Big Bend Ranch State Park
The Buffalo Soldiers and the Seminole Negro Indian Scouts needed grit and resilience to survive in the vast desert wilderness of West Texas in the late 19th century. They undertook dangerous, long-range scouting trips deep into remote canyons and mountains, tracking Mescalero Apache groups and facing the harsh realities of an unmapped, arid land. Their efforts painted a vivid picture of determination against incredible odds. Exploring the park’s rugged landscape today, you can feel the echoes of their arduous campaigns and appreciate the sheer endurance it took to navigate this untamed frontier. From hiking and mountain biking to stargazing, Texas’ largest state park offers a variety of ways to explore its 300,000 acres.