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:

We visited the Fort Leaton State Historic Site, literally a minute down the road from our campsite. It also serves as the western entrance of Big Bend Ranch State Park in Texas (which is distinct from Big Bend National Park, which we’ll visit from our next campsite).

Here’s a map of the fort from a self-guided tour PDF:

Outside:

Courtyard:

A ranger; we purchased a Texas State Parks Pass, since we’ll be in Texas over the winter:

Gift shop:

Exhibits:

A cart, or “carreta”, used to transport goods:

Corral area:

The walls in this area haven’t been restored:

Crumbly doorways:

Blacksmith:

Fireplace:

The “dungeon”:

Walls:

Kitchen:

Dining room:

Family parlor:

Trading office:

Formal parlor:

Nursery / family sitting room:

Courtyard:

Servant’s quarters:

Outside again:

A nature trail around the fort:

Cemetery:

A view of the fort from the trail:

An interesting historic site.