Big Bend spreads over more than 800,000 acres in southwest Texas and includes mountain, desert and river environments. The park is named after the sharp northeast “bend” of the Rio Grande, which runs through the park. Visitors should carry plenty of water when exploring the park’s remote desert and be aware of the Mexican border across the Rio Grande.
Visitors in 2009 (through August): 239,452
More info:
http://www.nps.gov/bibe
Pictured: Santa Elena Canyon (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)
