Established as a national park: June 12, 1944.
Area: 801,163 acres.
Visitors: 262,320 in 2000.
Location: Western Texas, where a bend in the Rio Grande defines the U.S.-Mexico border.
Flora and fauna: For many plants and animals, Big Bend is the northern edge of a range that extends through Mexico and beyond. River, desert and mountain microclimates mean an abundance of creosote, cacti, yucca, annual desert flowers and-higher up-trees, including, juniper, small oaks and Douglas fir. A huge variety of birds stop here as part of their migration routes. On the ground, look for wildlife that includes jackrabbits, beavers, kangaroo rats, roadrunners, golden eagles, coyotes and rattlesnakes. Seldom seen, but ever-present: mountain lions.
Entrance fee: $10 for seven days, $20 for 12 months.
–Robert Cross
