Big Bend National Park, Day One: Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive

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A highlight and must-see for any visit to Big Bend National Park is the 30-mile Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. The scenic drive leads to Santa Elena Canyon and a companion hiking trail that winds along the Rio Grande and then drops to the canyon floor. 

The number one thing on my list for today was to drive the scenic drive and to hike the Santa Elena Canyon trail. Unfortunately, heavy rains the night before flooded the scenic drive at Santa Elena Canyon, leaving it muddy and debris-laden, and the Park Service closed the scenic drive two miles from the trailhead, making my planned hike impossible. I was totally bummed out, but I'm hoping against hope that somehow the scenic drive re-opens before I have to leave so I will get the opportunity to hike the trail. 

However, all was not lost as there was still lots of other stuff to do and see along the scenic drive. I took my time driving to the end, where the drive was closed, stopping along the way for scenic overlooks and exhibits and hiking some easy trails. Here are some photos I took along the scenic drive.


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