El Solitario is an ancient, 10-mile wide collapsed volcanic dome. The boys were incredibly fascinated with learning how it was formed.
Next, we went on a hike to see the Cinco Tinajas, water-filled rock basins. Though it was only March, it was starting to get warm in the desert, so we made sure to bring water and sunscreen to do the upper and lower loop trails.
Ojito Adentro trail is good for families since the hike isn’t terribly long, since it leads to a shaded oasis (therefore you’re not hiking in the sun the whole time), and since it involves getting to climb over and between boulders (a kid’s dream).
Just when you are convinced you are lost (remembering that the trails and landscape in Big Bend are purposefully minimally developed to “capture the spirit of the land”), the trail ends at a natural spring and waterfall!
After being thoroughly wiped out from a day full of hiking and exploring, we retired back to Yedra 1. The evening was peaceful and calm.
We woke up the next morning, and had to pack up and head out pretty early to make it to Albuquerque for the night. Since you tend to rise with the sun when you camp, this wasn’t a problem for us.
Moira was able to make it out of Big Bend with all tires in tact, but was quite dusty for the wear!
Overall, the ruggedness of camping, hiking, and driving around Big Bend was a test of character for the whole family, which is always worth it in the end. But making it even more worthwhile were the incredible views from our private, wide-open camping haven, the stars, the fresh air, and the digital detox.
Stay tuned next week for a recap of the next part of our trip in Page, Arizona and Navajo country for Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, and pin this one for future reference if you take a trip to Big Bend!
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