For the second in our Big Bend National Park series, Danielle chats with Courtney Lyons-Garcia, executive director of Big Bend Conservancy, a major advocate for the park. From scenic drives to family-friendly hikes, and fossil experiences Courtney shares practical tips and activities suited to every kind of traveller

Discussion includes the following:

[00:02] Introduction: HelloRanger

[02:22] Guardians of Big Bend National Park: Courtney Lyons Garcia and Big Bend Conservancy

[03:15] Getting acquainted with Big Bend: An overview of the park and its conservancy

[05:35] Getting to the park: Interstate travel, suggestions for East and West Coast visitors

[09:03] Stocking up: Advice on retail options and supporting special dietary needs

[10:53] Best times of year to visit Big Bend

[13:21] Seasonal explorations

[16:28] An itinerary overview

[17:51] Perfect pairs: Suggestions for combining Big Bend with other areas of interest Big Bend State Park, Balmorhea State Park, Carlsbad Caverns National Park, White Sands National Park, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Del Rio, Fort Davis

[19:34} Do, see & learn - River District: Rio Grande Village Visitors Center, Nature Walk, Boquillas Crossing Port of Entry, Boquillas Village, Mexico, Ernst Tinaja Primitive Roadside Campsite, Hot Springs Historic Trail

[23:05] Do, see & learn - Dinosaurs & Desert District: Fossil Discovery Exhibit, Grapevine Hills Trail

[26:27] Do. See. Learn - Mountain District: Window Trail, South Rim Trail, Emory Peak Trail/The Pinnacles, Lost Mine Trail

[28:01] Spotting the bears of Big Bend: Pine Canyon Trail

[28:43] More To Explore: Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, Castolon Historic District, Santa Elena Canyon Trail, The Blue Creek/Horner Wilson Ranch

[30:27] Big Bend Accessibility

[31:53] More outdoor fun: River rafting with Big Bend’s preferred concessionaire Far Flung Outdoor Center, DIY paddleboard and canoe considerations

[34:58] An artists’ paradise

[35:25] Stargazing: Big Bend’s Night Skies program

[37:41] Lodging suggestions: Front country camping, Chisos Mountains Lodge. RV sites, Stillwell Ranch camping & RV sites

[41:06] Lodging suggestions: Backcountry camping reservations

[41:16] Courntey’s favorite park memory

For complete show notes and archive, visit everybodysnationalparks.com.

NOTE: DUE TO COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS, BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK WAS CLOSED AT TIME OF RECORDING THIS EPISODE. PLEASE CHECK NPS WEBSITE FOR UPDATES.

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