ブリュースター郡の天然記念物・トップ12

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.

Ward Spring Trail guides hikers through the foothills of the Chisos Mountains. The trail leads to a spring at the base of a volcanic dike. This spring used to be the water source for Homer Wilson Ranch's cattle. It was piped to a stock tank just north of the trail's parking lot. Pieces of pipe still remain today. After rainfall, the spring may create shallow pools of water or be entirely dry. The trail has a significant amount of sun exposure and is recommended to be hiked in the cooler months.

Burro Spring Trail offers stunning geology, traveling through white volcanic ash deposits and red rhyolite boulder fields. The trail leads to an overlook of a spring with palm trees and cottonwoods. The trail continues, unmarked, down to the spring but the path is steep and rocky.

Upper Burro Mesa Pour-off Trail starts off at a paved pull-out off of Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. It then follows a dry wash to the top of the Burro Mesa Pour-off. The trail involves some scrambling over large rocks, so make sure you're able to get up the rocks before you climb down on the way in. There is about a 500-foot elevation gain and the trail is subject to flash flooding.

Pinnacles Trail is known as a steep, strenuous hike with great views of the Chisos Basin and the Chihuahuan Desert. Pinnacles is a shorter route to popular stops like South Rim or Emory Peak but hikers will often hike Pinnacles Trail and stop at Pinnacles Pass, due to the steepness of the trail and the views it offers.

Emory Peak is the highest point in Big Bend National Park at 7,796 feet. The summit provides panoramic views of the rocky peaks in Chisos Basin. The last quarter mile of the climb to this mountain top is steep and rocky. The last 25 feet to the summit requires scrambling along a rock face. There is very little shade along most of this trail and Texas's summer temps can be brutal. Make sure to pack appropriately.

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.

The gem of this trail is a narrow overlook through two tall sandstone walls, known as The Window Pour-off, that is on the side of the mountain. The giant rock mountain is known as The Window because of the way it frames views of the desert from afar.