The El Paso/Big Bend Tour: This loop provides
an introduction to this region but note that it
covers over 500 miles of desert and mountain terrain. If going in
summer when temperatures often exceed 100 degrees, take special
precations since you may have to drive miles and miles between services.
Beginning in
El Paso, take time to tour the city and its sister
city across the border,
Cuidad Juarez. El Paso's train station is worth
seeing, too, and it represents one of the last Texas cities to have
Amtrak (Sunset Limited) services.
Franklin Mountains State Park is to the north, but to
the east on Hwy. 62/180,
Hueco Tanks State Historical Park (****1/2)
with camping is on the way to
Guadalupe Mountains National Park (*****).
One of the least visited national parks, it is a
hiking kind of place
although RV camping is available on a limited basis. If you want,
you can continue on Hwy. 62/180 to the north and
Carlsbad Caverns National Park (*****).
To head on to
Big Bend National Park, work your way south to
Ft. Davis any way
you want, but Hwy. 118 is the designated scenic route. At
Ft. Davis,
visit
Davis Mountains State Park (*****) and
McDonald Observatory. Continue south
on Hwy. 118 to
Alpine, a nice college town (
Sul Ross University) and
a good place to get provisions before heading to
Big Bend. Big Bend National Park (*****) is a place everyone should see. It has both
primitive and RV camping. Hiking and activities around the
Rio Grande River keep you busy. Watch for the bats at night!
Other Interesting Places:
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