Balmorhea State Park, north of Fort Davis. [1]. San Soloman Springs, a very large artesian well in the foothills of the Davis Mountains, offers a warm and unique place to swim or scuba dive. Camping and motel-like lodging is available.
Big Bend Ranch State Park, east of Presidio, [2]. Just west of Big Bend National park is Texas' largest state park, with over 300,000 acres in the wilderness of the Chihuahua Desert. Horse rentals, guided jeep tours, plus rafting excursions on 23 miles of the Rio Bravo and Rio Grande rivers. At its eastern edge is Barton Warnock Environmental Education Center, which explores the range of geology and wildlife of the Chihuahuan desert.
Davis Mountains State Park, near Fort Davis, [3]. Hiking, mountain biking, and horse riding on 4 miles of trails in Texas' largest mountain chain. The trails connect with neighboring Fort Davis State Historic Site.
Recognize the Signs of Dehydration and Heat Stroke Signs of Dehydration
thirst
less-frequent urination
dry skin
fatigue
light-headedness
dizziness
confusion
dry mouth and mucous membranes
increased heart rate and breathing
Signs of Heat Stroke
headache
dizziness
disorientation, agitation or confusion
sluggishness or fatigue
seizure
hot, dry skin that is flushed but not sweaty
a high body temperature
loss of consciousness
rapid heart beat
hallucinations
Heat stroke must be treated immediately. Get the victim out of the sun, put cool water on their skin and fan their skin. Elevate their feet. Call 911 for an emergency or take them to the nearest hospital.
This region is part of the vast Chihuahuan Desert and contains some of the highest desert areas in the world, with all of Texas' highest peaks. The stark, rugged terrain is very sparsely populated, with Brewster County being home to only 9,000 people in an area bigger than Rhode Island, with two-thirds of them living in Alpine. El Paso is the only sizeable city in the region. The area has a rich historical legacy left by the Spanish settlers who came to the region in the mid-17th century, as well as that of early pioneers and traders who fought off native tribal attacks until the 1880's.
With great distances between sights and even communities, a car is an absolute necessity to get around the region. Car rentals are readily available in Midland-Odessa and El Paso.