We travelled along the Rio Grande river route through Big Bend Ranch State Park. This river marks the border between the US and Mexico.

Here’s an interactive map of our route and stops:

We first needed to go back to Fort Leaton to get a permit to access stops along the route, which was no additional cost thanks to having purchased a Texas State Parks Pass:

Then we headed east into the park, passing the road to the interior of the park:

Lots of interesting hills and views along the route:

 

Park sign:

A narrow single lane bridge during construction:

Hoodoos:

The Rio Grande river:

More roadworks:

15% grade:

Rio Grande river:

We stopped at a nice roadside picnic area for lunch:

The Rio Grande river was close behind the picnic area — and the other side of the river is Mexico:

Contrabando day use area and movie set:

Closer to the Rio Grande river:

The other side of the park, Barton Warnock Visitor Center:

The four deserts of the US; we’ve now been to all four:

We’re amused by “intrusive igneous deposits”:

Heading back:

15% grade:

Boats in the river: