In addition to the Big Bend National Park, the region also hosts six state parks.

BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK

The 800,000 acre Big Bend National Park offers great hiking and backpacking; scenic driving roads; bird and wildlife watching; interpretive programs; river trips and desert scenery. BBNP has more species of birds than any National Park and is the sixth most visited area for birdwatching in the U.S. Reservations are recommended for limited lodging. RV and camp sites are first-come, first-served. Desert mule deer are plentiful throughout the area and white-tailed deer inhabit the Chisos Mountains. Coyotes, fox, and javelina are seen frequently; lions and bears occasionally. For more information, call (432) 477-2251

BIG BEND RANCH STATE
NATURAL AREA

Located near Terlingua, the so-called "Ranch," consists of over 200,000 acres of rugged geologic history. A gift to the people of Texas, the ranch contains historic and prehistoric settlements. Activities include river running, hiking, camping, and fishing. Seminars and interpretive events are held throughout the year. Advance reservations are required. For more information, call (432) 385-4444

BARTON WARNOCK ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER

The Warnock Center is located just east of Terlingua on Highway 170. The Center features 2.5 acres of desert gardens and exhibits mounted wildlife specimens, rocks and fossils, archeological finds, historical dioramas, and western heritage memorabilia. Seminars and work-shops are held regularly on Big Bend Culture, history, and ecology. Small fee. For more information, call (432) 424-3327

AMISTAD NATIONAL RECREATION AREA

The 67,000-acre area and reservoir of the Amistad National Recreation Area is north and west of Del Rio, about 100 miles east of Sanderson via US 90. A joint-venture water storage project between Mexico and the U.S., Amistad extends 74 miles up the Rio Grande and portions of the Pecos and Devils Rivers. More than 6 miles long, the dam creates 850-mile long Lake Amistad. This land was the prehistoric home of American Indians. Excavations have uncovered more than 300 sites. Hunting is permitted only in designated areas. Rifles and pistols are not permitted. Fishing is possible yearround. The recreation area is open all year. For more information, call (830) 775-7491

SEMINOLE CANYON STATE HISTORICAL PARK

Seminole Canyon is about 60 miles east of Sanderson near Langry, home of the Judge Roy Bean Visitor Center. The park includes Fate Bell Cave dwellings containing some of the oldest pictographs in North America. Guided tours are year- round leaving at 10am and 3pm Wednesday through Sunday. The Visitor center houses displays of early man and area history. Camp and picnic sites are available. Small entry fee. For more information, call (432) 292-4464

JUDGE ROY BEAN VISITOR CENTER

About 60 miles east of Sanderson, south off US Highway 90 is the village of Langry and home of the Judge Roy Bean Visitor Center and Desert Garden. The center preserves the site where Judge Bean ruled with high-handed homespun law, outrageous humor and six-shooter justice. There is a self-guided tape tour of the well-labeled desert garden. Facilities include the rustic saloon, courtroom and billiard hall of Judge Roy Bean. Free. For more information, call (432) 291-3340

FORT LANCASTER

Located about 8 miles east of Sheffield on Scenic Loop 290, Fort Lancaster was an important frontier outpost. Facilities include a picnic area, self-guided trail around the ruins, a nature trail and visitor center. Fort Lancaster was a stop on the great Camel Experiment by the U.S. Army in their quest to tame the desert west. For more information, call (432) 836-4391