re: Big Bend National Park

that was terrible when that happened.

In Big Bend there is a natural hot spring that is located right next to the Rio. You can sit in there after a long evening a relax, and then jump in the river to cool off.

The javelinas were fun to run into. Border Patrol had closed down that unofficial border crossing when I was there in early 2003, whereas my friends that had been there the previous year were able to pay the man for the boat ride to Mexico.

If you go into the backcountry and head near the Rio, don't be surprised if you are stalked by some Mexicans trying to sell you walking sticks and other trinkets. They will see you before you see them. They display their goods on the US side and barter with you from the Mexico side, and then swim across to complete the deal.

National Parks are so friggin' awesome. Thank you, Teddy Roosevelt.

Teddy Roosevelt was a progressive POS.

I suggest getting the book "Death in Big Bend." We read it while we were there and it was a pretty interesting. As the title suggests it tells of all the people that have died in the park and the story surrounding the death. Interesting since you'll be visiting the sites you'll be reading about.

It's a great park and views on the rims are awesome.

My buddies and I once got lost while hiking the South Rim so it's not hard to believe that people could die out there once they venture off the beaten path.

Have been to Big Bend at least 10 time. The basin is grey but fills up quickly in the summer months. Also, unlike the Rio Grande Village campground that is also in the park, the basin doesn't have showers. RGV, though a little hotter as it is not up in the mountains, provides a lot more room between you and the campground next to you.

Hot springs are great as is Boquillas(sp?) Canyon which are both close to RGV campground. Hot Springs are literally right on the Rio Grande and are a great place to take off your hiking boots and soak after a long days hike. I've even packed a bathing suit.
As another poster said, the Window hike is amazing, but Lost Mine Trail is also fantastic. Neither are particularly difficult but do require a good bit of up and downhill walking. My all time favorites are Tuff Canyons and Enst Tinaja. Both provide amazing examples of different geological formations. Big Bend had lots of volcanic activity several thousand years ago. Tuff canyon is formed from dozens of feet of hardened volcanic ash being carved out by water. a great half day hike. Ernst Tinaja is kind of a hidden gem in the park. Not many people traveling down Old Ore Road to get there. Also, the road getting to the Tinaja can often be a bit treacherous.

Going in the summer is great but it will be very hot during the day and cool at night. I've been an equal amount of times in winter and summer. Any time of year is a good time of year to go.