has four of the state’s highest peaks, deep canyons, and a rare mixture of plants and animals. Access to the park’s rugged interior is by hiking
and backpack camping along 80 miles of marked trails. The National Park Service advises that only experienced, well-equipped backpackers should enter the primitive back country for extended stays. Permits are required for overnight trips, and camping is al- lowed in designated areas only. All should check in and out at the headquarters visitor center on U.S. 62/180 near Pine Springs. A cultural history museum is in the 1870s Frijole Ranch House. The visitor center offers wildlife exhibits and a bookstore. Visitors may drive near the mouth of McKittrick
Canyon, which has hiking trails (day-use only). The trailhead contact station has a geology exhibit. Tent and self-contained RV camping are available
at the Pine Springs campground near the historic “Pinery” stage station ruins. Includes water, rest rooms and evening programs. Containerized fuel stoves (gasoline, propane or alcohol) only. Admission charge. U.S. 62/180 near Pine Springs 915/828-3251.
www.nps.gov/gumo.
PRESIDIO POP. 4,462
ALT. 2,594 MAP R-5
PRESIDIO CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU: 507 W. O’Reilly St. 432/229-3517.
www.presidiotx.us.
Presidio is a place of history and natural beauty. Archeologists have found traces of dinosaurs that roamed the region and remains of ancient human settlements. The Spanish explorer Cabeza de Vaca arrived in this area in 1535. Marvels abound, from the ghostly Chinati Mountains
to the panoramic vistas of Big Bend Ranch State Park. Many visitors enjoy exploring the outdoors by car, mo- torcycle or river raft. Presidio offers hotels, restaurants and shopping both in town and across the bridge in Ojinaga, Mexico.
BIG BEND RANCH STATE PARK —This 311,000-plus- acre park offers a spectacular landscape. With more than 50 primitive campsites and more than 200 miles of multiuse trails, the park offers mountain biking, horseback riding, remote back-country camping and 4x4 vehicle use. Permits for backpacking and camping (no hookups) can be obtained from Barton Warnock Visitor Center or Fort Leaton State Historic Site. Off F.M. 170. 432/358-4444.
www.tpwd.texas.gov/ state-parks/big-bend-ranch.
FORT LEATON STATE HISTORIC SITE —Picnic at this 1848 adobe fortress and trading post on a bluff over- looking the Rio Grande where Ben Leaton dominated trade with the Apaches, Comanche and Mexicans. A museum offers audiovisual programs, re-enactments, tours and events. Site is the western visitor center for Big Bend Ranch State Park. East of Presidio on F.M. 170. 432/229-3613.
www.tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/ fort-leaton.
RANKIN POP. 754
ALT. 2,595 MAP N-9
This Upton County seat was named for F.E. Rankin, who discovered a much-needed source of water in 1911.
RANKIN MUSEUM —Housed in the historic Yates Hotel (circa 1927) built by oil tycoon Ira Yates, the museum features a restored lobby, original furniture and ceiling fan, pioneer artifacts, a meteorite fragment and re- stored 1940 fire truck. 101 W. Main St. 432/693-2758.
SANDERSON POP. 806
ALT. 2,980 MAP P-8
TERRELL COUNTY VISITOR CENTER: 114 Oak St. 432/345-2324.
Before relocating to Langtry, Judge Roy Bean disem- barked at Sanderson’s still-standing 1881 depot and
attempted to start a saloon. Sensing competition, the established saloon owner poisoned Bean’s whiskey barrels with kerosene, forever branding Sanderson as “the town too mean for Bean.” Vestiges of its wild and woolly frontier beginnings abound, from the bank once robbed by the Wild Bunch to one of the last train robberies in Texas, with its two unlucky bandits buried in Sanderson. Designated the “Cactus Capital of Texas” by the
Texas Legislature, the town celebrates the Prickly Pear Pachanga each Columbus Day weekend.
CACTUS CAPITAL HIKING TRAIL —Self-guided hiking/ nature trail with interpretive signs leads to the top of the mesas above Sanderson. Free. The trailhead is at the north end of School Street. 432/345-2324.
SNAKE HOUSE —More than 30 native desert reptiles are displayed. Free. 800 W. U.S. 90. in the Outback Oasis Motel. 432/345-2850.
TERRELL COUNTY MEMORIAL MUSEUM —Displays range, railroad and local memorabilia. Free. 203 E. Mansfield St. 432/345-2936.
www.terrellmuseum.info.
SIERRA BLANCA POP. 567
ALT. 4,512 MAP N-3
Town grew at juncture of the nation’s second transcon- tinental rail route in 1881 (Southern Pacific and Texas & Pacific). Historical marker at the corner of Sierra Blan- ca Avenue and U.S. 80—commemorates the event.
ADOBE COURTHOUSE —Under a neat, white stucco sheath, the Hudspeth County Courthouse is the South- west’s only in-use government structure made of adobe. A replica of old Fort Hancock, the last fort built to protect against Native Americans (1882-95), is dis- played. 109 Millican. 915/369-2321.
RAILROAD DEPOT HUDSPETH COUNTY MUSEUM — In the 1882 Southern Pacific Depot building, exhibits include railroad memorabilia, Native American arti- facts and county history. Free. 241 W. El Paso St. 915/986-2407.
SCENIC DRIVE —Flat ranching areas are edged by mountains. Profuse stands of giant yuccas grow 15 to 20 feet high. These desert “forests” are most spectac- ular in March and April when each stalk is topped by a huge cluster of white blossoms. Take F.M. 1111 north 43 miles to U.S. 62/180.
VAN HORN POP. 2,040
ALT. 4,010 MAP N-4
VAN HORN CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU: 1801 W. Broadway. 866/424-6939 or 432/283- 2682.
www.vanhorntexas.us.
The town grew from a stop on the historic Bankhead Highway and Old Spanish Trail. It is still a primary road junction of I-10 (U.S. 80), U.S. 90 and Texas 54, and it is a hub to several state and national parks. It is a popular stop for vacationers with its sunny cli-
mate, interesting mineral deposits, and hunting for mule deer, pronghorn antelope and upland game birds. John Madden, former television football broadcast-
er, designated the Chuy’s Restaurant in Van Horn as his “Haul of Fame.” Just before Super Bowl weekend, he would name his “All-Madden Team.” Plaques and photos of “All-Madden Team” inductees are hung in the restaurant. 1200 W. Business Loop 10. CLARK HOTEL HISTORICAL MUSEUM —Features displays of Native American artifacts, plus antique ranch, farm and home implements. An antique bar, complete with ornate hardwood, mirrors and brass rail, recalls lusty frontier times. 112 W. Broadway. 432/283-8028.
RED ROCK RANCH TOURS —Guided driving and hiking tours provide visitors with magnificent views of Pre- cambrian rock formations, centuries-old Native Ameri- can campsites, petroglyphs and pictographs, an old Western movie set, native plants and wildlife, an 1880 homestead and a working talc mine. 800/735-6911.
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BIG BEND COUNTRY
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