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Jeff Davis County, Texas

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Davis Mountains

The Davis Mountains, the most extensive mountain range in Texas, were formed by volcanic activity around the Tertiary geologic period, which began about 65 million years ago. The mountains were named after Jefferson Davis, U.S. Secretary of War and later President of the Confederate States.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Rising straight out of a seemingly endless sea of desert landscape is a mountain range whose southern-most and highest reaches make up most of Guadalupe Mountains National Park. At first glance, the rugged cliffs and sheer rock faces may appear too harsh for even a short visit. But a drive into one of the park entrances and a short stroll, quickly reveals the dramatic variety of ecosystems, and the abundance of wildlife within contoured canyons and shaded springs. There are many remnants of a time long ago, the cultural history of Native American people, settlers and cavalry, and geological evidence that long before anyone was here, an ancient sea covered the land.

Enjoy the features of the park with a walk or hike along one of the more than eighty miles of established trails. Drive the Williams Ranch 4X4 road to a historic site, or browse exhibits at the Headquarters Visitor Center and Frijole History Museum.

Big Bend National Park

Big Bend National Park, southeast of Alpine on SR 118 and US 385 derives its name from a U-shaped bend of the Rio Grande bordering the park. This last great wilderness area of Texas offers mountain and desert scenery and a variety of unusual geological structures within its 801,163 acres.

The park encompasses the entire range of the Chisos Mountains. Three river canyons, Santa Elena, Mariscal and Boquillas channel the Rio Grande as it forms the international border. Santa Elena Canyon's cliffs rise 1,513 feet above the river. Has volcanic rock formations, dry channels and deep-cut canyons. There is a soaring reptile fossil with a wingspan of 38 feet, dicovered in 1971.

Desert mule deer are plentiful throughout the area, small white-tailed deer inhabit the Chisos Mountains. Coyotes, foxes and collared pecary or javelia also can be seen. More than 400 species of birds have been identified in the park.

Civilian Conservation Corps

Created by Franklin Roosevelt as part of his New Deal, the Civilian Conservation Corps was involved in the creation of many park facilities across America, many of which remain in operation today.

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