Big Bend Country

The Big Bend Region is an area as ecologically diverse as possible and is often called a mountainous desert wilderness. This great expanse offers visitors a plethora of activities and adventures from the world’s largest spring fed swimming pool located in the Balmorhea State Park to the 70 foot high sand dunes of the Monahans Sandhills State Park to the breathtaking views seen from the Wyler Aerial Tramway at the Franklin Mountains.

The Big Bend Region also contains the vibrant and exciting cities of El Paso, Midland and Odessa; not to mention such mythical towns of Terlingua, Marfa, Pecos, Fort Davis, Fort Stockton and Sanderson. El Paso is the sixth largest city in Texas and sits directly across the Rio Grande from the largest of Mexico’s border towns, Ciudad Juarez. Midland, so named because it is situated halfway between El Paso and Ft. Worth, and Odessa started out as farm towns but became the hub of the Oil Industry in Texas shortly after the discovery of oil in the Permian Basin in the 1920’s. Today, Texas produces 20% of all the US’s total petroleum and natural gas output.

But the real jewels of this region are the thirteen state parks and historical sites, all which offer a unique perspective on Texas history, ecosystems and heritage. This includes the Balmorhea, Barton Warnock, Big Bend Ranch, David Mountains, Franklin Mountains, Monahans Sandhills and the Seminol Canyons State Parks plus the State Historical Sites of Fort Lancaster, Fort Leaton, Hueco Tanks, Indian Lodge and the Magoffin Home. And don’t forget the Devils River State Natural Area for some great fishing and whitewater trips.

Imagine, in this one Region, Texas has more to offer its’ vacationers than most states or even countries. And the size of the Big Bend Region encompasses only 16% of the whole state itself. Your Texas Tourist Guide is the ultimate online resource to discover everything Texas has to offer its visitors. Start now planning your next vacation in the Lone Star State!