We last visited Big Bend back in the summer of 2012 where we made a large circle of the area that included stops in Belmorhea State Park, Davis Mountain State Park, Fort Davis, Mc Donald Observatory, Marfa, Big Bend NP and Marathon. I clearly recall the magnificence and grandeur of Big Bend with its dramatic sunsets and incredible landscapes, and before having newer camera gear. Having a new interest in astrology photography (will be my first time taking photos of stars) and researching areas without light pollution and dark Skys at night indicated Big Bend is one of the best, especially in the winter months. So, a trip was planned.
Big Bend National Park is in southwest Texas and includes the entire Chisos mountain range which includes the Sierra Del Carmen Mountains and a large swath of the Chihuahuan Desert. The Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive leads to the ruins of Sam Nail Ranch, now home to desert wildlife. The Santa Elena Canyon, carved by the Rio Grande, features steep limestone cliffs. Langford Hot Springs, near the Mexican border, has pictographs and the foundations of an old bathhouse.
We would begin this visit by staying at the Terlingua Ranch made famous by none other than Carroll Shelby and friends which is a 16 miles drive north of Study Butte/Terlingua and another 6 miles to the Maverick Junction park entrance. If you are interested in staying off the beaten path and really enjoy the West, Terlingua Ranch is the place with landscapes like no other, and great staff have incredible knowledge of the area. A great example was the recommendation to hike up the Christmas Mountain Pass where the photograph below was taken from. Another bonus is the night sky on a clear day provide incredible mountain accents for astrology photography. Clicking on the image below will redirect you to the Terlingua Ranch web site.