Known for its rugged terrain and desert ecology, Big Bend also is one of the jumping off points for floats on the Rio Grande. There are hiking, biking and horseback riding, as well as primitive camping in the back country of the Chisos Mountains. From Alpine, take State Highway 118 for 108 miles. Guadalupe Mountains National Park Salt Flat Texas' highest peak rises over the Chihuahuan desert landscape. Guadalupe Peak is 8,749-feet high and visible for miles.
Wildlife watching and hiking are favorite activities.
Padre Island National Seashore Corpus Christi Padre Island is a barrier island that runs more than 100 miles up and down the Texas coast. Birders are in paradise here, but there are also fishing, hiking and biking available along the island. Corpus Christi is connected to the north end of the park by the John F. Kennedy Causeway. Take one of the commercial trips available in West Texas and you'll have the chance to camp in Santa Elena or Mariscal canyons, either on the Texas or Mexico side of the river. Bats and birds fill up the canyons at night and the experience is a once in a lifetime deal.