The Mule Ears peaks rise high above the Chihuahuan Desert.
The peaks are the result of varying erosion of volcanic rock layers. The Mule Ears represent a tower of harder volcanic rock exposed after the softer “tuff” (volcanic ash) eroded from around it.
The Mule Ears Spring flows steadily during wetter periods to create an oasis of cottonwoods and cattails in the middle of the dry Chihuahuan Desert.
Timm sits along a rock wall near the spring with one of the Mule Ears visible in the background.
Simon says: “Spread your wings!”
The one thing you learn quickly in Big Bend National Park:
The desert is a pointy prickly painful place.
Theresa is camouflaged by the colorful layers of rock in the Chihuahuan Desert.
Mule Ears peaks
On the left is Emory Peak, the tallest peak in the Chisos Mountains. On the right is the South Rim, which we hiked along the edge earlier.
Eating lunch by the Mule Ears
Ouch!
One of the fun games to play in Big Bend National Park is to see if you can spot Santa Elena Canyon from wherever you are.
March 23rd, 2011 at 10:41 pm
Check out Paul Spraklin’s site. Lots of pictures of his trips to mexico to immerse himself and fellow plant lovers exploring the mexico’s portion of the sonoran desert. I enjoyed your pictures.