January 24 - February 1, 2020
Friday, January 24
9:30 AM Guided Walk – “Lions Snakes, and Bears… Oh My!” Do you find yourself questioning going on a hike because of the creatures that could be on the trail? Begin facing some of your fears by joining Ranger J. Deger for a discussion about some of Big Bend National Park’s most feared and often misunderstood creatures. Meet outside the Chisos Basin Visitor Center. Wheelchair accessible. 30 minutes.
7:00 PM Evening Program – “Beyond the Scenery: Treasures of the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive” The Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive threads through some of the most spectacular scenery in the park. But there’s more than just scenery. Join Ranger C. Hoyt to learn more about the hiking trails along the scenic drive and what “treasures” there are to discover. Meet at the Chisos Basin Amphitheater. Bring a flashlight. Wheelchair accessible. 1 hour.
Saturday, January 25
7:30 PM Evening Program - “A Park Ranger’s Guide to the Galaxy” Join our Astronomy Rangers for a night of viewing the wonders of Big Bend’s dark night skies. We’ll begin with a constellation tour followed by telescope viewing and an astrophotography demo. Park at the Panther Junction Visitor Center parking lot and follow the signs to the back of the building. Bring a flashlight, jacket, and lawn chair. An indoor astronomy program will be held in the Panther Junction Community Room in the event of inclement weather. Wheelchair accessible. 2 hours.
Sunday, January 26
9:30 AM Patio Program – “Big Bend Bears: A Comeback Story” Did you know that the black bears of Big Bend defied the odds and recolonized the area on their own? Join Ranger A. Markell to learn more about this exciting conservation success story. Meet at the patio outside the Chisos Mountains Lodge. Wheelchair accessible. 30 minutes.
7:00 PM Evening Program – “Before There Was a Park…History of the Big Bend Region” Ranchers, farmers, miners, traders, cavalrymen, and even bandits thrived in the Big Bend region long before the national park was established. Join Ranger D. Dosedel for a discussion on the rugged men and women who called this remote region “home” long before the creation of Big Bend National Park in 1944. Meet at the Chisos Basin Amphitheater. Bring a flashlight. Wheelchair accessible. 1 hour.
Monday, January 27
9:30 AM Guided Walk – “Sun, Wind, and Never Enough Rain: Desert Survival for Plants” Over 1200 species of plants grow in Big Bend National Park – an unbelievably high number considering the harsh desert environment. Join Ranger C. Hoyt for a look at the ingenious ways plants have adapted to survive – and even thrive – in the intense sun, moisture-sucking winds, and paltry rainfall. Meet at Dugout Wells, six miles southeast of Panther Junction Visitor Center. Bring water and a hat. ½ mile. 1 hour.
7:00 PM Evening Program – “The Rio Grande” Some of the most interesting and dramatic scenery in Big Bend National Park is visible only from canoe or raft floating along the Rio Grande on the park’s southern border. Join Ranger J. Duke for a photographic story that showcases scenic canyons, exciting rapids, and areas of the park that many never visit. Meet at the Chisos Basin Amphitheater. Bring a flashlight. Wheelchair accessible. 1 hour.
Tuesday, January 28
9:30 AM Program – “Desert River: The Story of the Rio Grande” The Rio Grande courses through the parched landscape of the American Southwest and defines our international border with Mexico. The river brings life to what its waters touch, and for much of its journey through Big Bend, it is a federally designated Wild and Scenic River. Join Ranger J. Duke for a discussion of the Rio Grande at the historic Barker House, 0.2 miles past the Boquillas Port of Entry on Boquillas Canyon road. 45 minutes.
Wednesday, January 29
9:30 AM Program – “Rocks and Bones” Ever wonder about the fossils in Big Bend National Park? Explore geologic layers and life forms from the time of the dinosaurs up to the present and come away thinking about the future. Join Ranger J. Swab at the Fossil Discovery Exhibit, 8 miles north of Panther Junction. Wheelchair accessible. 45 minutes.
Thursday, January 30
9:30 AM Guided Walk – “Lions Snakes, and Bears… Oh My!” Do you find yourself questioning going on a hike because of the creatures that could be on the trail? Begin facing some of your fears by joining Ranger J. Deger for a discussion about some of Big Bend National Park’s most feared and often misunderstood creatures. Meet outside the Chisos Basin Visitor Center. Wheelchair accessible. 30 minutes.
Friday, January 31
9:30 AM Guided Walk – “Rough Run Village” Long before Europeans arrived in North America, Native Americans thrived throughout the region. A short walk into the past may give insight into ancient people that inhabited the Big Bend thousands of years ago. Join Ranger B. Smith for a trip to the “before time.” Meet at the Maverick Entrance Station; carpooling suggested. Bring water and dress for the weather conditions. 1½ mile walk. 2 hours.
7:00 PM Evening Program – “Beyond the Scenery: Treasures of the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive” The Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive threads through some of the most spectacular scenery in the park. But there’s more than just scenery. Join Ranger C. Hoyt to learn more about the hiking trails along the scenic drive and what “treasures” there are to discover. Meet at the Chisos Basin Amphitheater. Bring a flashlight. Wheelchair accessible. 1 hour.
Saturday, February 1
9:30 AM Patio Program – “Big Bend Bears: A Comeback Story” Did you know that the black bears of Big Bend defied the odds and recolonized the area on their own? Join Ranger A. Markell to learn more about this exciting conservation success story. Meet at the patio outside the Chisos Mountains Lodge. Wheelchair accessible. 30 minutes.
7:30 PM Evening Program - “A Park Ranger’s Guide to the Galaxy” Join our Astronomy Rangers for a night of viewing the wonders of Big Bend’s dark night skies. We’ll begin with a constellation tour followed by telescope viewing and an astrophotography demo. Park at the Panther Junction Visitor Center parking lot and follow the signs to the back of the building. Bring a flashlight, jacket, and lawn chair. An indoor astronomy program will be held in the Panther Junction Community Room in the event of inclement weather. Wheelchair accessible. 2 hours.
