Rio Grande Village Nature Trail — Attraction in Manuel Benavides

Beautiful lookout point over the Rio Grande. Photographers: Do not miss this for sunsets! I almost skipped it for another location, but I'm very glad I didn't! You won't find a better trade off of easy, short hike and gorgeous photo opportunities in all of Big Bend.

Was a bit hard to find at first during the slow season as everything was closed and no traffic around. You have to drive into RV parking and head to the far back corner of the lot and you'll see a tiny trail head between some trees.

It's a very short, easy walk. If you're a bit more adventurous, hike up the short hill for a spectacular view. It can be quite windy up there, so hang onto your hat.

Nothing but sky and gorgeous landscape. As the sun sets, don't forget to look behind you, as the shadows dance across the face of the mountains. You can't get the same photo twice.

For reference, these photos were...

(Warning: Young adults from Central Florida visiting for the week) We purposefully entered this hike with the intention of CAPTURING THE SUNSET- you can see it sink all the way to the horizon. As the sun set, the view behind us of various ledges and hills were cast in an EVER-CHANGING ARRAY OF SHADOWS AND DARK COLORS- very pretty. THE HIKE IS PRETTY EASY along the dusty trails. Most of it is flat until you get to the overlook which seems to be at the top of a hill. We shared the space with about a dozen others yet it NEVER FELT...

I would say a must-do in the park because the views all around the river and walking through the tall grass is what makes this park what it is. You can continue to walk straight out all the way to the river, but we just did the overlook loop, and saw everything we needed to see. Parking is just finding a non-camping spot along the side of the road somewhere, so it can be a bit difficult during the busy...