Nature and Adventure Texas Big Bend National Park | Chisos Basin - Basin Loop Trail

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Texas Big Bend National Park | Chisos Basin - Basin Loop Trail
Written by Shirley T   
Saturday, 16 January 2010 09:53



The 'Laws' in 'Bear Country'
Basin Loop is a short trail whereby the trailhead is located near Basin Store. Graded as moderate, this trail connects to Laguna Meadow and Pinnacles Trails. Featuring the nice view of Chisos Basin area, the total round trip took about 1.6 miles. I found that Basin Loop Trail provides numerous spots to capture the awesome sight of 'Casa Grande', 'The Window' and Century Plant or scientifically known as 'Havard Agave'.
Casa Grande - fascinating landmark of Chisos Basin
Chisos Basin is the home to Century Plants (pointed pale-green leaves)
The bloom stalk of Harvard Agave may reach 20-30 feet tall
Agave serves as the main source of food to Mexican Long-Nosed Bat (leptonyceris nivalis) - an endangered species whose sole colony in United States is the Chisos Mountains of Big Bend National Park. While the bats in return perform as one of the main pollinators of the agave.
Basin Loop Trail
Leading to other trails
After a few yards after we began, we encountered the hiking do's and wildlife alert sign. Specifically, it refers to bear so we were kind of hoping that we would get a chance to see black bears which we heard is native of Chisos Mountains. In 1940s, these omnivores disappeared from Big Bend National Park but they were found return 'home' from Mexico in the late 1980s. Wildlife biologists estimate that between 15 to 20 black bears may live in the park.
Enjoying nature
Casa Grande never leaves us
Another creature that is also classified as native at Big Bend is Mountain Lion or known locally as 'Panther'. A mighty cats that live in wild, solitary and secretive, Mountain Lion is the top predator of Big Bend. Their role is vital to maintain the biological diversity in the instance of balancing the herbivores and vegetation. Whether it is mountain or desert, biologist estimate there are about 2 dozens of mountain lions within the park.
Casa Grande - formed by lava and ash, topped by volcanic dome
Horizon through 'The Window'
Limestone lodge at Chisos Basin
Chisos Mountains Lodge
Despite we were not rewarded with the sight of both the black bear and the mountain lion, I guess a close view of white-tailed deer was inspiring. They were just standing a few yards away from us when we were almost at the end of our Basin Loop hike. These bucks were fearless yet tame.
White-tailed deer roaming free
Hey buddy.. I am here!
What a magnificient sight!

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