By HERB LAGOIS
Magical, mysterious, big sky, rugged mountains, steep canyons, incredible views barely describe Big Bend National Park and surrounding areas - Study Butte (STOO-dee- BYOOT)-Terlingua and Lajitas, all located in South Brewster County, Texas. Big Bend National Park,
consisting of 801,163 acres (324,230 ha), is home to the entire Chisos Mountains Range, owning a large swath of the Chihuahuan Desert, 1,200 plant species (some nowhere else in the world), 450 bird species (more than any other park in the U.S.), 56 reptile species, 75 mammal species, 118 miles of U.S./ Mexico border, is simply a magical and mysterious place! Imagine pulling off the
road, turning off the bike – the sheer stillness except for the ticking of contracting steel as the bike cools off. Imagine riding from an elevation of 1,800 ft. (550 m) up Chisos Mountains switchback trails only to discover Chisos Mountains Lodge at 5,430 ft. (1665 m). An awesome base for hiking trails, including Emory Peak at 7,825 ft. (2,387 m.) Imagine the temperature changes, the changes in vegetation (from desert to forests), the endless vistas, the star-lit night sky. Leaving Big Bend National
Park on the western side is a town called Study Butte. North of Study Butte is Alpine, Texas - the only city in Brewster County. The ride to Alpine is spectacular, however turning left onto Route 170, one is greeted by Terlingua Ghost Town, population 58 (2010 census), a primitive
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