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diff --git a/old/62658-0.txt b/old/62658-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 0a77da6..0000000 --- a/old/62658-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,1029 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Big Bend National Park, by W. Ray Scott - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Big Bend National Park - Land of Dramatic Contrasts and Scenic Grandeur - -Author: W. Ray Scott - -Release Date: July 15, 2020 [EBook #62658] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK *** - - - - -Produced by Stephen Hutcheson and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - - - - - Big Bend - National Park - Land of - Dramatic Contrasts - and - Scenic Grandeur - - - Story and Photography - by - W. RAY SCOTT - - Published by - NATIONAL PARK CONCESSIONS, INC. - - Copyrighted 1950 by National Park Concessions, Inc. - - _National Parks_ - - ACADIA MAINE - BIG BEND TEXAS - BRYCE CANYON UTAH - CARLSBAD CAVERNS NEW MEXICO - CRATER LAKE OREGON - EVERGLADES FLORIDA - GLACIER MONTANA - GRAND CANYON ARIZONA - GRAND TETON WYOMING - GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NORTH CAROLINA & TENNESSEE - HAWAII HAWAII - HOT SPRINGS ARKANSAS - ISLE ROYALE MICHIGAN - KINGS CANYON CALIFORNIA - LASSEN VOLCANIC CALIFORNIA - MAMMOTH CAVE KENTUCKY - MESA VERDE COLORADO - MOUNT McKINLEY ALASKA - MOUNT RAINIER WASHINGTON - OLYMPIC WASHINGTON - PLATT OKLAHOMA - ROCKY MOUNTAIN COLORADO - SEQUOIA CALIFORNIA - SHENANDOAH VIRGINIA - VIRGIN ISLANDS VIRGIN ISLANDS - WIND CAVE SOUTH DAKOTA - YELLOWSTONE WYOMING-MONTANA-IDAHO - YOSEMITE CALIFORNIA - ZION UTAH - - [Illustration: Decorated capital] - -Southwestern Texas, along the Big Bend of the Rio Grande, one of the -last scenic frontiers of America is located in a remote and unspoiled -setting. Vast stretches of plains and range land, interspersed with -numerous outcroppings of buttresses and ridges, end abruptly against a -mass of mountains near the Mexican border. Etched and carved by the -master hand of “Erosion” giant arroyos and imposing gorges are spread -through the area in wild abandon. Towering, jagged peaks of the Chisos -Mountains merge with the desert, plains and valleys in Big Bend National -Park to create a kaleidoscopic pattern of dramatic contrasts and -striking grandeur. - -The northern approach to Big Bend is through Marathon. Leaving U. S. -Highway 90 from this point, the Park boundary at Persimmon Gap is about -forty miles over State Road 51. The Big Bend area is about 330 miles -west of San Antonio and 220 miles southeast of El Paso. Alpine, the -western gateway to Big Bend is 118 miles from the Basin of the Chisos -Mountains, in the center of the Park. - -Embraced in the gigantic curve of the Rio Grande, the Park lies just -across the river from Old Mexico, where many geological features have a -profound influence on the scenic aspects of this area. On the east, -majestically rising above the Boquillas Canyon, the Sierra del Carmen -Range provides a picturesque backdrop for the mesquite and cactus -covered plains. Two other canyons complete the international features on -the south and west. At the southernmost boundary of the Park, and almost -inaccessible, is the rugged Mariscal Canyon, where the Rio Grande has -carved its tortuous channel through more than seven miles of limestone -rock. Precipitous walls of this abyss are almost sixteen hundred and -fifty feet in height. The most imposing and the most easily accessible -of the three canyons is the Santa Elena, along the western boundary of -Big Bend. - - [Illustration: SANTA ELENA CANYON—The majestic grandeur of the Big - Bend area is emphasized by the towering walls of the Santa Elena - Canyon. Here, where the Rio Grande emerges from the winding gorge, - Mexico appears at the left, the United States on the right.] - -Here, a deep gash in the mesa de Anguila and Sierra Ponce marks the -course of the river for eighteen miles. Through millions of years, the -silt and gravel laden waters have continued their endless task of -grinding away the limestone bit by bit until now the walls of the canyon -rise perpendicularly more than fifteen hundred feet above the waters of -the river. - - [Illustration: BOQUILLAS, MEXICO AND SIERRA DEL CARMEN RANGE—The - Village of Boquillas is located in a picturesque setting along the - Rio Grande and at the base of the Sierra del Carmen Range.] - - [Illustration: SIERRA DEL CARMEN RANGE—One of the outstanding scenic - features of the eastern section of Big Bend National Park is - Mexico’s picturesque Sierra del Carmen Range, which exceeds 8,000 - feet in elevation.] - - [Illustration: SPIRES AND PINNACLES IN THE GRAPEVINE HILLS—Erosion, - like a master sculptor, has carved many weird and grotesque forms - throughout the Big Bend area.] - -The geological story of Big Bend is vividly revealed in the rock strata, -the spires, buttresses, erosive remnants, arroyos and canyons. The -entire Big Bend area was submerged by an ocean millions of years ago. -Sediments of sand, mud and lime deposited on the floor of the sea later -hardened into rock. Common to all oceans, various types of aquatic life -abounded in these waters, many of which were fossilized in the forming -of the rock. Igneous action within the earth’s interior caused an -uplifting of the surface and receding of the ocean waters. It was during -this period that giant trees grew and later became petrified. (Evidence -may be noted on the Tornillo Flats.) Swamp and shoreline vegetation -provided food for the dinosaurs during this period. As the igneous -action increased, molten rock was deposited in some sections and -mountains were formed along the lines of greatest pressure. This newly -formed rock was soft and highly susceptible to the processes of erosion, -which gradually broke down the softer portions of the mountains, making -deposits in the valleys and lowlands. - - [Illustration: ROCK FORMATIONS IN THE GRAPEVINE HILLS—Fantastic - shapes have been created by erosive action in the Big Bend National - Park. Here, the massive boulders form a frame for the mountains in - the distance.] - -Evidence of the tremendous force of erosion is very pronounced -throughout the Big Bend National Park. Here nature has carved a cross -section out of the earth leaving the rocks of various geological eras -etched in bold relief. The Big Bend country reveals to the novice a -greater understanding of the geological evolution through which the -earth has passed. Scientists, who have searched the arroyos, buttresses -and canyons, have obtained vital information and substantiating facts -which have contributed to the knowledge and advancement of the science -of geology. - -Climatic conditions throughout the Big Bend region are mild and arid. -Here again, in this land of contrasts, it is possible to experience a -variation of temperatures and weather conditions. During the hottest -part of the summer the high altitudes of the Chisos Mountains remain -moderate and cool, while the temperatures are much higher along the -lower plains, the desert and river valleys. The annual rainfall is -light, varying from 8 to 20 inches. Although there is some snow and -freezing weather in the mountains during the winter months, extreme -temperatures normally are of short duration. In other sections of the -Park the temperatures rarely drop below freezing. Throughout the winter -the temperatures are mild along the Rio Grande. - - [Illustration: ARROYO—Arroyos dip below the plains in appalling - vistas of sand and desert wasteland revealing the continuous - processes of erosion. The foothills of the Chisos Mountains are in - the distance.] - -Outstanding in natural phenomena the scenic features of Big Bend -National Park comprise a variety of spectacular attractions. In addition -to the canyons of the Rio Grande, numerous colorful arroyos dip below -the plains in appalling vistas of sand, rock and scrub vegetation of the -desert. Buttresses push their towering masses into the azure sky, -revealing a graphic account of endless battles with the elements. The -uncovered strata opens the book of geologic history. High in the Chisos -Mountains, majestically reigning over the Basin, Casa Grande, an erosive -remnant of rhyolite, rises 7,300 feet above sea level. This massive -monolith is a conspicuous landmark, photogenic in its moods of shifting -lights and shadows. Climaxing the mountain scenery are the outstanding -vistas that unfold from the South Rim of the Chisos Mountains. From this -lofty plateau, more than 7,000 feet above sea level and a mile above the -sprawling valley of the Rio Grande, the extensive awe-inspiring view -reaches far into Old Mexico. To the east, blue and purple in the -distance, ranges of the Sierra del Carmen and Sierra Fronterisa pose in -their grandeur. More than a hundred miles to the south the distant -Sierra Madres form the horizon line in Mexico and the Mesa de Anguila -forms a sharp outline to the west. Dropping sheer from the South Rim, -precipitous cliffs slope into the Lower Chisos, more than 1,000 feet -below the rim. - - [Illustration: TULE MOUNTAIN—Erosion has carved innumerable spires - and buttresses out of Big Bend’s igneous rock.] - - [Illustration: WEST FACE OF THE SOUTH RIM—Dynamic and spectacular, - the view from the South Rim of the Chisos Mountains reaches across - the Rio Grande and far into Old Mexico.] - - [Illustration: THE SOUTH RIM OF THE CHISOS MOUNTAINS—Looking west - along the face of the South Rim where perpendicular cliffs drop more - than 1,000 feet to the lower Chisos. The Rio Grande valley is in the - middle distance.] - - [Illustration: SOUTH RIM VISTA—One of the most spectacular views in - Big Bend National Park is the amazing expanse that unfolds from the - South Rim of the Chisos Mountains. In the middle distance is the Rio - Grande—and Mexico beyond.] - -Among the lesser peaks of the Chisos Mountains, many of the names are -closely related to resemblance or legendary origin. Crown Mountain, -Pummel Peak and Mule Ear Peaks are formed in the image of their -namesakes. Legends of a lost silver mine center around Lost Mine Peak, -supposed to be the scene of mining operations by the early Spanish -explorers. Historical episodes of the Spanish Conquistadors, legendary -stories of the Apache Indians and the drama of bandits, rustlers and -Texas rangers of the Wild West, have all made a definite contribution -toward the fascination of the Big Bend country. - - [Illustration: PUMMEL PEAK—From the plains, Pummel Peak in the - Chisos Mountains, rises to form the replica of a massive saddle.] - - [Illustration: ANTELOPE—The natural habitat of the antelope is along - the grassy slopes of Big Bend’s foothills, while mule deer roam the - plains and the flag tail deer live in the higher elevations of the - mountains.] - -The Chisos Mountains have been classed as a biological island due to -their isolation from other mountain groups or ranges. While the Chisos -are erroneously considered as the southern extremity of the Rocky -Mountains they are widely separated by a vast expanse of desert and -plains. This factor has influenced the types of wildlife that are -prevalent in this area and many species are more closely related to the -Sierra Madres in Mexico than to the environs of the Rockies. The -flagtail deer, mountain lion and black bear are found at the higher -elevations in the Chisos Mountains, while mule deer, antelope and -javalina frequent the foothills and plains. Due to excessive hunting -before Big Bend was established as a National Park, antelope and big -horn sheep had completely disappeared from the area. Antelope have been -restocked in recent years and are gradually on the increase. Along the -Rio Grande beaver and badger comprise the principal types of wildlife. -Many rare species of birds found in Big Bend include the Colima warbler, -aplomade falcon, Inca dove, white-necked raven and golden eagle. More -common types are the orioles, tanagers, cardinals, hummingbirds, -thrashers and wrens. - - [Illustration: THE GOLDEN EAGLE—Rocky spires and crags in the high - elevations of the Chisos Mountains provide an ideal setting for the - Golden Eagle.] - -Vegetation in Big Bend National Park has been influenced by climatic -conditions as well as the various elevations above sea level. These -factors, contributing to species and types of plant communities, have -provided for four separate groups—desert, foothills, mountains and river -valley types. Many of the desert plants are typical of the vegetation of -the desert and plains throughout the southwest. Some of the more common -varieties include mesquite, petaya (or strawberry cactus), sotol, yucca, -lechiguilla, prickly pear and cholla cactus. In the foothills and along -the mountain slopes, pinion and juniper trees as well as maguey and -lesser plants, comprise the principal vegetation. Ponderosa pine and -Douglas fir are the dominant types of forest trees found in the ravines -and canyons of the higher mountains. Near the South Rim trees are sparse -and many are dwarfed and twisted as a result of the continuous battle -for survival. The trees and plants along the Rio Grande reflect the -influence of moisture—cottonwoods, willows and cane reeds being common -to this area. - - [Illustration: BIG BEND VEGETATION—Typical vegetation of the Big - Bend area includes ocotillo, yucca, cactus, and mesquite.] - -The early history of the Big Bend country is linked with Indian legends -and stories of the Spanish Conquistadors. In 1530 Cabeza de Vaca -traveled through Big Bend during his expedition and exploration of the -southwest. In his report on the area near the Rio Grande he mentioned -the beans and melons that grew along the river valleys. - - [Illustration: YUCCA OR SPANISH DAGGER—The yucca grows throughout - the lower elevations of Big Bend National Park. During the spring - blossoming season, the yucca exhibits a rare floral display in - Dagger Flats.] - - [Illustration: MAGUEY OR CENTURY PLANT—The golden yellow blossoms of - the Century Plant make their appearance during late spring and early - summer. This is one of the typical plants of the Big Bend area.] - - [Illustration: LOST MINE PEAK—As the road to the Basin winds up - through Green Gulch, colorful peaks rise majestically on all sides. - The summit of Lost Mine Peak, which is 7,000 feet in elevation, is - reached by a trail from the Basin.] - -For many years Indians of the Apache and Comanche tribes lived and -traveled through the Big Bend. They sought the seclusion and protection -of the Chisos Mountains after raids in the United States and Mexico. The -fighting Comanches of the Great Plains traveled through what is now a -part of the National Park, enroute to Mexico where they raided and -pillaged the ranches. The park entrance road now follows closely the -route of the historic “Comanche Trail” through Big Bend. - - [Illustration: EMORY PEAK—With an elevation of 7,835 feet above sea - level, Emory Peak is the highest mountain in Big Bend National Park. - One of the dominating features of the Basin, Emory Peak was named - for Major Emory.] - - [Illustration: THE WINDOW—From the Basin of the Chisos Mountains, - the “Window” provides the only vista of the lower plains. Unique and - colorful rock formations may be observed along the trail to the - “Window.”] - - [Illustration: SANTA ELENA CANYON—The Rio Grande has carved its - channel for eighteen miles through the Mesa de Anguila and Sierra - Ponce. Here at the river’s exit, the walls of the canyon rise 1,500 - feet above the Rio Grande.] - -Legendary stories of the Apache Indians and of lost silver mines are -prevalent in the Big Bend region. A popular legend of Spanish and -Mexican origin is related to Lost Mine Peak. More than one hundred years -ago, when Texas was a part of Mexico, a prison was located at San -Vincente, on the south side of the Rio Grande. On many occasions the -prisoners were assigned to work in a mine located in the Chisos -Mountains. None of the prisoners ever returned to San Vincente as those -persons in command did not intend to divulge the location of the mine. -To this day Mexicans like to relate that on Easter Sunday morning, if a -person will stand in the doorway of the San Vicente Mission and wait for -the sun to rise, the first rays of the sun will strike a cave in the -side of Lost Mine Peak, indicating the location of the mine. Many -investigations and diligent searches for the mine have been -unsuccessful, and Lost Mine Peak retains the secret of this legend in -mute repose. Another phase of the lost mine story is that the miners -were about to be attacked by a hostile band of Indians and blasted the -opening of the mine, which was covered by an avalanche of igneous rock. -The group of miners were pursued and killed by the Indians, carrying -with them the secret of the mine’s location. - -Following the early explorations of Cabeza de Vaca, the history of the -Big Bend region is linked with Spanish Missionaries and the settlers and -ranchers who began to push westward in the 1800’s. The Big Bend area was -surveyed by Major W. H. Emory of the International Boundary Survey -Commission of the United States and Mexico in 1852. Emory Peak, with an -elevation of 7,835 feet, the highest in the Park, was named for Major -Emory. - -A later episode of historical significance is associated with the -expedition of Lt. Echols in 1859-1860. Lt. Echols was sent from Fort -Stockton to locate a site for an Army post in the Big Bend area, near -the Comanche War Trail. During this expedition, in which camels were -used to test their value in the desert southwest, Lt. Echols traveled -along the Comanche Trail through an extensive section of the Park. In -his report, which was published in Messages and Documents, Lt. Echols -described his visit to the Santa Elena Canyon. He selected a site for a -post near Castolon and reported favorably on the use of camels in the -southwest. - -After the Civil War settlers moved farther into the southwest and -ranching became the principal industry throughout western Texas. The -Southern Pacific Railroad, in keeping apace with this western movement, -reached the present site of Alpine in 1882. Alpine was settled in 1883 -and Marathon in 1886. - - [Illustration: GREEN GULCH—Visitors entering the basin, follow the - road up Green Gulch. Rock outcroppings include Casa Grande of upper - left and erosive spires of Pulliam Mountain on the upper right.] - -Following this period, southwestern Texas passed through an era of -cattle rustling, bandits and outlaws, with much of the activity -centering around the Big Bend country. Texas rangers wrote vivid pages -in this phase of Texas history, which was truly the “Wild West.” Graphic -accounts of the daring and bravery which these men portrayed in -establishing law and order has been dramatized in hundreds of stories -and motion pictures. - -The epic events of the “Old West” have contributed extensively to the -popularity of the western cowboy, who might well be placed in the Hall -of Fame with other American immortals. - - [Illustration: THE CHISOS MOUNTAINS—At a distance of ten miles - across the plains, the Chisos Mountains form a bold outline against - the sky. This mountain group reaches an elevation of 7,835 feet - above sea level.] - -The story of Big Bend’s development into a National Park reflects the -interest and enthusiasm of the people of Texas. It was through the -diligent effort and unselfish action of these people that this new Park -has been set aside by the Congress of the United States for the -preservation of its many natural features and the enjoyment of the -people. - -In 1933, through legislative action by the state of Texas, parts of the -Big Bend area became Texas Canyons State Park. Later the same year -another bill was passed which created Big Bend State Park. - -Congressman R. E. Thomason in 1934 introduced a bill to establish a -National Park in the Big Bend country. In 1935 Senator Morris Sheppard -suggested in a letter to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the -establishment of an International Park along the Texas-Mexican border. A -copy of this letter was sent to the Secretary of the Interior for study -and a report which was favorable to the International Park idea. The -establishment of Big Bend National Park was authorized by Act of -Congress June 20, 1935. - - [Illustration: SPIRES OF PULLIAM MOUNTAIN—Spires and rock formations - jut skyward, revealing unique patterns of light and shadows. Pulliam - Mountain is one of the dominant features of the Basin.] - - [Illustration: THE BASIN FROM LOST MINE PEAK—A magnificent panorama - of mountains and plains unfolds from Lost Mine Peak. At the upper - left is Casa Grande and Bailey Mountain is at the upper-right - center.] - -The Fort Worth Star-Telegram announced in July, 1937 a campaign to raise -$1,000,000 by public subscription to purchase lands for the proposed Big -Bend National Park. The next year, in May, 1938, Governor James V. -Allred appointed an executive committee to work out plans for collecting -$1,000,000 with which to acquire the lands for the Park. Later that -year, when the Big Bend Park Association was organized, Amon G. Carter, -of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, was named President of the -organization. - -The Texas Legislature passed a bill in 1941 which provided for -$1,500,000 to purchase lands for the Big Bend National Park. In -February, 1944, the Governor of Texas, Coke R. Stevenson, gave the Deed -of Cession to Amon G. Carter with instructions to give it to the proper -officials in Washington, D. C. In June, 1944, Amon G. Carter delivered -the Deed of Cession to the President of the United States, and the -Secretary of the Interior accepted the deed to Big Bend lands on June -12, 1944, establishing Big Bend as the 27th National Park. - -Today, the Big Bend visitor travels through the Park near the Old -Comanche Trail. South of Persimmon Gap the Park road dips into an -expansive plain, which is traversed by Tornillo Creek and the Tornillo -Flats. Many miles beyond a hazy blue ridge marks the outline of the -Chisos Range. - -From the winding road across the flat, the bold profile of the mountains -becomes more pronounced; then the serpentine roadway climbs into Green -Gulch, where towering, craggy peaks rise to imposing heights. Ascending -to an elevation of 6,000 feet at the pass, the road then slopes down -into the Basin, where the Mountain Cottages, Dining Room, Store and -Service Station provide accommodations for Big Bend visitors. The -facilities, which are located at an elevation of 5,400 feet above sea -level, are open throughout the year. Temperatures in the Basin are -pleasingly comfortable during the spring, summer and fall and cold -weather is rarely experienced during the winter. The Basin, completely -surrounded by the rugged peaks of the Chisos Mountains, is in the center -of the natural phenomena of the Park. - -Innumerable attractions beckon the Big Bend traveler to new adventures. -The wide expanse of the plains, towering spires and monoliths of the -mountains, erosive arroyos, canyons and valleys of the Rio Grande have -classed Big Bend National Park as a land of rugged beauty, amazing -contrasts and unique natural features. The shifting of the light and -shadows paints a constantly changing picture of this scenic grandeur, -which is accessible by automobile, horseback or hiking along the trails. - - [Illustration: THE CHISOS MOUNTAINS—The plains gradually slope up - into hills that end against the Chisos Mountains. Just left of - center is Casa Grande and the profile of Chief Alsate is at the - upper right.] - -Some of the most spectacular features are accessible only by trail -trips, either horseback or on foot. Interesting short trips may be made -to the “Window” or juniper Flat. The trail to the “Window” leads down -into Oak Canyon, where towering cliffs of Vernon Bailey Peak and Ward -Mountains rise like majestic sentinels above the picturesque canyon. -From Juniper Flat, the entire Basin appears like a gigantic -amphitheater, enclosed by mountains of the Chisos range. The Corral is -conveniently located to the guest facilities in the Basin where saddle -horses, under competent guides, are available for either short rides or -for all-day trips to the South Rim of the Chisos Mountains. The South -Rim Trail leads to the higher elevations of the Park. The Rim, itself, -is 7,000 feet above sea level and is the climax of Big Bend’s scenic -panoramas. The trail skirts the South Rim for a mile, then loops back -along the West Rim. From this lofty vantage point the tremendous sweep -of distance is spell-binding in its magnitude. - - [Illustration: GREEN GULCH—Interesting lights and shadows are - created by the rock outcroppings in Green Gulch. The road to the - Basin winds through this gap in the mountains.] - -Scenic trips to many of the outstanding features of the park may be made -by automobile. One of the most popular points of interest is the Santa -Elena Canyon, about 40 miles from the Basin. The road to the canyon -passes through a variety of terrain, skirting the Chisos Mountains on -the north and west. Barren desert wasteland, colorful arroyos and -buttresses dominate the landscape in this area. Gravel covered plains, -once the bed of an ancient sea, are dotted with cactus and other typical -species of southwest vegetation. - - [Illustration: MOUNTAIN COTTAGES IN THE CHISOS BASIN—The Cottages - and other accommodations, located at an elevation of 5,400 feet, are - completely surrounded by towering mountains. Emory Peak, at the - upper right, is the highest in the park.] - - [Illustration: CHISOS MOUNTAINS COTTAGES AND CASA GRANDE—The - Mountain Cottages are located high in the Chisos Basin at an - elevation of 5,400 feet above sea level. Casa Grande, towering more - than 2,000 feet above the cottages is one of the outstanding - mountains of the park.] - -From a distance of ten miles, the Santa Elena Canyon forms a purple “V” -in the Mesa de Anguila and Sierra Ponce. The approach to the canyon -becomes more striking with each receding mile, until the sheer cliffs of -the yawning gorge rise majestically above the waters of the river. Since -it is possible to drive within a few hundred feet of the canyon, this is -an ideal trip for all-age groups. Picnic lunches are enjoyable on the -sand bars along the Rio Grande or under the shade of the cottonwood -trees near the canyon. This spectacular attraction provides an -interesting all day outing and scenic trip from the Basin. - - [Illustration: THE RIO GRANDE—The Big Bend of the Rio Grande - provides the Southern boundary of Big Bend National Park. Within the - park boundary, the river courses through three spectacular canyons: - Santa Elena, Mariscal and Boquillas.] - - [Illustration: OAK CREEK CANYON—The trail to the “Window” descends - into this chasm where the towering mountain masses dwarf the figures - of men.] - - [Illustration: PINNACLES AND CANYONS OF PULLIAM MOUNTAIN—Many unique - and interesting rock formations have been created by the erosive - action on Pulliam Mountain.] - - [Illustration: CORRAL—Located in the center of the Chisos Basin, the - corral depicts a true western atmosphere. Saddle horses are - available for short rides or all day trips into the mountains.] - -Boquillas, located in the eastern section of the park, is also -accessible by automobile. The Rio Grande area retains much of the -frontier atmosphere of Texas and Mexico. Farther east near the Boquillas -Canyon, Mexico’s Sierra del Carmen Range stands bold and magnificent, -one of the most beautiful and inspiring sights of the Park. - - [Illustration: PANORAMA FROM THE SOUTH RIM—Sheer perpendicular - cliffs drop more than 1,000 feet from the Rim, sloping into the - foothills of the Lower Chisos. Beyond the Rio Grande, in the middle - distance, lies the varied terrain of Mexico.] - -Numerous evening activities provide fun and entertainment for the Park -visitor. National Park Service Naturalist and Rangers interpret the -natural features and historical background of Big Bend around a campfire -circle or in the ranger station. - - [Illustration: SANTA ELENA CANYON—Perpendicular walls of the Canyon - rise more than 1500 feet above the Rio Grande. Mexico is on the - left, the United States on the right.] - -Far removed from the conventional world, there is a certain friendliness -of the Big Bend country that depicts an atmosphere of the old frontier. -Devoid of any pretentions, the community high in the Chisos Mountains -greets the traveler with the genuine hospitality of the southwest, where -informality is the keynote to pleasant living. - - [Illustration: From the Lost Mine Peak Trail ridges and valleys - unfold in a striking panorama of mountain scenery.] - - [Illustration: TRAIL RIDERS AT THE SOUTH RIM—Climaxing the scenery - along the South Rim Trail is the spectacular vista from the Rim - itself. In the distance, the Sierra del Carmen range is visible in - Mexico.] - -In Big Bend National Park nature rules supreme. Untamed mountains and -canyons flaunt a challenge to the adventuresome traveler. Undefiled and -unblemished by the annals of time, Big Bend retains its scenic treasures -for those who would prospect on the “Last Frontier.” - - [Illustration: BOQUILLAS RANGER STATION—In the southeastern section - of Big Bend National Park, the Boquillas Ranger Station is located - near the Rio Grande. The Chisos Mountains form the horizon line in - the distance.] - - [Illustration: CASTELLAN PEAK—Colorful strata reveals various phases - of geology in the eroded remnants throughout the Big Bend area.] - - [Illustration: BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK - TEXAS] - - PARK ENTRANCE - SANTIAGO MTS - SIERRA DEL CARMEN - PERSIMMON GAP - _TO MARATHON_ 19 MILES - _TO PARK HEADQUARTERS_ 29 MILES - ROSILLOS MTS - DAGGER FLAT - GRAPEVINE HILLS - PARK ENTRANCE - LANTAS - TERLINGUA - _TO ALPINE_ 81 MILES - MAVERICK - TO CAMPGROUND 13 MILES - _TO BASIN ROAD_ 19 MILES - {BASIN ROAD CUTOFF} - _TO PARK HEADQUARTERS_ 3 MILES - _TO THE BASIN AREA_ 7 MILES - THE BASIN AREA - CHISOS MOUNTAINS - FOOD, LODGING - CAMPGROUND - PARK HEADQUARTERS - _TO BOQUILLAS_ 20 MILES - PANTHER JUNCTION - RIO GRANDE RIVER - MESA DE ANGUILA - SANTA ELENA CANYON - CASTOLON - RIO BRAVO DEL NORTE - TORNILLO CREEK - BOQUILLAS - BOQUILLAS CANYON - MARISCAL MT - MARISCAL CANYON - TALLEY MT - CHILCOTAL MT - SAN VICENTE - {KEY} - Ranger Station - Paved Road - Improved Road - Park Boundary - MEXICO - The International Boundary is at the Rio Grande - - - - - Transcriber’s Notes - - -—Silently corrected a few typos. - -—Retained publication information from the printed edition: this eBook - is public-domain in the country of publication. - -—In the text versions only, text in italics is delimited by - _underscores_. - - - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Big Bend National Park, by W. 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