• story by Oliver Pinckney • photos by Mallory Stewart and Paul Slocumb •

Big Bend National Park is filled with a large number of interesting trails, some of which are easily accessed and hiked.  One such option is the Rio Grande Village Nature Trail, a .75 mile loop path easy enough for people of all ages.  The Trail begins with a series of metal bridges which guide you across a spring-fed wetland filled with fish and bird activity; blue herons are one potential sight.  After the bridges, a stone staircase leads to a panoramic lookout above the Rio Grande, offering terrific vistas which are particularly popular for sunset photos of the Chisos and Del Carmen Mountains.

The Trail begins Rio Grande Village Campground Site #18.  Parking spots near the trailhead are available.