9) Big Bend National Park
Nature-enthusiasts, this one’s for you. Straddling the U.S. – Mexican border, Big Bend National Park, in West Texas, is an outdoorsman’s dream. The Rio Grande and Rio Bravo form the border between the two countries, carving out breathtakingly steep and twisted canyons. The 800,000-plus acre park with sprawling vistas and interesting wildlife can be explored in many ways. For hikers, there’s 150 miles of trails varying from desert treks, river excursions, and mountain passes. Each hike yields different wildlife and a diverse scenery. The park’s 100 miles of paved roads and 160 miles of dirt roads make it an ideal for bicycling. The same roads can also be explored via car for those less physically inclined. The really adventurous can take off on one-day or multi-day river floats along the Rio Grande. Cruise through impossibly deep canyons and keep your eyes peeled for turtles, beavers, and Blue Heron.
