PBS Show October 18-24, 2015 | #2401

BIG BEND, LIFE ON THE EDGE
There is a place in Far West Texas where night skies are dark as coal and rivers carve temple-like canyons in ancient limestone. Here, at the end of the road, hundreds of bird species take refuge in a solitary mountain range surrounded by weather-beaten desert. Tenacious cactus bloom in the sublime southwestern sun, and the diversity of species is the best in the country. We’ve dedicated an entire show to one topic; Big Bend National Park.

The folks at Big Bend National Park, the National Park Service, and Great Divide Pictures were kind enough to let us share their film with you. Funding for this film was made possible by the Friends of Big Bend National Park and the National Park Service, through gifts from the Amon Carter Foundation, holders of the Big Bend License Plate, the Centennial Fund and other donors.

Big Bend National Park

Friends of Big Bend

Great Divide Pictures

[deafsmith]

Texas is a country all it's own. I am glad I live here

[deeprollingriver]

West Texas is magical. It’s empty, harsh, wild, and beautiful. I’m going to Big Bend again next month. I’m afraid I won’t want to return

[TheRealLindaLee]

We rode Mules on the trails, hiked, swept scorpions out of our Tents, had water fights by day only to have our clothes frozen stiff the next morning. Took canoes across the Rio Grande into Mexico.. Ran from the Prehistoric Creatures in Glenrose, Texas. Played in the desert of The Monohans Sandhills State Park.But hiking to Emory Peak in Big Bend National Park with G.A.T. (Girls Adventure Trails) will remain one of the best memories I will have of my Childhood.. We were called the Fastest Hiking Lightening Nine. Our month long adventure will always and forever bring a smile to my face... I was Blessed to have been given that oportunity ❤

[tomswinburn]

To the people who find Big Bend or any of the great national parks a place of healing, a place where solitude and beauty renew the human spirit, the gift TR left us will never be forgotten. Big Bend has far fewer visitors than many of our national parks, but from my perspective that's a good thing. I love solitude, which is hard to find at the more popular parks. The hellish heat keeps many from visiting Big Bend, and for that I'm thankful. Selfish maybe, but we need places to get away from other people, phones, TV, the internet, the easy life. You see time and again people commenting on how a planned single visit to Big Bend became a near obsession. They can't wait to return. There are many places in this country that have that effect on people, and we dang sure need to guarantee these places remain as they were originally envisioned. Thanks to Tx. Parks and Wildlife and the National Park Service for their dedication to that end.

[robertreznik]

I went by there... It was 35 years ago and still remember what the sky looks like when every light is out of sight for miles and miles. Texas is truly blessed. The Palo Duro is another Texas park that will turn your lights out as you ponder the natural beauty of Texas!

[nonymouz]

I get emotional watching this tbh. I am a native Texan, but I haven't been home in a long time (almost six years since I have been in Texas). Even then, where I grew up, contains only memories of a once great life, and a collapsing farming community, sustainability is not optimal where I grew up and crime is rising in the bigger cities. I have been displaced for a long time. I hope to go to El Paso, and to also visit Big Bend. Something about this place is calling me, as if it would be a temporary home, a temporary rest from the troubles that life has given me. An opportunity to be away from the busy city, the daily guns, the loud night lights that hide the view of the sky, to just be at peace. I have always loved the desert; it has beauty that is seen nowhere else. Thanks for the video, one day I will visit home. What a magickal place.

[tomwilliams]

As a 57 year old who first started visiting the park in 1978, I can attest to the statement, there is no other place like it. I go every few years and am always changed.

[treasureisland]

*I know this place well..the video did the Big Bend justice. God Bless Texas..Happy trails!*

[GregFeeneyPoker]

My favorite place on earth. Nothing makes me feel as alive as when I am peering out over the vast desert and mountains in Big Bend.

[mayuka]

Big Bend is the greatest place in the world.

[sharonmenegaz]

Best Parks and Wildlife show ever....perfect for my 7th grade Texas History class!

[dalevarley]

Grew up in West Texas. Big Bend is truly magical. Hiking Juniper canyon I saw a Mohave rattlesnake which was a real treat. The only change I would make to this film is that the diversity of plants is due to their exquisite design from their unique dna programs not adaptations. Glory to God.

[akbrooks]

I hiked the lost mine trail to Emory peak at dawn in the middle of July a few years back. One of the greatest experiences of my life. watching the sun peak over the mountains is amazing. Sunsets are the same.


The Chisos mountains stay cool, but the desert floor his really hot.

[jenm.]

I have no words good enough for the beauty. I'm going there next week. I will be there.

[lawnfascist]

Never had a desire to see Big Bend, until watching this. Now I cant wait to make the drive out and spend some time there.

[chriscollins]

Beautiful presentation! Thanks Texas P&W! Drove thru there in Fall 2015 on cross-country trip from Virginia and it was well worth going 200 miles out of the way to visit!

[nicolewiebe]

My husband and I visit Big Bend NP many times a year. We absolutely love it, truly the most beautiful place in Texas with so much to offer. It is our escape from the city, time to relax and enjoy the solitude. I believe Jennette in the video has waited on us several times helping us pick our campsites, she is so informative and helpful. We take our jeep and drive everywhere.

[supertyfon]

One of the most beautiful American wonders 🙂

[jondelgado]

This is a fantastic episode and it really shows that y'all are upping the production on the show. I really like how you guys have Peter Coyote narrating, taking a cue from Ken Burns? I hope to see more episodes like this in the upcoming seasons.

[bigbensarrowheadchannel]

I love my Texas home. There's no place like it.