You can begin your night time adventure by watching a breathtaking sunset. The clouds above the desert floor turn a crimson red followed by a rich, golden yellow, and finally an ashen gray. Watching this drama unfold can take away the build-up of everyday frustrations. There is really no best place to view a Big Bend sunset, but some favorite spots are the Window View Trail in the Chisos Basin, Sotol Vista along the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, Maverick Junction, and the Rio Grande Village Nature Trail. From any of these places you ll get a wonderful panoramic view of the park s scenery and a sunset you ll never forget.
Dusk descends upon the land and many animals leave their hiding places to forage in the night.
For these animals the cloak of darkness helps protect them from some predators and they avoid competing with diurnal animals for food. It s a perfect time for you to see more than the tracks or scat they leave behind. Dusk and dawn are the prime viewing times for wildlife in the park. Often, these animals are just off the road s edge enjoying the soft grass. Be sure to take it slowly as you enjoy your drive, because the jackrabbits, mule deer, and javelina are notorious for jumping in front of your car.