Shameless Promotion

Friday, February 24, the Big Bend Ranch State Park begins the first in a series of camping/photography tours that take you to some of the most rugged, remote, and scenic locations in the park. These locations are only accessible via primitive roads that are impassible to all but 4-wheel drive, high-clearance vehicles.

View from Guale Mesa Campsite

The tours are intended for photographers who would like to work in the park but who lack the proper vehicles for reaching the best sites. I will be available to answer technical questions and provide help where needed, but there are no classroom activities – just two days of uninterrupted photography.

This month’s tour is to Guale Mesa. You’ll camp atop a high bluff that overlooks Rancherias canyon on the east, La Guitarra Mountain to the south, and the Lower Guale Mesa to the southwest. A short side trip on Sunday morning will give you an opportunity to photograph scenic Tapado Canyon at sunrise. The view southwest from the canyon rim stretches all the way to the Sierra Ricca mountains in Mexico. Blue-green walls line the canyon walls to the northwest, and the rim itself is quintessential Chihuahuan Desert. Few people have even seen this magnificent sight, much less photographed it!

View of Tapado Canyon

Price for the tour is $350; it includes one night’s lodging at the Bunkhouse, one night’s camping “on location,” all meals and transportation. The tour is limited to 6 photographers – the perfect size for a campfire supper and friendly conversation. You can make reservations by calling 432-358-4444. This price will have to be pre-paid.

Note: you must bring your own camping supplies, i.e. tent, cot, sleeping bag, pillow. We are only providing the ride to the location, food, and the atmosphere.

Another Note: I’m not being paid for this; it’s all voluntary. I’m just trying to help the park. If you know anybody who might be interested, please let them know. Thank you!

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