Big Bend Insights
Midterms are Coming: Who Opposes a Wall Through Big Bend?
[Updated 09/15/2026] Midterms are coming, and I plan on using my vote. With all that’s going on with the proposed wall in the Big Bend region, I wanted to sit down and see where the candidates actually stand. I’m honestly unsure what the hell is happening out there...
10 Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Big Bend National Park
You ever pull up a recipe on the internet only having to scroll through 7 pages about someone's grandmother before you get to the actual recipe? Nobody reads that content, so let's jump right to the list of things to do with your kids in Big Bend: 1. Become a Junior...
Want a Better National Park Visit? Do This Every Time.
National parks are some of the most beautiful and interesting places in the world. They offer a chance to experience nature in all its glory, from towering mountains to fascinating deserts to lush forests. But arriving at a park can be quite overwhelming with...
Stop Going to Big Bend on Holidays. No, Seriously.
In a very remote part of Texas, there is a National Park larger than the state of Rhode Island. It is so remote, you're guaranteed a good road trip just getting there. The closest major airport would be El Paso which is 5 hours from Panther Junction, the park's main...
Is Instagram Hurting Big Bend and Other National Parks? Probably.
Everything is busy now. Too busy. National Parks are becoming overcrowded and many amazing destinations, such as The Wave, are barely accessible anymore. Even more alarming is what this influx of visitation is doing to our protected lands. And I'm kind of blaming...
How to Find a Last Minute Campsite During the Holidays
It's a month (or week) before Thanksgiving and you decide you'd like to go hike Big Bend for the long weekend. Excited for the trip, you pull up the National Park site to see what's available. It directs you to the recreation.gov site, you pull up the popular...
A Gringo Honeymoon: The Boquillas Crossing Reopens in Big Bend (…again)
The Big Bend region seems to have an infinite amount of unique adventures and it's easy to romanticize each. Big Bend is very remote so it remains rough on the edges and keeps its own vibe and energy that's easily felt by all who visit. To make a point, pick what you...
How Big Bend Changed My Life, Part 2: A New Lifestyle
Note: This post gets a little off subject and may not be for everyone, but it's in response to the many questions I received from my last post, How Big Bend Changed My Life. We will continue with our regularly scheduled program momentarily. Something scared me...
How Big Bend Changed My Life
It was the summer of 2009 and I was fresh off a divorce and a sedentary and unhealthy lifestyle. My new super hot girlfriend, and now wife, Stef, wanted to go camp Big Bend and I thought, "hmmm... I think my parents took me there when I was 2. Oh, what the hell, let's...
The Closed Canyon Trail of Big Bend Ranch State Park with Video Tour
I'm surprised how many folks have told me, "I haven't been to the state park." Even folks who have been coming to Big Bend for decades have told me this. Well, that's a damn shame, because the state park is pretty amazing. With 311,000 acres, this is a huge park that...
Raiders of the Lost Park – The Ruins of Big Bend
Given that Big Bend National Park is larger than the state of Rhode Island, it holds many secrets. Before it was a park, it was once home to many small towns, mining communities, and settlements. They had post offices, restaurants, motels, ranches, schools, and more....
Marfa is Just OK
Or maybe this should be called "Instagram Ruined Marfa". Hold on, before everyone FREAKS OUT, I know I'm probably going to get some hate for this one but 🤷♂️, I'm half being jokingly cynical and purposely cheeky in this. Read to the wrap-up. I hope you can find humor...
One Day in Big Bend National Park? Here’s What to Do.
Following my last post, The Ultimate Big Bend National Park Driving Tour, there's another question I get asked often, "We only have one day in Big Bend, what should we do?" That's very subjective based on individual preferences and passions. Even hikes have different...
Big Bend National Park Driving Tour
Driving Big Bend National Park This is the first of a series that will explore the entire Big Bend region. This entry focuses on driving the park. I remember the first time I visited Big Bend, I had NO idea what I was doing or what to expect and just picked a few...
The Lost Mine Trail: Here’s What You Need To Know
What you need to know before you set out to hike The Lost Mine Trail in Big Bend National Park.