Some stunning views along Farm to Market Road 170 are found just over the next hilltop.
Tag Archives: Texas
Closed Canyon – Hike
This hike through a slot canyon was a great experience. It was wonderful to feel enclosed with high canyon walls on either side. At times, I had to scramble down rock formations to continue onward. There was only the sound of the crunching of sand and gravel beneath my hiking boots. The sun was getting close to setting, the temperature was cooler in the shadows, and around each new corner was a surprise. Every few steps was a grand photo opportunity. 🙂
Closed Canyon – Trail Map
Closed Canyon is a slot canyon located in the Big Bend Ranch State Park. The trailhead is just off of Farm to Market Road 170, and the hike is about 1.4 miles long round trip. It is a beautiful place. According to the brochure, “Mountain lion, javelina, rock squirrels and a variety of lizard and snake species including the greater earless lizard, desert spiny lizards and the western diamondback rattlesnake may be seen in or near the canyon.” Lucky for me, I had the Canyon all to myself.
Farm to Market Road 170
If you want a beautiful drive in Texas, you should try the Farm to Market Road 170. It is now one of my absolute favorites! There are wonderful views of the Rio Grande River, the Border of Texas and Mexico, the mountains of Big Bend Ranch State Park, the desert, and incredible sunsets. For the majority of my drive, I had this road all to myself, which is both scary and awesome. I kept wondering what would happen if my car broke down, then I would turn a corner or rise over a hill and be mesmerized by some new scenery that would help me forget my concerns. Trust me, it is one drive you should enjoy if you find yourself in this part of Texas. 🙂
Fort Leaton – Sunny Skies
The warm, sunny skies at Fort Leaton were wonderful. It was a little chilly in the desert of Presidio, but the sunshine and wispy clouds made it most pleasant.
Fort Leaton – Courtyard
The courtyard, corral, and blacksmith shop at Fort Leaton State Historic Site were all full of history. The one item you find most people remarking about is the carreta, or ox cart. It has two six foot high wheels and when fully loaded, it would require several oxen to pull it. They were typically used to haul freight from San Antonio to cities in Mexico. Marvelous!
Fort Leaton – Doors & Windows
This historic place provides a great opportunity to observe the doors, windows, and the associated light patterns. 🙂
Fort Leaton – Museum
A new friend recommended a drive to Fort Leaton State Historic Site in Presidio Texas, and they were right – the site is magnificent. It is a fortified trading post at the US and Mexico Border with thick walls made of adobe bricks and plastered exterior and interior walls. I was amazed as I walked through the first part of the exhibit in the interior living spaces.
Amtrak
If you are driving in West Texas between Alpine and Marfa, chances are that you will find yourself racing one of the Amtrak trains.
After Sunset
I left the McDonald Observatory with a camera full of photos and a nice serene feeling of a day well spent. I highly recommend that you visit this place if you find yourself in this beautiful area of Texas. It made me think about maybe having selected the career of Astronomer when I first started my studies in college. These guys and gals certainly have a gorgeous campus to work from.
earthrobert 