Photo taken on a Pathfinder course in Big Bend
Texas is a blend of valor and swagger. — Carl Sandburg
In the eponymous movie, Gregory Peck got pretty darn sick of people telling him the same thing: “It’s a Big Country.” But it really is. Texas, it seems, has to be seen to be believed and Big Bend, where we operate our back-country basecamp, is no exception.
We re-opened Big Bend two years ago this month. Why? We were looking for a compelling and unique geographic location that would let us lean into some of our strengths: canoeing, backpacking and staff development. Texas offers our students and staff a pretty special environment for programming. Incredibly varied terrain and topography for high desert trekking, white and slow water on the Rio Grande River and sick climbs for everyone from beginners to the Alex Honnold’s of the world. Big Bend is a good 5 hours from El Paso; it is true border country and a wonderful context for challenge, adventure and personal development. From October to April, our students and staff benefit from the gifts of this location, giving us a whole new season on the calendar for programming with individuals and organizations.
Big Bend is Minnesota’s charismatic cousin. Minnesota is known in the Outward Bound system as the “paddling school” and water is certainly the signature of our Boundary Waters and Lake Superior expeditions. Most of our Minnesota backpacking courses take place within sight of Lake Superior. Where Minnesota can be reflective, Texas is bold. From epic rainstorms and mini flash floods, to dramatic temperature changes day to night, Big Bend can be intense. The desert’s ever-changing palette of color and light ignites your inner Georgia O’Keefe. Laying on your back under that gigantic night sky–a velvet sea of stars–can be a religious experience. Big Bend has to be experienced, to be, well… experienced.
You may all go to Hell, but I will go to Texas.— Davy Crockett
To try to understand a bit more about what makes Big Bend, Big Bend, we spoke with then Texas Program Director, climbing zealot and long time Boundary Waters instructor, Brian Liggett, to share his thoughts about his now favorite location (headings courtesy of the official state song, Texas, Our Texas):
So Wonderful & So Great
It’s a bit of a surprise to people that Voyageur has a base in Texas. Not many people have been to Big Bend– it’s literally on the way to nowhere. It is one of the least visited parks in the country {Big Bend is comprised of both National and State Parks} and those that do visit tend to be traveling by RV. They drive through the park, maybe do a few day hikes, snap some photos and that’s that.
Boldest & Grandest
People talk about the beauty of Big Bend, but for some reason it lacks the reputation that it deserves as one of the most unique wilderness areas I have ever traveled. Contrary to what many may think about “desert backpacking,” this area provides an incredibly diverse experience. Weather, although almost always sunny and cloudless, can vary from 90 degrees in the heat of the day, to below freezing at night… sometimes in the same day. When it does rain, it is an experience you will not likely forget, as it encompasses sights, sounds and smells. The desert comes alive!
Octillio plant in bloom.
Shines Forth in Splendor
The ocotillo and prickly pear flowers pop out, their bright colors starkly contrast with the browns, reds and yellows of the mountains. The smell of fresh creosote fills the air and the sounds of water flooding the arroyos, carving their way through the landscape to unite with the Rio Grande, fills your ears. If you are lucky enough to watch one of these flash floods from a high point, it is something to behold.
Keep You Brave and Strong
Instructing a course down here is the real deal! The very real feeling of exploring the unknown is present on courses in Big Bend. Students and staff learn to adapt to the terrain and conditions. This terrain forces us to be flexible and not get too attached to one specific plan but rather plan to react to any number of potential circumstances. The terrain itself is a powerful tool for an Outward Bound course and our educational goals.
Freeborn Single Star
The remoteness of living in Redford is another distinct aspect of our Big Bend location. Living in a ghost town on the US/Mexico border, there is very little to distract you from who and what is around you. In Redford, that is almost entirely VOBS staff. The total population of Redford is around 30 people, half of which are VOBS employees. This has created a tight knit family amongst the crew. We work together, live together, and cook together, living out all that is encompassed on an Outward Bound course. And we work and live alongside long time residents of Redford, getting to know their families and sharing community. We collaborate with residents to deliver enrichment for our courses too– everything from cooking and culture, to border country perspectives.
The stars at night are big and bright,
Deep in the heart of Texas.
The prairie sky is wide and high,
Deep in the heart of Texas.
The sage in bloom is like perfume,
Deep in the heart of Texas.
Reminds me of the one that I love,
Deep in the heart of Texas.— June Hershey, Deep in the Heart of Texas
If you still need a bit more convincing, I’ve compiled a collection of writing that just might compel you to head to Big Bend.
- The most surreal places to visit in Texas (Image #2) – http://bit.ly/2MF13qt
- Big Bend has the least light pollution of any other National Park unit in the lower 48 states, according to the National Parks Service. International Dark Sky Association accredited – http://bit.ly/2mpQSqd
- Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park designated as International Dark Sky Parks – combination makes it one of the largest dark spots in the country – http://bit.ly/2tKFYi1
- Top US wonders to visit in spring – https://usat.ly/2xdJcvY
Fun Facts:
- The park spans 1,252 square miles, and is too big to fit inside Rhode Island (1,212 square miles)
- There is a natural jacuzzi in the park, which was formed by volcanic activity and is known as Langford Hot Springs. It stays around 105 degrees Fahrenheit. The park has over 120 active springs and three of Texas’ highest waterfalls.
- There are more species of tropical butterflies in this park than any other national park.
- The Chisos Mountain range in Big Bend was formed nearly 35 million years ago after volcanic activity created layers of ash and molten lava that squeezed through the ground.
- The Milky Way rises during sunrise in Big Bend.
- There are over 450 bird species in Big Bend, which is more than any other U.S. National Park.
- There are over 1,200 plant species, some of which cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
- The park was established June 12, 1944
- Big Bend Ranch State Park is bigger than all 112 other current Texas state parks and historic sites combined
Resource: http://bit.ly/2x7UXFc
You are cordially invited to join us down on “the ranch” for your next Outward Bound adventure!
About the Author
Holly Noble is the Marketing and Communications Manager at Voyageur Outward Bound School and is also our alumni outreach contact. With over 10 years of experience in non-profit business development, admissions and communications, Holly's extensive background is pushing VOBS to a whole new level. She has an enthusiasm that never fades and brings new meaning to the phrase "let's just get it done." In her time away from VOBS, Holly is a committed high school girls hockey and golf coach, a lover of the outdoors and animals, and can be found daydreaming/planning her next big travel adventure.
