Mule Ears

— From several areas in Big Bend National Park, and especially along the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, Mule Ears can be seen out in the distance. It is an impressive view even if you only admire it from the overlook point, where the above shot was made. In reality, we did the short 3.8-mile round trip hike to Mule Ears spring once, and as we approached the formation, the viewing angles and proximity would provide us new perspectives on those mountains, but none as distinct as from the overlook point. As described in the Big Bend NP web site, this particular “hike leads through the foothills of the Chisos Mountains” and crosses a few arroyos before passing an old rock corral to get to the springs. As expected, the spring area has some shrubs, ferns, and cattails.