This book will help turn every trip to Big Bend National Park into a memorable adventure. Veteran naturalist Gary Clark and photographer Kathy Adams Clark help you choose the best hike or drive in Big Bend National Park, based on the season in which you visit; the number of days you have in the park; and your activity, age, and fitness levels. The Clarks provide valuable practical information, along with a descriptive list of items essential for being outdoors in desert and mountain environments and an overview of park rules. They describe more than thirty activities available in the park: two-hour or half- and full-day adventures; adventures for the physically fit or physically challenged; and adventures with children, for nature lovers, or in vehicles. The Clarks also point out scenic highlights and animals and plants that might be seen along the way.

Fully updated and revised, this comprehensive guide features forty-seven trails in Big Bend National Park.

When the cactuses bloom in Big Bend National Park, their vivid pinks and purples, reds and yellows bring an unforgettable beauty to the rugged Chihuahuan Desert landscape. In fact, many people visit the park just see the cactus blossoms and the wildflowers. If you're one of them, this book will increase your enjoyment by helping you identify the wonders at your feet. And if you've never been to Big Bend when the cactuses are blooming, you'll discover here what you've been missing. Douglas B. Evans describes twelve kinds of cactus—living rock, topflower, stout-spined, hedgehog, pineapple, button, barrel, fishhook, nipple, chollas and pricklypears, and Texas nipple—and their individual species known to occur in the park. Color photographs taken by Doris Evans and Ro Wauer accompany the species descriptions. As you hike or drive through the park, you can identify most of the cactuses you see simply by leafing through these splendid pictures and then checking the descriptions, which indicate the cactuses' characteristic features and habitat. To make the book even more useful, Evans also briefly defines the parts of a cactus, explains how scientific names work, and offers a quick introduction to the geography and ecology of Big Bend National Park and the Chihuahuan Desert. With this information, you'll enjoy not only seeing the cactuses of the Big Bend but also being able to tell one from another and knowing just what makes each one special.

Summary, Table of Contents:

Known as a place of stark beauty, dramatic geographic dimension, and challenging desert terrain, Big Bend National Park is located in West Texas on the north bank of the Rio Grande, adjacent to the Mexican states of Coahuila and Chihuahua. Although a place of natural grandeur, the unique location of this 118-mile long, 1.5 million-acre corridor has led to many challenges between the United States and Mexico, two nations who share one ecosystem but inhabit different political worlds. Big Bend National Park explores the cultural and diplomatic history of this transborder region that was designated a national park on the US side and the site of a long-hoped-for “international peace park” on the other. Michael Welsh demonstrates the challenges faced and lessons learned by both the US and Mexico as they struggled against political and environmental vicissitudes in their attempts to realize the creation of a shared frontier. Geopolitical and environmental conflicts such as Cold War fears, immigration, the war on drugs, international water rights, and more stringent American border security measures after 9/11 all hindered relations between the two countries. But more recently, renewed cooperation and ongoing diplomatic relations have led to new developments. Mexican park personnel began assisting American officials with efforts to re-wild the American side of the river with animal species that had been eliminated, and the Obama administration relaxed some post-9/11 restrictions, allowing American visitors to cross over to the Mexican park and its nearby towns. The ambition of developing a park for peace has yet to materialize, even as individuals and their governments continue to work toward an accord. Big Bend National Park provides a greater understanding of this complex borderland and hopes to help fulfill the aspiration of creating a shared ecosystem and the dream of a park for peace.

In 'Big Bend National Park, Texas' by the United States National Park Service Division of Publications, readers are taken on a comprehensive journey through the geological, ecological, and historical aspects of this remarkable national park. The book meticulously details the unique flora and fauna, the diverse terrain, and the ancient indigenous cultures that have called this region home. Written in a concise and informative style, this book serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in the natural wonders of Big Bend National Park in Texas. The detailed descriptions and stunning photographs bring the park to life, making it a must-read for nature enthusiasts and conservationists alike. The inclusion of maps and practical information adds to the book's appeal, making it a useful guide for visitors planning a trip to the park. Authored by the United States National Park Service Division of Publications, this book reflects the organization's dedication to preserving and promoting America's national parks. With a wealth of experience and expertise in park management and conservation, the authors provide readers with well-researched and authoritative information on Big Bend National Park. Their passion for environmental stewardship and their commitment to educating the public shine through in this meticulously crafted book. I highly recommend 'Big Bend National Park, Texas' to anyone interested in exploring the natural beauty and cultural heritage of one of the most stunning national parks in the United States. Whether you are a seasoned hiker, a wildlife enthusiast, or a history buff, this book will enrich your understanding of this unique landscape and inspire you to protect and preserve it for future generations.

Discover the awe-inspiring beauty and joy that each of America’s 63 national parks has to offer with this book full of stories, tips, attractions, and breathtaking photos. National Parks Uncovered is a fully illustrated, comprehensive, and purposeful volume on America’s stunning national parks. It is also an affirmation and a celebration of the lifestyle of those who live and breath for that next outdoor adventure. There is a community dedicated to exploring every last inch of 84 million acres that make up America’s national park system, and this book is for all the hikers, photographers, and dreamers, and all the people they will inspire to get outdoors, connect with nature, and adopt the values of protecting this amazing gift. This beautiful, all-inclusive book gives you the best insight on how to experience all 63 of the major national parks, including: Stories directly from rangers who have worked in the parks, including their personal anecdotes and best tips for the fullest park experience Highlights like popular attractions and little-known favorites for each park Fast facts about all 63 parks, including establishment date, size, and both natural and recreational features For the super geeks, information on the different national parks designations, from national seashores to national memorials Photos of these stunning landscapes, to move and inspire you Told by the people who support, educate, and protect our national treasures, the knowledge shared gets you as close to sitting at the fireside with a park ranger as you can from the comfort of your own home. Get exploring, and find the beauty in nature with National Parks Uncovered!

"Coursing underneath this comically disastrous road trip romp is a painfully real and poignant reflection on how families find the strength to cope with loss. Funny and fast-paced (and occasionally happy), Theo's journey is one many young readers will relate to and enjoy."--John David Anderson, author of Ms. Bixby's Last Day and Posted Gordon Korman meets The Great Outdoors in this funny and moving debut about a boy who goes on a disastrous family vacation (sweltering heat! bear chases!) that ends with a terrible surprise: his dad's new girlfriend.