The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built the Lost Mine Trail between 1940-1942 for the new Big Bend National Park, which was officially established in 1944.

Theresa gazes at the towering East Rim of the Chisos Mountains.

 

 

 

 

 

Case Grande Peak with Mexico in the far background.

 

 

 

 

Video of two deer walking through the brush in Juniper Canyon just off the Lost Mine Trail.

 

 

 

 

“Take thy beak from out my heart, and take thy form from off my door!  Quoth the raven, ‘Nevermore.’”  — Edgar Allen Poe

 

 

 

 

Notice the crow perched high atop the rock.

 

 

 

 

Another terrific lunch spot overlooking Juniper Canyon with great views of the East Rim and the distinctive point of Elephant Tusk peak.

 

 

 

 

We had this pretty lunch spot all to ourselves until the last minute when two French hikers joined us.  In the background is Lost Mine Peak, one of the tallest peaks in the Chisos Mountains.  This peak was named for an old legend that states at certain times of the year, the sun is perfectly aligned to light up a rich gold mine hidden in the hills.  Fortunately, the geology in this area is not well-suited for valuable minerals, which means this area is better suited for preservation than exploitation.

 

 

 

 

Theresa is fearless standing on a peak a thousand feet above Juniper Canyon with Case Grande Peak in the background.

 

 

 

 

This broad hilltop offers terrific 360-degree open views of the Chisos Mountains.

 

 

 

 

One of the most exciting aspects of hiking a mountain is to sit on the edge of cliffs.  We’re relatively safe, but there’s always the possibility of tumbling hundreds of feet down to the boulders below.

 

 

 

 

Spiny lizards are an important part of the Big Bend ecosystem.  Lizards are the main diet for road runners!  This lizard was quite large, about 8” long.  He looked quite tough and did not startle easily.  But at one point a hawk flew overhead, and the lizard retreated instantly under a rock.  I guess he knows who his real enemy is.

 

 

 

 

Theresa tells me, “Stop standing like a robot!”

This concludes our Big Bend National Park photo tour!  Thank you for visiting this amazing park with us.