The Chihuahuan Desert Exhibit at the Zoo was inspired by Big Bend National Park.

by Rick LoBello

After spending nearly 25 years working in our national parks before moving to El Paso, there is little doubt that when I proposed to the Zoo’s management team the idea of making a Chihuahuan Desert Exhibit, Big Bend National Park was clearly on my mind. The world’s best example of a protected area of Chihuahuan Desert is just about 4 hours away from El Paso when you travel south of the West Texas communities of Marathon and Alpine. If you have never been to Big Bend and are looking to continue your adventure after visiting the Zoo, you need to add Big Bend National Park to your bucket list.

Years ago, my good friend Frank Deckert who eventually became Superintendent of the park, wrote a book entitled Big Bend: Three Steps to the Sky. The book refers to the park’s distinct ecological zones, which transition from the banks of the Rio Grande (1,850 feet) up through the Chihuahuan Desert and into the Chisos Mountains (7,825 feet at Emory Peak).

I have absolutely no doubt that Big Bend National Park will always be one of my favorite parks. It was here that I was first hired as a park ranger and later became the Executive Director of the Big Bend Natural History Association. I spent the best part of my 17 years living and working at Panther Junction Park Headquarters and the Chisos Basin.

To experience Big Bend, one must plan on the visit as a destination, not as a drive through trip on your way somewhere else. You need at least three full days to see the major sights and you better plan on getting out your car and taking a least a short walk along each of the major trails. Don’t let a 5-mile round trip to the top of Lost Mine Trail discourage you because you are not in the best shape. Simply hike as far as you can and turn around if you must. (Note: Plan your visit now since access to the Lost Mine Trail ends on May 1, 2026.)

The best time to go would be the cooler months of October to February, although if you are in good shape and can take the heat, almost any day of the year is a good time to go.

If you appreciate the wonders of the natural world and the geologic landscape, you’re going to love Big Bend.

Be sure to protect yourself from the sun and always carry water. Here are a few of my travel tips for anyone visiting the park.

Don’t miss hiking inside Santa Elena Canyon at sunrise and dinner at the Starlight Theater in the evening where you can oftentimes see a great sunset. Get there at least 1-2 hours before sunset to walk around the ghost town and there is a great gift shop next to the Starlight.

If you have a high clearance vehicle on the east side of the park go to the Hot Springs for sunset and a nighttime (dark) dip in the springs. Bring a flashlight. The Boquillas Canyon trail on the east side of the park is also great early morning and you can go to Boquillas for lunch. Say hi to the Falcon Family.

Plan your visit and learn more about the park on the Big Bend National Park Official Website

Photos by Rick LoBello

Cover, Mouth of Santa Elena Canyon

Feature -Roadrunner on the Rio Grande Village Nature Trail