ブリュースター郡周辺の簡単なハイキングとウォーキング

Balanced Rock is an interesting geological formation created by millions of years of erosion, which gradually exposed rocks that appear to be balanced precariously on one another. These formations not only draw hikers but also provide insights for scientists studying earthquake activity. The final stretch of the trail leading to Balanced Rock involves navigating steep, rough bedrock and a landscape filled with boulders. Hikers should stay on the trail, follow directional arrows carefully, and exercise caution.

The Balanced Rock Trail, also known as Grapevine Hills Trail, offers a relatively short but somewhat challenging hike due to the heat in the summer and the incline towards the end. The trail is mostly flat, winding through rocky hills with formations resembling grapevines. The final ascent leads to the impressive Balanced Rock, a large boulder precariously perched on top of other rocks, with a great photo opportunity for hikers.

Mule Ear Spring is a small spring that is heavily covered in cattails, shrubs, and ferns. The area around the spring has vast views of the desert, Trap Mountain, and Mule Ears in the distance. There is an old rock corral near the spring. Visitors are not allowed to swim in backcountry springs.

Mule Ears is one of the most recognizable rock formations of Big Bend National Park. From looking at it, it's pretty obvious how it got its name. A full view of Mule Ears is available immediately upon entering the trail and from the parking lot off of Mule Ears Overlook Drive. More distant views of Mule Ears are available from Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive.

Cattail Falls is known as a "secret falls" in Big Bend National Park. It is a less popular destination than most in the park. This waterfall can be found on the north side of Cattail Canyon and is in a small oasis with dense vegetation in flowing water. There are pools and rocks around the falls that make it a serene space. Visitors are asked to no swim in the water and to avoid trampling the vegetation. This is an important and fragile water source for animals in the area.

This trail leads directly into the mouth of the canyon. It follows the Rio Grande along its banks with rock stairs and a dirt path, and then along the lower parts of the rocky canyon walls. When the dirt path ends, hikers will often wade into the usually knee-high water to experience more of the canyon.

You walk across the desert floor for about one and a half miles before you come to a dry wash. Then you head up the dry wash into the canyon. It gets really deep and sometimes quite muddy right before Dog Canyon.

Easy path through the desert landscape with great views. Only at the end of the trail it gets a little steeper.