Nature and Adventure Texas Big Bend National Park | Chisos Basin and Casa Grande
 

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Texas Big Bend National Park | Chisos Basin and Casa Grande
Written by Shirley T   
Thursday, 14 January 2010 10:05
When one is driving into paintings of rocks and mountains, the distance of 6-mile paved road leading to Chisos Mountains Basin seems so short. Jagged and abrupt peaks dominates most of these mountains view. Guess what the Indians said was right. All the leftover rocks were dumped at Big Bend after the Great Spirit made the Earth!
Chisos Basin visitors' area
Everything under one roof
Casa Grande right behind the logde
The air was moister as we ascended to lower mountain slopes and the cool breeze that sneaked into our car was soothing. The view of flat desert land turned into greenery patches with junipers, oaks, Mexican pinons and woodland although sotols also grow in abundance here. At higher altitude, Arizona pine and Douglas fir can be more visible however, the tree zone here is not solely dependence on altitude but also rainfall and temperature as well.
Catch 'The Window' view from restaurant
Special Trash for man in Bear Country
Basin Store - a conveniance store
As we arrived at Chisos Mountains Visitor Center, the most prominent peak standing as the backdrop of this valley is Casa Grande or 'Big House' in Spanish. It is one of the top Big Bend's landmarks. Grandeur - yes, perfectly described what was in my mind as I looked upon it. Climbs up to 7,103 feet or 2,164.99 meters above sea level, Casa Grande is an abrupt pinnacles of rocky surface unlike the lower slopes of the mountain. Stunning!
Spotted the moon? The white spot above the peak
Chisos Mountains Lodge is the one-and-only shelter with walls and roofs provided on the ground of this national park. Comprising a few rows of motor lodge and some unique historic stone cottages, the accommodation is scattered near the parking bay. There is a restaurant and a gift shop as well.
Casa Grande shot near Basin Store
Numerous trailheads into higher elevation of Chisos Mountains begin at the basin. The trails can range from 0.3 miles The Window Trail, dayhike like The Window Trail (5 miles) or South Rim (6 miles) and primitive backcountry hikes. Bring plenty of water and keep hydrated. Do not forget sufficient clothing as well since the weather can varies drastically.
Sunset view of Chisos Mountains
The Visitor Center of Chisos Basin itself is elevated by 5,400 feet from sea level. A spot that I could sit for a long time to admire the breathtaking view of Casa Grande and impressive wonders of the Mother Nature!

I leave behind the visual magnet of Chisos Basin, the majestic Casa Grande for you to appreciate!
Casa Grande from Basin Loop Trail
Sunset and Casa Grande from The Window Trail
Majestic Casa Grande from The Window View Trail

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