We arrived at our last major National Park after about fifty years of traveling and camping. We have been visiting National Parks, Monuments, Seashores and other National sites. Big Bend National Park has been on our bucket list for years and this year on our way home from Eloy Arizona we were as close as ever 175 miles to visit this park and 2200 miles from home. Several of the Big Bend facilities close at the end of April due to the extreme heat. The day we traveled we got to see four Javelinas (Have’li.na) crossing the road and arrived with the temperature at 96 so our days began early in the morning. Day one as we drove to the Santa Elena Canyon Overlook, along the way we got to see a couple of coyotes, then on to the trail into the canyon. The 1.6-mile round trip hike started on a wood walkway then to the beach along the Rio Grande River then across the water to a not very well marked trail. Shortly we started our climb up concrete steps about 80 feet then down to the river. It was over all a beautiful walk to a view point in the canyon. The drive in Big Bend provides a different landscape than we have ever driven. We had lunch at the Chisos Mountain Lodge enjoying the winding and steep drive up the mountain then back to camp where the temperature was 98. Day two we drove to the Rio Grande Village stopping at the Boquillias Canyon Overlook where we got another view of the Rio Grande River and saw a Mexican riding a mule on the Mexico side of the river also the port of entry at Boquillas Del Carmen. We were disappointed at the Rio Grande Village for it is only a campground village. We did stop at the Fossil Discovery Exhibit which is new and very well done, we enjoyed the informative exhibit. We arrived back to our campsite for lunch and 101 windy degrees. We are glad we visited Big Bend National Park but would not return.

While the disc brakes were being installed on our 5^th wheel we went to breakfast and at wonderful local restaurant, Sandy’s. We then drove to the Chiricahua National Monument where we traveled the land that Cochise the Chief of the Chiricahua Apaches lived. In addition to the unique rock formations there was a colossal rock formation in the distance that takes the shape of a man’s head lying on his back and labeled Cochise Head. This park is well worth a visit.  

Our campsite while disc brakes are being installed 

Cochise Head