Up Close to Mule Ears

— If you have ever visited Big Bend NP and taken the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, you most likely have seen the shot above — except from the distance. This is the iconic Mule Ears Peak. However, you are only seeing one of the peaks (the left-hand side peak, if you’re at the overlook point) because this shot was made close to the Mule Ears Spring. This is one of those hikes that is probably best done in cold months. When I made this shot, it was precisely 11 years ago today. The weather was very comfortable and we just had a flannel shirt on top of our t-shirt. Up to this point, the is a moderate hike of only under 4 miles (6.5 km) roundtrip. It’s an interesting hike that takes you around the foothills of the Chisos Mountains, crossing several creeks, and leads you to Mule Ears Spring. There is even an old rock corral used by old settlers. The most interesting thing about the hike is how Mule Ears change their perspective as you get closer. The closer you get, the less the peaks look like mule ears themselves.