Big Bend Ranch State Park — Attraction in Presidio

My family and I recently had the opportunity to visit Big Bend Ranch State Park, and although our initial plans to book an RV campsite were thwarted due to its newness, we decided to explore the park's other offerings. Despite the scorching heat reaching 110 degrees Fahrenheit, we made the most of our time and had a memorable experience.

We were initially disappointed to learn that RV spots were unavailable at Big Bend Ranch State Park, as well as at the neighboring Big Bend National Park. This made our accommodation search quite challenging. However, we didn't let this deter us from visiting the state park altogether. We opted to drive around and explore the park's Scenic Overlook areas and points of interest instead.

Due to the extreme temperatures, it was not feasible for us to embark on the park's walking trails. Our family's safety was paramount, and we decided to exercise caution and refrain from engaging in strenuous physical activity. Nonetheless, we did manage to explore an old movie set near the Rio Grande River. This unique location allowed us to take some captivating photos and engage our children in a fun educational lesson about the border between Mexico and Texas.

Continuing our drive, we ventured further and enjoyed breathtaking views from the Scenic Overlook. The natural beauty of the park left us in awe, and we couldn't help but appreciate the stunning landscapes that surrounded us.

Although our visit lasted only about an hour, we were captivated by the park's beauty and potential for exploration. We intend to return when the weather is cooler to fully immerse ourselves in the park's walking trails and delve deeper into its wonders.

Overall, Big Bend Ranch State Park left a positive impression on us. Despite the challenges of finding suitable camping options and the intense heat, the park's scenic beauty and the opportunity to experience the Rio Grande River firsthand made our visit worthwhile. We highly recommend planning a trip to this park, ensuring to choose a time when temperatures are more favorable for extensive exploration.

Note: Due to our limited experience within the park and our inability to partake in all activities, we have assigned a rating of four stars. We anticipate that upon returning for a more extensive visit, our rating may be...

Extraordinary experience. An adventure like no other. Driving down the rocky unpaved entry road to Sauced Ranger Station is like being transported back into time - wild, wild west style. Views are breathtaking and the experience makes you remember that we are merely visiting a world run by Mother Nature.

There are actually 3 check-in points for this park - 2 are off the paved highway, FM170: Barton Warnock Visitors Center in Lajitas and Fort Leaton Historical Site in Presidio. Both are very unique stops with nice Visitors Centers (gift shops and museums). Then there's the Sauceda Ranger Station that leads into the heart of the park. The road is only 27 miles, but all unpaved and 17 miles are pretty rocky, so the speed limit is only 25 mph in the park. Enjoy the views along the way. Well worth the trip. Ranger Station offers private rooms in a guest house (the "Big House") and beds in the Bunkhouse, where it is more communal with spacious dining area and kitchen facilities. Showers/bathrooms are open 24 hours and bags of ice is often available by donation. I wouldn't assume anything though, because of the remote location it is best to plan for all contingencies.

Tips - Flying in? Call first, if during office hours they will happily pick you up for a free ride to the main ranger station OR you can always walk the mile down to it. A lovely walk.

Summer is the slowest period due to the heat, but it is much more temperate up at Sauceda Ranger Station, because of the high altitude. It is also monsoon season, so flash flooding is always on alert for those roaming/biking along arroyo areas.

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This park is a must if you enjoy rugged and wide open spaces and scenery. From the overlook from "DOM" rock where a pivotal scene from the movie "Fandango" was filmed to the Closed Canyon hiking trail Big Bend Ranch State Park offers one superlative after another. My young daughter wanted to climb every rock and wall she saw. My wife was wholly enthralled by the geology of the region. As it turns out this region is the result of a confluence of four major geological events: The Appalachian Trend, the Rocky Mountain Trend, the Trans Pecos Volcanic Field, and the Basin and Range Trend.

The hike through Closed Canyon was our favorite part of our visit. As you get closer to the Rio Grande the path through the canyon increases in difficulty. We didn't make it to the river but it was a fun hike all the same. It was pretty hot the day we visited; around 97 F/36.1 C. The shaded areas coupled with the wind tunnel breeze give you a nice air conditioned reprieve from the heat. Make sure you have rugged footwear and plenty of water.

We only had one day there. On our next visit we plan to stay an extended weekend. There are many more trails we want to take. We want to stand under the night sky. That area is so remote and free from light pollution that at night you should be able to see the entirety of...