Big Bend Vistas

The Big Bend is bizarre, mountainous, stark, dramatic, full of exotic shapes and colors, unlike anything else in Texas.

The Big Bend region of Texas—variously referred to as “El Despoblado” (the uninhabited land), “a land of contrasts,” “Texas’ last frontier,” or simply as part of the Trans-Pecos—enjoys a long, colorful, and eventful history, a history that began before written records were maintained. With Big Bend’s Ancient and Modern Past, editors Bruce A. Glasrud and Robert J. Mallouf provide a helpful compilation of articles originally published in the Journal of Big Bend Studies, reviewing the unique past of the Big Bend area from the earliest habitation to 1900. Scholars of the region investigate not only the peoples who have successively inhabited it but also the nature of the environment and the responses to that environment. As the studies in this book demonstrate, the character of the region has, to a great extent, dictated its history. The study of Big Bend history is also the study of borderlands history. Studying and researching across borders or boundaries, whether national, state, or regional, requires a focus on the factors that often both unite and divide the inhabitants. The dual nature of citizenship, of land holding, of legal procedures and remedies, of education, and of history permeate the lives and livelihoods of past and present residents of the Big Bend.

The Rio Grande makes a large bend into Mexico and forms the "boot heel" of Texas that is the Big Bend. Big Bend National Park nestles inside this meander, and its history is as much a part of Mexico as it is of Texas. The remote border location is historically replete with rich cultural diversity, including nomadic bands of Native Americans, Spanish explorers, Mexican and Anglo farmers, ranchers, miners, military men, and entrepreneurs. In the 1930s, a handful of people saw the Big Bend's majestic ruggedness as a place where all Americans could touch the Creator in nature and appreciate the alien qualities that both test and console the human spirit. This remote frontier still draws the souls of those seeking wide-open vistas and crystal-clear night skies.

100 of the most gorgeous hikes in the Lone Star State! The big sky country of Texas calls hikers of all kinds to its trails. With over 80 parks, 56 wildlife management areas, nine natural areas and 28 historic sites and parklands, this vast state offers a plethora of hiking options to choose from. Regions covered include the Panhandle Plains, prairies and lakes, piney woods, Gulf Coast, South Texas Plains, Hill country, and Big Bend country. This two-color guide includes elevation profiles, sidebar tips, topographic maps, and a handy Hikes-at-a-Glance chart to help readers find the hikes they want quickly and easily. Whether you're planning an extended backpacking trip through the northern cross timber or a short day hike just outside of town, this new guidebook presents a wonderful variety of iconic Texas trails.

Winner, 2020 Al Lowman Memorial Prize for Best Book on Texas County or Local History There is a deep and abiding connection between humans and the land in Pinto Canyon—a remote and rugged place near the border with Mexico in the Texas Big Bend. Here the land assumes a certain primacy, defined not by the ephemera of plants and animals but by the very bedrock that rises far above the silvery flow of Pinto Creek— looming masses that break the horizon into a hundred different vistas. Yet, over time, people managed to survive and sometimes even thrive in this harsh environment. In the Shadow of the Chinatis combines the rich narratives of history, natural history, and archeology to tell the story of the landscape as well as the people who once inhabited it. Settling the land was difficult, staying on it even more so, but one family proved especially resilient. Rising above their meager origins, the Prietos eventually amassed a 12,000-acre ranch in the shadow of the Chinati Mountains to become the most successful of Pinto Canyon’s early settlers. But starting with the tense years of the Great Depression, the family faced a series of tragedies: one son was killed by a Texas Ranger, and another by the deranged son of Chico Cano, the Big Bend’s most notorious bandit. Ultimately, growing rifts in the family forced the sale of the ranch, marking the end of an era. Bearing the hallmarks of an epic tragedy, the departure of the Prieto family signaled a transition away from ranching towards a new style of landownership based on a completely different model. Today, Pinto Canyon’s scenic and scientific value increasingly overshadows the marginal economics of its past. In the Shadow of the Chinatis reveals a rich tapestry of interaction between humans and their environment, providing a unique examination of the Big Bend region and the people who call it home.

Unveil the untamed beauty of Big Bend National Park as you embark on a captivating journey through its rugged landscapes and boundless wonders. Discover a realm where towering cliffs meet winding canyons, where the enchanting melodies of nature fill the air, and where star-studded skies ignite a sense of wonder within your soul. Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring grandeur of Santa Elena Canyon, where colossal limestone walls rise majestically above the Rio Grande, creating a breathtaking spectacle that will leave you breathless. Traverse the Chisos Mountains, their peaks reaching for the heavens, and witness panoramic vistas that stretch as far as the eye can see. In Big Bend National Park, every step unveils a new chapter of exploration and discovery. Follow the footsteps of ancient inhabitants as you explore the remnants of ghost towns and delve into the mysteries of paleontological wonders. Embark on thrilling hikes through hidden canyons, where the echoes of the wind whisper tales of resilience and adaptation. Witness the vibrant tapestry of desert blooms, where wildflowers burst forth in a riot of colors, painting the arid landscape with their delicate petals. Surrender to the serenity of hot springs, where time stands still and relaxation becomes a blissful escape from the world. As the sun sets, prepare to be mesmerized by the celestial symphony above. Big Bend National Park boasts some of the darkest skies in the country, revealing a mesmerizing display of stars that ignite the imagination and reconnect you with the infinite wonders of the universe. Uncover the allure of Big Bend National Park, a sanctuary where nature reigns supreme and where unforgettable memories are etched into the fabric of your being. Let its untamed spirit embrace your soul and awaken your sense of wonder.

A photographic and descriptive guide to the diverse plant life of the Big Bend region of Texas, including uncommon or rare species such as orchids.