favorite places
Hot Springs Canyon
Big Bend National Park, Texas
Text & Photography By Rob GreebonLocation
Hot Springs Canyon splits the border of
Texas and Mexico on the eastern slopes of
the Chisos Mountains in Big Bend National
Park. In 1909, J.O. Langford heard about
hot springs with healing powers along the
Rio Grande. He bought the land unseen and
built a bathhouse to accommodate guests.
Before Langford’s arrival, Native Ameri-
cans enjoyed the clear 105-degree springs
as well. From these springs, the canyon
received its name.
The Hot Springs Trail can be hiked as
a one-way trip or as a loop. The starting
point on the east side is the Daniels Ranch
Picnic Area. From there, a moderate hike
takes you nearly 3 miles alongside and
high above the meandering Rio Grande
to the hot springs on the western side
of the canyon. Sweeping views of the
Sierra del Carmen to the east as well as
the Chisos Mountains to the west appear
throughout the hike.Weather
Big Bend National Park has a variety of
ecosystems, from the mountainous area
of the Chisos Mountains that reach up
to 7,825 feet to the Chihuahuan Desert
floor far below. In these lower elevations
around Hot Springs Canyon, temperatures
often exceed 100 degrees. Rain is rare, and
sunshine is a mainstay most of the year.Photo Experience
I love photographing the rock features of
Big Bend, especially the areas where the
Rio Grande has cut huge canyons into the
ancient desert. Hot Springs Canyon is no
exception; the changing light of sunrise and
sunset make this a wonderful experience.In the cool morning, shooting east and
into the rising sun provides an opportu-
nity for beautiful morning clouds and a
potential sunburst as it crests the distant
mountains. Facing west, the distant Chisos
add interest to the foreground of canyon
walls and a winding river far below. In
the evening, shooting away from the sun
has you pointed in the direction of the
Sierra del Carmen, and in the last light
of day, those mountains turn a beautiful
shade of pink. I also like an interesting
foreground object to anchor the image—a
prickly pear, an Ocotillo or a yucca. These
indigenous plants are everywhere along
the path and near the cliffs.
The photograph here was taken at
sunrise nearly a mile into the hike when
heading west from the Daniels Ranch
Picnic Area. On this morning, a cloud
bank blocked a chance at a sunburst to
the east, but enough light trickled through
to illuminate the clouds lingering over
the Chisos. Taken with a Canon EOS
5DS R and a Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L
USM lens, this image shows the depth
and length of this rugged location.
Along with wide-angle lenses, telepho-
tos in the range of 70-200mm can also
capture interesting perspectives of this
landscape. At times, the trail winds near
the river; other times you’ll find yourself
high above the water. I also like to go off
the trail just a bit to see what the view is like
from various locations. You never know
when you’ll find a great photo with a nice
prickly pear cactus in the foreground. opSee more of Rob Greebon’s work at
ImagesfromTexas.com.28 Outdoor Photographer outdoorphotographer.com