We just got done exploring Big Bend National Park. Check out what we thought of this park!
Archive for the ‘teamwest’ Category
Big Bend National Park: Three Parks in One!
2010
08.01
08.01
If you make it to Big Bend…you are already off the beaten track, so no need to seek out any hidden trails. This park borders Mexico and is often considered three parks in one. There are mountains, a desert and the Rio Grande.
The summer at this park is considered the off-season, and boy is that true. We saw 12 vehicles the entire time we were there (not including park rangers).
We recommend driving to the Rio Grande Village first and taking the Hot Springs trail. You can walk along the river and see some hot springs…we didn’t go in them. Then, head to Boquillas Canyon Overlook for a stunning view of the canyon and Mexico!
Stop along the way in the desert and check out the Prickly Pear Cactus. You can eat the red pear that grows on the cactus, but watch out, its prickly. It is a cactus after all.
After that you can hear west toward the Chisos Basin for some spectacular mountain views. Watch out for the Javelinas on the road.
Then if you have time, take the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive to Santa Elena Canyon Overlook.
Tent Talk: Carlsbad Caverns
2010
08.01
08.01
We just got done exploring Carlsbad Caverns. Check out what we thought of this park!
Hidden Treasure: Carlsbad Caverns
2010
08.01
08.01
One trail everyone must check out is the Natural Entrance route into the caves. The route is 1 mile and it descends over 750 feet down into the Big Room. This is the same place where you can see bats flying out of the cave at night. The hike is considered strenuous because of the steep decline. Those with bad knees should probably avoid this route.
If you have time and the weather is good, we recommend seeing the bats flying out of the cave near the Amphitheater. We had the intention of going, but the monsoons had other plans. Also, no photography is allowed…flashes hurt the bats, and without a flash your pictures won’t turn out.
Must See Places: Carlsbad Caverns
2010
08.01
08.01
Ahh, New Mexico.
Carlsbad Caverns is located in the Chihuahuan Desert, and we can tell you that the desert is HOT. However, take a tour down into Carlsbad Caverns and you’re in for a cool treat.
By cool, we mean that the temperature down inside the cave is around 56 degrees. Bring a light jacket if you get cold!
The first day we took an elevator down 750 feet to the bottom of the cave. During our self-guided tour, we walked over a mile inside “The Big Room”, seeing highlights like Lion’s Tail, Hall of Giants, Rock of Ages, and Bottomless Pit. The trail leading into the Big Room was paved but the lighting was a bit dim (hello, it IS a cave!). It was difficult to take photos of the Caverns because of the lighting, and our pictures do NOT do this place justice.
Another must-see during our trip to Carlsbad Caverns was the King’s Palace guided tour. The tour lasts about 1.5-2 hours, and the $8.00 ticket can be purchased in the visitor center. During the tour, you will see places like the Green Lake Room, Papoose Room, Queen’s Chamber and our favorite, King’s Palace.
There are multiple tours you can take while in the caverns, including ones where you “belly climb” over 30 feet. However, bring proper gear like knee pads, helmet, and headlamps.
Look Who We Found: Bonnie and Warren
2010
08.01
08.01
Bonnie and Warren Sides are from Alabama and stopped by Carlsbad Caverns on their way to a wedding in California.
Check it out what they thought about Carlsbad Caverns:
Tent Talk: Petrified Forest
2010
07.29
07.29
We just got done exploring Petrified Forest National Park. Check out what we thought of this park!
Petrified Forest National Park: Not your ordinary forest
2010
07.29
07.29
When we first heard of the Petrified Forest we were thinking of something like the giant Redwoods in California, only petrified, we were far from right!
This park packs in a lot of history, but is small and can probably be explored thoroughly in one day.
The petroglyphs and ruins at Puerco Pueblo are cool to check out. Puerco Pueblo was a small village that was built in 1250 and may have housed around 1,200 people!
The Painted Desert provides a great backdrop for family photos and you will find the best views at Pintado Point.
Crystal Forest and Giant Logs are nice short paved trails for seeing the petrified wood. Also, drive through the 28 mile scenic park road for great views!
Tent Talk: Grand Canyon
2010
07.28
07.28
We just got done checking out Grand Canyon National Park. It was a blast! Check out our thoughts:
Hidden Treasure: Grand Canyon
2010
07.26
07.26
If you’re looking for one of the hidden treasures of the Grand Canyon, look no further than a visit to the North Rim of the park.
The North Rim is not as popular when compared to the South Rim. Out of sheer curiosity, we wanted to find out what the North Rim was all about. After we visited Point Imperial, the highest point at the North Rim (8,803 feet), you’d wonder why people don’t visit this part of the park more often! Point Imperial overlooks the Painted Desert as well as the eastern end of Grand Canyon.
The Grand Canyon Lodge is also found on the North Rim. Yet, from the lodge you can walk the half-mile paved trail out to Bright Angel Point, which is found at the southern end of the entrance. You’ll be able to take in some of the most breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon.
