. photo of desert landscape with a petrified wood log on the surface Guide to the Thomas J. Allen Photograph Collection Finding aid for the Thomas J. Allen Photographs in the NPS History Collection. 22 in 2022: An Explore Nature Year in Review As we reflect on 2022, we offer you 22 interesting and exciting science and nature events from parks of the national park system. From a brief, yet dramatic eruption of the world's largest active volcano to celebrating the 60th anniversary of the National Natural Landmarks program, 2022 was filled with amazing moments. the glow of two volcanoes erupting in hawaii volcanoes national park Making an Impact: Long-Term Monitoring of Natural Resources at Intermountain Region National Parks, 2021 Across the Intermountain Region, Inventory & Monitoring Division ecologists are helping to track the effects of climate change, provide baseline information for resource management, evaluate new technologies, and inspire the next generation of park stewards. This article highlights accomplishments achieved during fiscal year 2021. A man looks through binoculars at sunrise. A Changing Bimodal Climate Zone Means Changing Vegetation in Western National Parks When the climate changes enough, the vegetation communities growing in any given place will also change. Under an expanded bimodal climate zone, some plant communities in western national parks are more likely to change than others. National Park Service ecologists and partners investigated the future conditions that may force some of this change. Having this information can help park managers decide whether to resist, direct, or accept the change. Dark storm clouds and rainbow over mountains and saguaros. Remote Audio-Recording Devices Hear Birds When We Can't New technology makes it possible to record hundreds of thousands of songs in a short time. That could make protecting wild birds and other at-risk animals easier. A fluffy tan and white feathered bird with bright yellow eyes looks at the viewer. Project Profile: Mariscal Mine Potential Responsible Party Search, Big Bend National Park The National Park Service will search for evidence to determine liability for contamination at Mariscal Mine in Big Bend National Park. Experts will match wastes found at the site with parties that may have contributed to the degradation and/or identify persons responsible for the release of hazardous substances at the site. morning light hits the historical structure of mariscal mine Series: Park Paleontology News - Vol. 16, No. 1, Spring 2024 All across the park system, scientists, rangers, and interpreters are engaged in the important work of studying, protecting, and sharing our rich fossil heritage. <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/fossils/newsletters.htm">Park Paleontology news</a> provides a close up look at the important work of caring for these irreplaceable resources. <ul><li>Contribute to Park Paleontology News by contacting the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/common/utilities/sendmail/sendemail.cfm?o=5D8CD5B898DDBB8387BA1DBBFD02A8AE4FBD489F4FF88B9049&r=/subjects/geoscientistsinparks/photo-galleries.htm">newsletter editor</a></li><li>Learn more about <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/fossils/">Fossils & Paleontology</a> </li><li>Celebrate <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/fossilday/">National Fossil Day</a> with events across the nation</li></ul> Photo of a mountain hillside with flowers. Monster Hunters in Big Bend – a Ghost from the Past Big Bend National Park has a rich history of paleontological field work and fossil collecting. Some of the early fossil collecting at the park was undertaken by the renowned vertebrate paleontologist Barnum Brown from the American Museum of Natural History. A recent discovery at Big Bend National Park provides direct evidence of Brown’s field work. Historic photo of 4 people at a fossil quarry. Updated Species Database Will Help Boost Amphibian Conservation Across the National Park Service To steward amphibians effectively, managers need basic information about which species live in parks. But species lists need constant maintenance to remain accurate. Due to recent efforts, the National Park Service now has an up-to-date amphibian species checklist for almost 300 parks. This information can serve as the basis for innumerable conservation efforts across the nation. A toad sits on red sand, looking into the camera. Lava Flow Forms Young lava flows also have structures and textures that reveal information about their eruptions. Basaltic lava flows come in two major forms: Pāhoehoe and ‘A‘ā. photo of ropey and blocky lava Dragonfly mercury studies uncover unexpected atmospheric delivery pathways Read the abstract and get the link to a published paper on how dragonfly mercury studies uncover unexpected atmospheric delivery pathways: Janssen, S.E., C.J. Kotalik, J.J. Willacker, M.T. Tate, C. Flanagan Pritz, S.J. Nelson, D.P. Krabbenhoft, D. Walters, and C. Eagles-Smith. 2024. Geographic Drivers of Mercury Entry into Aquatic Foods Webs Revealed by Mercury Stable Isotopes in Dragonfly Larvae. Environmental Science & Technology. DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c02436 close up of dragonfly larvae on white spoon Dinosaurs of the National Park Service Dinosaur fossils have been discovered at or are associated with at least 27 NPS units. Geographically, their finds are concentrated in the parks of the Colorado Plateau, but they have been found from central Alaska to Big Bend National Park in Texas to Springfield Armory National Historic Site in Massachusetts. The most famous site is the Dinosaur Quarry of Dinosaur National Monument, but a rush of new finds since the 1970s has greatly expanded our knowledge. allosaurus fossil Ancient Environments and Fossil Plants of Big Bend National Park Big Bend National Park preserves an important fossil record spanning the Cretaceous / Paleogene boundary. Both marine and terrestrial strata preserve a diversity of vertebrates, invertebrates, plants and trace fossils. A recent inventory of NPS fossil plants from across the national parks includes the important fossil record of flora from Big Bend National Park. Magnified image of the structure of fossilized plant material Public Works Programs and Paleontology in the Early Years of the NPS During the 1930s, public works programs helped uncover paleontological resources at numerous parks. Projects at Big Bend National Park, Dinosaur National Monument, the former Fossil Cycad National Monument, and Grand Canyon National Park are highlighted here from the many stories. Historic black and white photo of an artist sculpting a model of an animal. Series: Park Paleontology News - Vol. 16, No. 2, Fall 2024 All across the park system, scientists, rangers, and interpreters are engaged in the important work of studying, protecting, and sharing our rich fossil heritage. <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/fossils/newsletters.htm">Park Paleontology news</a> provides a close up look at the important work of caring for these irreplaceable resources. <ul><li>Contribute to Park Paleontology News by contacting the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/common/utilities/sendmail/sendemail.cfm?o=5D8CD5B898DDBB8387BA1DBBFD02A8AE4FBD489F4FF88B9049&r=/subjects/geoscientistsinparks/photo-galleries.htm">newsletter editor</a></li><li>Learn more about <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/fossils/">Fossils & Paleontology</a> </li><li>Celebrate <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/fossilday/">National Fossil Day</a> with events across the nation</li></ul> Photo headshot of a female park ranger in uniform. Climate and Water Monitoring at Big Bend National Park: Water Year 2022 Climate and water shape ecosystems in arid and semi-arid ecosystems. At Big Bend National Park, Chihuahuan Desert Network scientists monitor climate, groundwater, and 18 springs to help managers protect park resources. Understanding how climate and water may be changing over time can also help explain changes in other resources on the park. This report summarizes the results of our monitoring in Water Year 2022 (October 2021 through September 2022). A shallow river flowing through sandy desert flats and hills in front of magestic mountains.

National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Big Bend National Park Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River Texas The Paisano Big Bend National Park Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River Visitor Guide Volume 41 Number 1 2024 With over 150 miles of trails, Big Bend is a hiker’s delight! Big Bend in Your Pocket More Inside... Deputy Superintendent’s Welcome ¡Bienvenidos a su parque nacional! Welcome to Big Bend! Whether this is your first trip, or your 20th, our team put this guide together to make your trip as safe and enjoyable as possible. Safety ���������������������������������������������������� 2 Visiting Mexico��������������������������������������� 3 Things to Do��������������������������������������� 3–4 Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River��������������� 5 Day Hikes ����������������������������������������������� 7 Big Bend News���������������������������������������� 8 Nonprofit Park Partners �������������������������� 9 Camping and River Use������������������������� 10 Wildlife������������������������������������������������� 11 Information and Services����������������������� 12 This is a big year for the park. We’ll begin planning construction of a new lodge and replacement of many of the aging waterlines in the Chisos Basin. The amount of precious water we will conserve makes these improvements truly critical. These projects will impact visitor services for approximately 2 years (see page 2 for more information). As you travel through the park, you will see recycling bins everywhere you go, with information about the park’s landfill. Before throwing out your garbage, take a few minutes to read about the park’s landfill. It’s filling fast! Recycle and please take your trash outside the park. I know you drove 75 MPH to get here. To protect the park wildlife, the maximum speed limit in the park is 45 MPH. Please slow down, take in the breathtaking vastness of Big Bend, and I hope that you have a wonderful time here! Deputy Superintendent, Rick Gupman What Can I See if I Only Have... One Day: Three Days: A Week: Big Bend is too big to see in a single day, but for a taste of the park and what it has to offer, visit the mountains, desert, and river with the following itinerary: With three days to spend in the park, explore the major roads, do some hiking, and join a park ranger for a guided walk, talk, or evening program to learn more about Big Bend National Park. With a week or more to spend in Big Bend, endless possibilities are open to you. You have plenty of time to explore the roads and­hike or drive some of the “unimproved” dirt roads. For these, you’ll need a high-clearance or four-wheel drive vehicle; don’t forget to check at a visitor center for current road conditions. 1) The Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive offers fantastic views of the Chihuahuan Desert landscape as you wind your way to the Rio Grande at Santa Elena Canyon. Scenic overlooks and exhibits along the way are well worth a stop. Short walks through Sam Nail Ranch, Homer Wilson Ranch, and the Castolon Historic District allow a glimpse into Big Bend’s past. EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA™ Big Bend National Park PO Box 129 Big Bend National Park, TX 79834 At the end of the scenic drive, take the short walk to the river and into Santa Elena Canyon—one of Big Bend’s most scenic spots and an easy 1.4 mile roundtrip hike. 2) Visit the forested Chisos Mountains and walk the 0.3-mile Window View Trail to get a feel for the mountain scenery. If time allows, hike the Window Trail or Lost Mine Trail for a look at Big Bend's mountain landscapes. 3) The Fossil Discovery Exhibit, located 8 miles north of Panther Junction, is another highlight that could easily fit into a oneday visit. Consider spending a day in each of the three major areas of the park: 1) Visit the Chisos Basin and hike the Window Trail (5.6 miles round trip) or the Lost Mine Trail (4.8 miles round trip). Consult page 7 for trail descriptions of these and other popular trails in the park. Try to experience Big Bend's back country as much as possible. 2) Explore the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive and hike into Santa Elena Canyon (see “one-day” suggestions). 3) Drive to Rio Grande Village, stopping at Dugout Wells to walk the half-mile Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail. The Rio Grande Village Visitor Center offers park information and interpretive exhibits. Walk the Rio Grande Village Nature Trail. The bluff overlooking the Rio Grande at the end of the nature trail is a particular­ly beautiful spot at sunset. The Bo­quillas Canyon Trail takes you into this spec­tacular canyon. The River Road, Glenn Springs Road, Old Ore Road, and Old Maverick Road are some of the more popular back­country routes. A visit to the pool of water at Ernst Tinaja near the south end of the Old Ore Road is a Big Bend highlight. If you have a high-clearance vehicle, improved dirt roads such as Dagger Flat and Grapevine Hills will get you “off the beaten path.” Hike the Chimneys, Mule Ears, or Grapevine