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Tree trunks on the side of Lost Peak in the Guadalupe Mountains.To reach this hike you have to first goto New Mexico and then drive back into Texas at Dog Canyon on the north side of Guadalupe Mountains National Park. The trail works it's way up the side of Lost Peak as it ascends into the high country of the Guadalupes. These tree are high on the flank of the mountain.
The "V" notch
Santa Elena Canyon at sunset. It was the end of a very heavy overcast day. The sky was so heavy there was no chance of a sunset (or so I thought). As such, I was out looking for locations to photograph the next morning when I noticed that the western sky was starting to glow. I was not at a very good location for the sunset and I knew it would likely be over before I could get to one so I watched the light in the "V" of the canyon.
A panorama of Santiago Peak and the Dead Horse Mountains. The Dead Horse Mountains run from the eastern side of Big Bend National Park north west toward Alpine.This view is from US385 somewhere south of Marathon looking toward the park.
A Longspar Columbine with bee at a hidden oasis in Big Bend National Park.In the desert a place with water is bound to be special. There are several springs, seeps, etc that have neat things to be found there. Usually shade, flowers, birds, wildlife, etc.After a hike across an open sunny hillside, one finds this small shady oasis with water flowing for at least a few dozen feet. Nestled among the rocks here one finds bright yellow Longspar Columbine.I just happen to find one with a bee in it.
Rippled water in Santa Elena Canyon-Big Bend National Park.On a hike into Santa Elena I noticed the ripples on the water and the shadow of the canyon wall. It had a certain simplicity to it so I made this image with a bit of rock in it for good measure.
The Castolon complex on the western side of Big Bend National Park.Castolon was both a farming and military center in the desert. Flood plain farming was done along the Rio Grande. This place also became an Army outpost during the Mexican Revolution. Most of the buildings in the complex date from the post.Today it is fairly well preserved and serves the only cold beverage for 40 miles.
A large clump of Prickly Pear cactus with Mule Ears Peak in the distance.The western side of Big Bend National Park is a great place to explore the mountains, canyons, and desert lowlands. One such area of neat vistas and hidden places is Mule Ears Peak. A maze of trails leads into the desert and countless finds. This clump of pear cactus was one I spotted on the way to Mule Ears Spring (a great destination). It stood a good 5' tall and had dozens of pads.
Goat Mountain in Big Bend National Park.Goat Mountain is a peak of volcanic origin on the western side of the BBNP. It is visible from the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive between Sotol Vista and the Mule Ears Overlook. The road passes right beneath the big "V" notch on the western face. A field of tuff and boulders lies at its feet. It is a great location to see the forces of geology in action.
Tree trunks on the side of Lost Peak in the Guadalupe Mountains.
