Big Bend National Park with the Carful of Kids

After visiting Fort Lancaster and Fort Davis on the carful of kids' week long exploration of West Texas we're headed into Big Bend National Park, 111 miles south along Texas Highway 118. After an unexpected snow in the area, we open the drapes in our room at the Indian Lodge in the Davis Mountains State Park to this view--beautiful.

The Indian Lodge at Davis Mountains State Park, built by the CCC in the 1930s.

The carful of kids marvel at the wonder of it before the snow starts to fade into the desert mountains. Next, Black Bear Restaurant located on-site, where they serve up a decent breakfast buffet before we load up.

Rolling down the road, we catch a cloud inversion.

Heading south, the carful of kids drive through Alpine, after this there is NOTHING until you get to Terlingua, so gas up. Luckily we did, because the gas station right before Big Bend National Park entrance is out of gas.

No Gas! If you see gas in West Texas, you buy gas.

The carful of kids continue into Big Bend National Park through the western entrance at Maverick Junction. Big Bend NP is open every day and the 7-day admission is $ 20 for a private vehicle or you can purchase an annual America the Beautiful Pass for $ 80 to gain entry into the majority of the national parks and monuments.

Santa Elena Canyon

At the Castolon Visitor Center, our first stop, we grab the Junior Ranger booklets and find a covered picnic table outside the 80 year-old general store and make some sandwiches. There is very little food to buy in this park so we packed lots of sandwich fixings and packed in our own water. Due to a drought and a water shortage; the park urges visitors to use less than five gallons of water per person/per day.

Looking for the perfect rock to skip on the Rio Grande.

At Santa Elena Canyon, the carful of kids reach the Rio Grande, the river that separates Texas from Mexico. It spans 1,900 miles from its origin in southern Colorado as it carves its way through rock towards the Gulf of Mexico.

In every direction is another beautiful desert landscape.

As the sun races west, the carful of kids stop at all the turn-outs and overlooks--the views are epic. Even during the busy family travel season, the park is quiet in most areas.

The carful of kids stop at all the turnouts, this one we learn about running the Rio Grande.

The lodging options in Big Bend National Park are limited, the rooms at the Chisos Mountains Lodge fill up fast during the family vacation season. There are 184 camping sites in Big Bend NP, not all of them are reservable.

After a little research, I found Far Flung Outdoor Center in Terlingua outside the western entrance of the park, they exceeded my expectations. Far Flung is a river outfitter, running river trips year-round as well as Jeep and ATV tours.

Sunset overlooking the garden at the Far Flung Outdoor Center

When we drive up after a day of exploring in Big Bend, the holiday lights on their twelve units greet us. The casitas are immaculate, well-equipped with a kitchenette, a large bathroom with a shower and  WiFi, a luxury in Big Bend.

All the units face a desert garden, full of birds and a frolicking cottontail rabbit, where you will find a couple of gas grills. In the evening they have a fire pit complete with chairs to relax and roast some marshmallows while you enjoy the incredible night sky.

After grabbing the burgers, the wine and a bag of marshmallows, we head outside to enjoy dinner under the stars. Big Bend is a designated International Dark Skies Park, so outdoor lighting is minimal. Remember your lantern or flashlight to get around safely at night.

A great ending to a great day.

Up Next: The carful of kids return to Big Bend National Park for hiking and exploring.