Big Bend RanchNewspaper 2019 |
Park Newspaper 'El Solitario' of Big Bend Ranch State Park (SP) in Texas. Published by Texas Parks & Wildlife.
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TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE
Big Bend
Ranch SP
Map
Be
Our
Friend
What’s
Up?
Stars!
Pages 6 — 7
Page 10
Page 11
Black
Bears
Return
el SOLitarIo
TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
|
Page 12
BIG BEND RANCH STATE PARK
To the
Fort!
TPWD
By Cassie Cox
Regional Interpretive Specialist
Fort Davis, TX
Still today, people come and go
clean and maintain the fort and
from all over the world to Fort
learn skills that will help them
Leaton, now a State Historic
along their future career paths.
Site and gateway to Big Bend
They work on weekends and
Ranch State Park, looking to
when out of school for breaks.
learn about the fascinating
As the only program of its type
history of the area and recre-
in Texas State Parks, we are so
ational opportunities in the Big
proud to have the students of
Bend. Should you visit the fort,
Presidio represent their school
some staff you might encounter
and community to visitors from
include Presidio High School
all over the world. Stop by
Student Docents.
and ask if a student docent is
These ambitious teenagers apply
available to lead you on a tour.
for paid positions that allow
If not, there are self-guided tour
them to learn about the history
brochures along with exhibits
of the fort, lead visitors on tours,
and knowledgeable staff.
Table of
contents
When available, student docents
lead public tours at Fort Leaton
State Historic Site.
Cassie Cox
Since its 1848 founding, people have come and gone from Fort Leaton. Early on it was home
to Ben Leaton, wife Juana Pedrasa and their children who also ran the fort as a trading post.
Explorers, soldiers, traders, Native Americans, Mexicans and Anglo settlers sought the fort
for business as well as a refuge from Native American raids and other borderland outlaws.
Beastly Bones. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Make the Most of Your Visit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Certified Commercial Guides and Outfitters. . . . 3
BBRSP Camping. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Be Aware. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Fees and Visitor Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Big Bend Ranch Geology: El Solitario. . . . . . . . . . 5
(cont. on page 2)
Big Bend Ranch State Park Map. . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Access and Visitor Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Featured Hikes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Be Our Friend. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Volunteer Activities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
What’s Up? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
The Return of Black Bears to BBRSP. . . . . . . . 12
El Solitario is published by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for the orientation and education of visitors to Big Bend Ranch State Park.
To the Fort!
(cont. from page 1)
We’d like to highlight two special Student Docents for this issue of
El Solitario. Crystal and Omar were both Presidio High School seniors
who graduated in May 2019. We interviewed them about what they
gained from their time at Fort Leaton State Historic Site.
Cassie Cox
Crystal has learned a lot about the
history of the area.
Crystal exclaimed “It’s
the best job I’ve ever had!”
Omar shared that this
position has been a big
boost in his confidence.
Omar says that thanks to
his time at the fort, he’s
less shy when meeting
Omar is more
confident
in public
speaking.
Cassie Cox
When asked about their
favorite part of the job,
they both mentioned
enjoying telling the stories
of the fort to visitors from
all over world, including
some visitors they met
from Belgium and Iceland.
They appreciate the
reactions of visitors as
they share the amazing
history of the fort and
Big Bend region.
new people, more knowledgeable for job interviews, and he
understands what constitutes
good customer service.
As a part of their jobs, they’ve
both learned “pro tips” in
cleaning skills, what invasive
species have done to habitat in
their region and how special it
is to live on the border of the
U.S. and Mexico. “The river
unites us,” Crystal declares.
We discussed what the region
would have looked like if invasive
salt cedar (tamarisk) was not
planted for erosion control due
to the loss of grasslands. The
conversation also led to what
they learned about wildlife in the
area. Both docents have become
very familiar with the Mexican
free-tailed bats that call the fort
home, as a part of their duties
are to clean up after the squeaky
little guests.
Park staff have greatly enjoyed
working with these docents and
wish them well as they move to
El Paso, TX for college.
Beastly Bones
By Amber Harrison, Park Interpreter, Barton Warnock Visitor Center
When you enter the gift shop at the Barton Warnock Visitor
Center, one of the first things you see is a fossil cast of Tylosaurus
napaeolicus. It’s one of five recognized species of Mosasaur – a ferocious predatory
marine reptile that lived in what was once a shallow sea covering West Texas
millions of years ago.
Mosasaurs are most closely related to the modern-day monitor lizard. Like the
monitor lizard, Mosasaurs were both hunters and scavengers. They survived on
a diet of fish, sharks and other deep-sea creatures of the time. While Mosasaurs
preferred deep sea environments, they were well-adapted to scavenging and
hunting in shallow waters. The fossil cast we have dates to the Late Cretaceous
period, roughly 100–66 million years ago.
The original fossil that this
was cast from was discovered
by local paleontologist, Ken
Barnes, in 1990 west of Big
Bend National Park. The
replica was donated to Big
Bend Ranch State Park in
2014. Take a walk through
the Una Tierra (One Land)
exhibit at the Barton Warnock
TPWD
Visitor Center to learn more
2 | el SOLitarIo | Texas parks and wildlife department
about the natural and cultural
history of the area.
Illustration of what a mosasaur
may have looked like.
Certified
Commercial
Guides and
Outfitters
What is there to do
at Big Bend Ranch
State Park? The
sky’s the limit!
Whether you are
seeking high
adventure or some
relaxation and
solitude, the park
has plenty to offer.
Bring your own gear,
or contact one of the
outfitters listed.
Laijtas, Terlingua
Big Bend River Tours
432-371-3033 • 800-545-4240
Desert Sports
432-371-2727 • 888-989-6900
Far Flung Outdoor Center
432-371-2489 • 800-839-7238
TPWD
For print materials,
go to:
www.tpwd.texas.gov/
bigbendranch or
inquire at one of the
park visitor centers.
Lajitas Stables
432-371-2212 • 800-887-4331
Presidio, Redford
Angell Expeditions
432-229-3713
Make the Most of Your Visit
Horseback Riding
Many of the park’s trails and
campsites are suitable for
equestrian use, with corral
facilities and water available.
All pack and saddle stock users
must obtain a backcountry use
permit and bring their own
weed-free feed. All horses are
required to have documentation
of a current Coggins test.
River Access
The Rio Grande provides opportunities for rafting, kayaking,
canoeing and fishing. Several
river access points are found
along FM 170. Colorado Canyon
includes Class II and Class III
rapids—not considered
dangerous under normal flow
conditions.
Various side roads within the park require high-clearance and/or
four-wheel drive vehicles. Park staff can advise you where to travel,
depending on your type of vehicle and interests.
For a pleasant paved driving experience, follow River Road/FM 170
from Barton Warnock Visitor Center to Ft. Leaton State Historic
Site or vice versa. You’ll encounter gorgeous vistas and short
day hikes from this road.
Hiking
There are many, many miles of hiking for all skill levels in this
over 300,000-acre park. Trails can be accessed from Sauceda
Ranger Station in the interior of the park as well as off of FM 170.
Different trails lead to amazing vistas, tinajas (rock basins that
sometimes carry water), ancient rock art, cottonwood groves,
waterfalls, desert springs, historic ranch homes, deep canyons
and more.
With Big Bend Ranch’s abundant wildlife and desert vegetation,
interesting rock formations and geology and long history of use by
humans, we know you will not be disappointed by your adventures
on foot. Consult a Park Ranger for latest trail conditions and
review the safety notes on page 8. For descriptions of some
popular hiking trails, check out the article on page 9.
The park offers over 100 miles
of trails and road for all skill
levels. One popular venue is the
Contrabando Multi-Use System
(series of trails), which can be
accessed from two trailheads in
the Southeastern part of the
park near the Barton Warnock
Visitor Center on FM 170 in
Lajitas, TX. Interpreted sites
along the route include the
remains of a candelilla wax
camp, a cinnabar mine, and an
historic ranch. Ask for the
special map that covers this
trail system. Remember that a
helmet is a must.
The International Mountain
Biking Association (IMBA) has
designated the Fresno-Sauceda
Loop Trail as an “Epic” ride –
one of fewer than 50 in the
United States and Canada.
Mountain Bike Hall of Fame
inductee Hill Abel describes the
trail as “a huge day in the
saddle and super challenging.”
A highlight along the way is the
historic Crawford-Smith Ranch.
Ask a Park Ranger for an
interpretive brochure about this
site for more information.
Amber Harrison
Vehicle Touring
The main entrance road into
the interior of BBRSP takes
you through the west entrance,
“Botella Junction,” and on
to Sauceda Ranger Station.
The road to Sauceda is a wellmaintained dirt and gravel
thoroughfare that requires slow
speeds and is suitable for 2WD
vehicles. It is not recommended
for large RVs or trailers. From
River Road/FM 170 it is about
27 miles to Sauceda Ranger
Station through incredible
scenery that you won’t forget.
Mountain Biking
The Horsetrap Bike-and-Hike
Trail is easily accessible from
Sauceda Ranger Station. The
degree of difficulty ranges from
moderate to downright
challenging. A 200-yard portion
of the trail is particularly sandy.
Enjoy the solitude and the
scenery “off the beaten path.”
big bend ranch state park | el SOLitarIo | 3
Your Home
for the Night:
BBRSP Camping
By Amber Harrison, Park Interpreter, Barton Warnock Visitor Center
Big Bend Ranch State Park offers many options for camping
including backcountry, primitive, and equestrian sites. Primitive
and equestrian sites are accessible with a motorized vehicle.
Backcountry sites are not accessible with a motorized vehicle.
Some roads require four-wheel drive and/or high clearance.
Amber Harrison
Because BBRSP is so large it is not always easy to know
what type of site is best for you. The descriptions below provide a
quick reference to help you choose the right site for your adventure.
West Contrabando Campsite
Backcountry: These sites are
intended for self-supported
hikers, bikepackers and
equestrians. There are no
designated campsites in the
backcountry. Overnight visitors
select their own site along the
way. Sites must be at least
3/4 mile from any trailhead or
active road. All water, food and
supplies must be carried in.
Park orientation, Special Use
Permits and trip itineraries are
required from a park visitor
center. Reservations are not
required for a backcountry site.
Vehicle Accessible Campsites:
These are designated campsites
along FM 170 and in the park
interior. These are referred to
as “primitive” because they have
limited amenities. Most sites
have a fire ring, picnic table
and shade structure. These
include single occupancy and
group campgrounds. Group
campgrounds have multiple
sites in one large area with
a composting toilet, but no
running water. Single occupancy
sites only have one site and do
not have a toilet. All waste must
be packed out if a toilet is not
available. Up to eight people
and two vehicles are allowed at
each site. Additional vehicles
can be added for a small fee.
None of the access to the sites
in the interior are paved and
some require four-wheel drive.
A detailed campsite guide is
available at our ranger stations
or online at http://tpwd.texas.
gov/publications/pwdpubs/
media/pwd_bk_p4501_2059.pdf
Equestrian Campsites (vehicle
accessible): These sites have
corrals, shade structures and
fire rings. You must obtain the
appropriate permit and bring
your own feed. All equestrian
sites are accessible via unpaved
roads in the park interior.
This rugged country is hard on
horses – you and your horse
must be physically fit. Call the
park ahead of time to ask about
the availability of water at
your site.
Rancho Viejo Campsite
Upper Madera Campsite
BE AWARE:
For your safety and welfare
Many wonderful animals
live here and play a vital
role in the balance of
nature. You are a guest
in their home. By learning
about the park’s wildlife
and observing the following
tips, you can show them
the respect they deserve
while keeping yourself and
your family safe.
Rattlesnakes are especially
common at Big Bend Ranch.
Watch where you put your
hands and feet. Never harass
or attempt to handle a
rattlesnake—this is when most
bites occur. Rattlesnakes are
protected in the park; do them
no harm.
Amber Harrison
© Gary Nored
Never feed wildlife or allow
them to get human or pet food.
There are no self-pay options for camping at BBRSP. All sites need
to be paid for at one of the ranger stations. Site reservations can be
made in advance by calling (512) 389-8919 or in person the day of
check-in at any of the ranger stations. While the park rarely fills,
reservations are recommended. Allow additional time for completing
Special Use Permits if needed.
4 | el SOLitarIo | Texas parks and wildlife department
Observe wildlife from a safe
distance; never approach or
try to photograph them at
close range.
Keep children and pets under
your control at all times.
Clean up and store food and
garbage immediately after meals;
never keep food in your tent.
Enjoy the outdoors with
others, not alone.
In the unlikely event that
you encounter a black bear
or mountain lion, do not
run. Instead, face the animal,
make noise and try to look
as large as possible. Pick up
small children. Back away
slowly. If attacked, fight back.
Report sightings to park staff
immediately.
Western
Diamondback
rattlesnake
+
In the unlikely
event that a snake
bite occurs:
• Remove jewelry and loosen
tight-fitting clothing.
• Wash the bite area with
disinfectant.
• Keep the person calm
and quiet.
• Limit movement if at
all possible.
• Watch for symptoms
of shock.
• Seek medical attention
immediately.
Big Bend Ranch State Park
Fees and visitor services
Daily entry fee:
$5 per person per
day for all visitors
13 years and older.
follow us!
Big Bend Ranch
State Park
on Facebook
and Instagram
Standard Vehicle
Campsite:
$12 per site/day
Emergency services
Cell phone service in the park is
unreliable and limited.
In the interior of the park 9-1-1 service may be
several hours away, but if you have cell phone
signal call 9-1-1 to alert the proper authorities.
Be sure to provide details of your location.
If in the interior of the park go to or call
Sauceda Ranger Station for help:
(432) 358-4444
Backcountry
Camping:
$10 per night/site
If camping along FM 170 go to or call
Barton Warnock Visitor Center:
(432) 424-3327
No gas, diesel or groceries available in park.
Dump station located at
Barton Warnock Visitor Center.
No hook-ups in park.
The interior of the park offers
Sauceda Lodge Bunkhouse accommodations. For reservations or more
information call (512) 389-8919
from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday
through Friday except major
holidays.
El Solitario:
What’s in a name?
TPWD
Lodging
Airstrip
Big Bend Ranch paved airstrip 3T9
103-56-11.7030 W
29-28-10.6840 N
Elevation: 4250 feet
Length: 5500 feet
Park Information
and Permits
Park information and permits for
day use and camping (subject to
availability) may be obtained from
the BBR complex park headquarters
during the hours below.
Sauceda Ranger Station
Aerial view of Solitario
looking north-northeast
Barton Warnock Visitor Center
Lajitas (432) 424-3327
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily
Closed Christmas Day
Fort Leaton State Historic Site
Presidio (432) 229-3613
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Closed Christmas Day
TPWD
Park interior (432) 358-4444
8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Closed Christmas Day
Flatirons
El Solitario is obviously quite special to the park as the newsletter you
hold in your hand bares its name. But what does it mean? Spanish for
“hermit” or “loner,” El Solitario is THE signature landscape feature of
Big Bend Ranch State Park. Almost 10 miles across and nearly
symmetrical, this collapsed and eroded volcanic dome straddles the
Brewster and Presidio county line in the eastern portion of the park.
About 36 million years ago,
magma from deep within the
Earth pushed upward and
displaced thousands of feet of
overlying rock creating a blister
or dome-shaped bulge on the
Earth’s surface. Over millions
of years, erosion collapsed the
dome’s older rocks. Subsequent
volcanic activity removed
overlying rock, collapsed some of
the lava chamber and formed a
small caldera.
The Solitario, as we see it
today, emerged about 2 million
years ago when the ancient Rio
Grande began cutting its now
famous canyons. Eons of erosion
exposed some of the Earth’s
most ancient rocks in Solitario’s
core. These rocks are remains of
the Ouachita Mountains, which
predate the Rockies. They now
form the Solitario’s outer rings.
The entire southwest quadrant
of the Solitario has steeply
inclined inverted V–shaped
rocks called “flatirons.”
There are several places in
the park to experience the full
visual impact of the Solitario.
One overlook is a few miles past
Sauceda and is accessible by
2WD vehicles. Fresno Overlook
on FM 170 between Lajitas and
the Teepee Picnic Area offers a
great view in late afternoon. For
a closer look using 4WD, chat
with a Park Ranger about latest
road conditions and obtain a
more detailed map.
big bend ranch state park | el SOLitarIo | 5
Big Bend Ranch State Park
Access and visitor services
welcome,
Keith
Pets
Pets are not allowed on hiking
trails (except Closed Canyon
Trail and Hoodoos Trail on FM
170), in the backcountry, or more
than 1/4 mile from campsites
or roads. Always keep pets on
a leash and pick up after them.
Never leave pets unattended
or allow them to approach wild
animals or livestock.
Enjoy the Park
(and live to tell about it)
The beauty of Big Bend Ranch
lies in its rugged remoteness.
You are responsible for your own
personal safety while at the park.
Stay alert, read posted materials
and consult a ranger for advice.
Stay cool. Desert heat and
dryness can kill, plus sunburns
hurt. Use sunscreen. Wear
long-sleeved shirts, long pants
and a broad-brimmed hat with
sunglasses. Avoid strenuous
outdoor activities during the
hottest part of the day.
Water is life. If you wait until
you’re thirsty, you’ve waited too
long. Each person should drink
1 gallon of water per day. Make
sure to consume salt and electrolytes as well. Drinking water is
available at all Ranger Stations.
Weather the weather. Storms
can pop up quickly despite what
weather predictions are. In a
lightning storm seek shelter
inside a building or vehicle.
Do not stand under trees or in
shallow caves and avoid high
ground.
Stay high and dry. Be mindful
while traveling through slot
canyons and arroyos as flash
flooding does occur. Never cross
rain-swollen creeks and washes.
Temperatures can fluctuate and
change quickly. Be prepared for
all types of weather.
Don’t go it alone. Tell someone
your plans and estimated return
time. Don’t explore alone. Cell
phone service is spotty so don’t
rely on it. Always have plenty of
water and food in case you get
stuck somewhere for a while.
Keith Kinnard is the new
Superintendent for Sauceda
Ranger Station of Big Bend
Ranch State Park. After
growing up in the diverse
landscapes in the desert of
Fort Stockton, Texas, Keith
Road conditions are affected by rain and runoff and will
vary widely. Check with a ranger for conditions on arrival.
Know Your Vehicle
Some roads are suitable only for high-clearance or four-wheel-drive
vehicles. If you have any questions about the roads or the suitability of
your vehicle, consult a park ranger.
obtained his Criminal Justice
degree from Midwestern State
University.
During his 25-year career as a
Travis County Senior Sheriff’s
Deputy, Keith enjoyed working
with the local students through
• Two-wheel-drive (2WD): main road and some spurs that any
highway- worthy vehicle, driven responsibly, can access.
the DARE program, regional
• Two-wheel-drive, high-clearance (2WDHC): roads where extra
clearance is required due to road conditions (rocks, steep dips,
etc.).
well as numerous community
• Four-wheel-drive (4WD): recommended where extra traction is
required on steep, loose or soft ground. Includes all-wheel drive
(AWD).
He joined the Texas Parks and
• Four-wheel-drive, high-clearance (4WDHC): primitive roads
harsher than 4WD, where passage requires vehicles with extra
traction, rigid suspension and high clearance.
Big Bend Ranch State Park,
High clearance is considered a minimum of 8 inches.
environmental task force, as
service events.
Wildlife Department in 2016 as
State Park Police Officer for
and has thoroughly enjoyed
the vast lands, keeping our
visitors safe, as well protecting
the park’s cultural and natural
Rules for the Road Less Traveled
Park roads are dirt and may be narrow. Speed limit is 25 mph on
primary park roads. Drive slowly to keep yourself, your passengers,
your vehicle and the park’s animals safe.
When should 4WD be engaged? Generally speaking, once you leave
the maintained road, shift from 2WD into 4WD and leave it there until
returning to the maintained road. Use 4WD low before you need to
negotiate any really difficult obstacles.
Take care of your tires. On primitive roads, the number one trouble
is tire failure, often sidewall punctures. Drive slowly and watch
for sharp rocks, sticks and cactus. Carry fix-a-flat, a lug wrench,
hydraulic jack and tow strap. A good spare is essential; two spares are
recommended.
Always carry an extra 5 gallons of water.
Beware of brush. The woody bushes of the desert are extremely hard
and can produce nasty scratches in your vehicle’s paint.
NOTE: Permits are required for travel on all BBRSP roads 2WDHC
and beyond.
8 | el SOLitarIo | Texas parks and wildlife department
resources.
Hoodoos Trail
Cinco Tinajas
Fresno Divide
Closed Canyon
featured HIKEs
The Trails of Big Bend Ranch
Big Bend Ranch State Park contains over 300,000 acres
and boasts some of the most rugged and remote public
land in the state. Multi-use trails open to hikers, equestrians
and mountain bikers allow access to many remote areas
within the park. Our mission is to capture the spirit of the
land by offering trails that are scenic and peaceful, yet
offer a natural and wild outdoor experience.
By Amber Harrison
Photos: © Gary Nored
There are two options for accessing many of the trails. One option is for trails off of the
paved highway River Road/FM 170. The other trails are off the unpaved Main Park Road
into the interior of Big Bend Ranch – Sauceda Ranger Station.
Some of the park’s trails are suitable for hiking only, while others are more appropriate for
mountain biking and horseback riding. There are opportunities for everyone! Chat with a
Park Ranger to develop an itinerary and refer to maps for the adventure that best suits
your needs and abilities. The following are descriptions of the most popular trails in the
park. See the quick reference table of trails at Big Bend Ranch State Park.
Trail Name
Trailhead Location
Approximate Round Trip
Distance in Miles
Difficulty*
Recommended Use
Contrabando Multi-use System
FM 170
25+**
easy-difficult
hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding
Rancherias Loop
FM 170
21
difficult
hiking, horseback riding
Closed Canyon
FM 170
1.4
easy
hiking
Hoodoos
FM 170
1.1
easy
hiking
Ojito Adentro
Main Park Road
0.8
easy
hiking
Cinco Tinajas
Main Park Road
1
easy
hiking
Leyva Escondido Spring Loop
Main Park Road
4
moderate-difficult
hiking
Horse Trap
Main Park Road
4.3
easy-difficult
hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding
Sauceda Nature Trail
Main Park Road
0.9
easy-moderate
hiking
Encino Loop
Main Park Road
7.2
easy-moderate
hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding
Fresno Rim Overlook
Main Park Road (to Llano Loop Rd.)
5
easy-moderate
hiking, horseback riding
* Difficulty ratings will vary for each user group. Always consult a Park Ranger or local outfitter about routes, trail and weather conditions and obtain appropriate maps and permits before heading into the park.
** This is a system of trails with many routes both short and long. Consult a Park Ranger to plan your trek.
Trails Accessible via
Paved Highway FM 170
Contrabando Multi-use System:
The East and West Contrabando
Trailheads are the two main access
points to this system. It is made of up
of over 25 miles of interconnected trails
of varying difficulty that expose you to
some spectacular natural and cultural
landscapes in the park. Educational
waysides interpret ruins you’ll see on
the trail.
Rancherias Loop Trail: Rancherias is a
challenging, 21-mile-long loop. It begins
at the East Rancherias Trailhead and
ends at the West Rancherias Trailhead.
It ascends from lower elevations near
the Rio Grande through the rugged
canyons of the Bofecillos Mountains.
Natural springs with fairly reliable
water, riparian habitats and historicalperiod ruins will be encountered along
the way.
Closed Canyon: This is a short hike
into a narrow slot canyon. The high
walls of the canyon guide you along the
way, progressively becoming narrower
as the canyon trends towards the river.
Because the canyon walls are so tall
and narrow, little sunlight reaches the
floor and the temperature in the canyon
is substantially cooler than out in the
exposed desert for most of the day. A
great retreat from the summer heat and
a perfect hike for a family. Be weather
wise! Flash flooding may occur. Leashed
dogs are allowed on this trail.
Hoodoos: This site is named for
its unique geological features called
“hoodoos.” The word hoodoo originated
in Africa and refers to what they
believed were strange animal shapes
in the rocks and embodied evil spirits.
A short trail leads you to a series of
hoodoos, along the bank of the Rio
Grande. Another great hike for a family
with children. Leashed dogs are allowed
on this trail.
Trails Accessible via Unpaved
Interior Main Park Road
Ojito Adentro: This short trail leads
to lush springs and a seasonal waterfall
that features a distinctive community of
riparian plants and animals. The springs
have been an important resource for
people and wildlife throughout history.
Ojito Adentro is one of the top birding
sites in the park.
Cinco Tinajas: Tinaja is a Spanish word
for a rock basin that usually holds water.
At this site you will see five tinajas just
a short hike from the trailhead. These
pools contain water most of the year
which makes them unusual features in
the desert. These tinajas and nearby
springs support many species of plants
and animals and have been an important
resource for people throughout history.
Horse Trap Trail: This trail is a
Leyva Escondido Spring Loop: This
challenging trail takes you beyond Cinco
Tinajas to Leyva Escondido Spring via
Leyva Creek. This trail will take you
past a Native American rock art site
and up to a vista with 360-degree views
of Leyva Canyon.
The trail itself runs through an old
Sauceda Nature Trail: This trail passes
through country that is typical of the
Chihuahuan Desert and Llano area of
the interior park. It traverses a ridge
composed of lava like that found in
the Bofecillos Mountains to the west.
Signs along the way identify some of the
plants common to the region. From the
trail you will enjoy outstanding views
of La Mota Mountain and the historic
Sauceda complex.
combination of decommissioned doubletrack and single-track with gentle
grades and outstanding views of the
rolling hills and low mesas of the central
interior of the park.
It is named for its proximity to Horse
Trap Springs, once used to supply the
Sauceda complex with drinking water.
pasture where horses were kept during
the early years of the ranch.
Encino Loop: This is a combination of
double-track, single-track and graded
dirt road. Short stretches of park roads
connect the Encino and Powerline Trails
to form a loop. The terrain consists of
the low rolling hills and mesas that are
characteristic of the central interior
portion of the park.
Fresno Rim Overlook: This is a
combination of double-track and singletrack trail that leads to a 700-foot cliff
overlooking Fresno Canyon with views
of the flatirons of the Solitario.
big bend ranch state park | el SOLitarIo | 9
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Be Our Friend
By Amber Harrison, Big Bend Ranch State Park and
Mike Slaton, Compadres del Rancho Grande
Love what you see?
Blown away by Big Bend Ranch?
© Gary Nored
We’ve all experienced the same.
In fact, we never lost that
feeling. You can do it too,
through the park’s official
“Friends Group.” Lots of things
out here leave a mark – and
we’re not just talking about the
sun, the prickly vegetation, or
miles of rugged road and trail.
Every turn of the scenic River
Road and jagged fold of the
Solitario flatirons leaves an
imprint on your mind. A quiet
pool of clear water in a shaded
tinaja and the rustling of
cottonwood trees can leave you
breathless. The biggest state
park in Texas will fill your
heart and, if you are like us,
mark you forever.
You may find yourself standing
amidst all this magnificent
beauty wondering, “how can I
hold onto this feeling? How can
I help preserve this special
place?” Let us help you
accomplish that! Since 2009, a
hardy group of volunteers have
worked to make the park even
better. You can see our
handiwork everywhere — from
trail maintenance to hosting
extreme cross-country running
and biking events. We also help
publish the El Solitario
newsletter. Our mission is to
help improve park facilities,
aide in restoration efforts and
inspire stewardship.
We are the Compadres del
Rancho Grande (CDRG),
“Friends of the Big Ranch,” and
we’re easy to spot by the great
big smiles on our faces. As the
official, non-profit group
supporting the Big Bend Ranch
State Park complex, which
includes Barton Warnock
Visitor Center, Fort Leaton
State Historic Site and the
Sauceda Headquarters, we help
the Texas Parks and Wildlife
Department complete projects
and conduct programs by
acquiring donations, supplying
labor and having a presence.
There’s always a way to help.
Join us. Connect with us. Friend
us. Donate your time or money.
Be a part of it all.
Here is just a sample of what the compadres have been up to lately…
APRIL 2018
International Dark Sky Association Dark Sky Week
Compadres purchased food for the event and assisted in promoting
Big Bend’s dark skies while staff from BBRSP and partners from
the Big Bend Conservation Alliance and the McDonald Observatory
did programs and dark sky-friendly lighting demos.
SUMMER 2018
Summer Arts in the Parks program
FALL–SPRING 2018
New Bird Blind
Compadres complete their Big Bend Ranch
SP bird blind.
Amber Harrison
Three years in a row, Compadres purchased supplies for a 6-week
community art program in collaboration with local artist, Crystal
Allbright. The program is a mix of science, nature and art inspired
by the natural and cultural resources of BBRSP.
Compadres funded and constructed a bird blind and wildlife
viewing area at Papalote Escondio near the Sauceda Ranger
Sta