Posted in Big Bend National Park

The Land of the Shadow

Caption

“Then shouldering their burdens, they set off, seeking a path that would bring them over the grey hills of the Emyn Muil, and down into the Land of the Shadow.” – J. R. R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings. In some places, Big Bend National Park does look like Mordor; as a land birthed in volcanic activity, the result is a valley of stunning, jagged mountains, striped ruddy, white, and black. Taken January 11, 2013 with a Nikon D7000 and 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 Nikkor lens.

Frozen Rio Grande

Caption

On a winter trip to Big Bend National Park, I found the Rio Grande down by Santa Elena Canyon to be flooded one day and frozen the next. These photos detail what happened as the ice began to crack and melt, exposing the mud beneath. Taken on January 14, 2013 with a Nikon D7000 and 18-55mm f3.6-5.6 Nikkor Lens. Click image to enlarge.

Cattail Falls Oasis

A hiker takes a much-needed rest after a cold, rainy hike along the backside of the Chisos Mountain range (beneath the Window) to Cattail Falls, a rare desert waterfall oasis that is only active after substantial rains. This hike is little known (since it's not marked on the park map) and is quite rewarding, especially if you're resilient enough to hike it in the rain. Taken on January 9, 2013 with a Nikon D7000 and 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 Nikkor lens. Click photo to enlarge.

A hiker takes a much-needed rest after a cold, rainy hike along the backside of the Chisos Mountain range (beneath the Window) to Cattail Falls, a rare desert waterfall oasis that is only active after substantial rains. This hike is little known, since it’s not marked on Big Bend National Park’s maps. Taken on January 9, 2013 with a Nikon D7000 and 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 Nikkor lens. Click photo to enlarge.

Gray Skies over Cerro Castellan

Gray Skies over Cerro Castellan

Gray skies blanket the Chihuahuan Desert in Big Bend National Park, near Castolon Village and Visitor Center. The prominent peak is called Cerro Castellan, which means “castle-warden’s hill.” Stretching 3,293 feet above sea level, TSHA calls it “a high stack of volcanic rocks.” Read more from TSHA here. Taken on January 11, 2013 with a Nikon D7000 and 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 Nikkor lens. Click photo to enlarge.

Desert Free Climb

A free climber begins her winter ascent of Big Bend National Park's Burro Mesa Pour-Off, a desert waterfall that is only active after substantial rains. She made it into the cave, but the slick, volcanic rhyolite at the higher levels of the pour-off made it impossible to continue. Photo taken January 14, 2013 with a Nikon D7000 and 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G Nikkor lens. Entered in the 2013 National Geographic Traveler Contest. Click photo to enlarge.

A free climber begins her winter ascent of Big Bend National Park’s Burro Mesa Pour-Off, a desert waterfall that is only active after substantial rains. She made it into the cave, but the slick, volcanic rhyolite at the higher levels of the pour-off made it impossible to continue. Photo taken January 14, 2013 with a Nikon D7000 and 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G Nikkor lens. Entered in the 2013 National Geographic Traveler Contest. Click photo to enlarge.