— As my husband and I recently celebrated our 30th anniversary, I did a little inventory of previous things we did to celebrate each five-year milestone. For example, for our 20th anniversary, we spent a long weekend in Puerto Rico. This post shows photos we took at Big Bend NP‘s South Rim trail on the exact day we were celebrating our 25th anniversary.
If you are wondering why I have brought up these photos from five years ago, I guess you can say that we like living on the edge. Well, the edge of the South Rim. While we were away in Colorado for the 30th-anniversary celebration, Patti challenged Lens-Artists‘ viewers to “explore the edges.” Here I’ll give you a brief background about the South Rim and why it is on the edge.
The South Rim of Big Bend NP is a cliff edge that offers stunning views of the Chisos Mountains, the Chihuahuan Desert below, and the Rio Grande River. It is located at an elevation of 7,832 feet (2,387 meters). The drop to the desert floor is about 5,000 feet (1,524 meters). When you are standing on the edge of the rim, as in these photos, you are approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) from Mexico. In all these photos, you see mountains in Mexico way in the horizon. In the very first photo, you can also see a small notch in one of the mountains. That is the Santa Elena Canyon.
A hazy morning at the South Rim offers a breathtaking view of Sierra Quemada with some of its more famous peaks, such as Elephant Tusk. Hiking to the South Rim can be challenging for some people. If you can backpack, that might be easier. Since my husband does not camp, we always hike to the South Rim and come back on the same day. Although the trail is actually a 12.7-mile (20.5-km) loop, we only use the Laguna Meadows trail out and back because it is easier and definitely a gradual ascent to the rim. There is a 2,000-ft (610-m) elevation gain, but it’s very doable.
Wind Kisses
Happy Anniversary. You sure know how to celebrate….taking time to take the time…in nature. I think Big Bend is one of the most underrated parks. It might be because it is a little harder to get to, I don’t know. It is breathtaking there. Your images are temptations for the soul, Egidio. Such great ledge shots.
Egídio Leitão
Donna, first of all, thank you for the anniversary wishes. As for Big Bend, yes, I completely agree with you. It’s 9 hours from Austin. I wish it were closer so I could spend more time there.
Wind Kisses
Yes, My husband had always wanted to go there. I wasn’t sure what to expect, and we loved it.
Tra Italia e Finlandia
Tanti auguri e congratulazioni per il vostro anniversario! 👏😃
Egídio Leitão
Luisella, sei sempre molto gentile. Grazie mille per le congratulazioni.
pattimoed
Happy anniversary, Egidio! Breathtaking views from the edge!
Egídio Leitão
Patti, thank you so much for the wishes and your feedback.
pattimoed
You’re very welcome!
margaret21
Thanks so much for taking us to this strikingly beautiful edge. What a memorable celebration! No wonder you remember it so well, aided by your fabulous photos.
Egídio Leitão
Margaret, you are always so kind. Thank you.
Yanti
Amazing landscape… the scale of it confuses me at first.
Congratulations on your 30th Anniversary, Egidio!
Egídio Leitão
Yanti, thanks for the anniversary wishes and also for your feedback.
Tina Schell
Looks like breathtaking views Egidio! And of course, Happy Anniversary! My husband an I also celebrated 30 years this year.
Egídio Leitão
Thank you, Tina. Happy 30th to you both, too.
margaret21
Here’s to the next 30 years, Tina!
Tina Schell
We can hope!!!
margaret21
😉