Panther Path -- Panther Junction Visitor Center, Big Bend NP TX
N 29° 19.685 W 103° 12.367
13R E 674185 N 3245671
The Panther Path garden explains the Chihuahuan Desert plants and fulfills requirements for Junior Ranger badge activities
Waymark Code: WMTZMT
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 01/28/2017
Views: 3
The Panther Path is a brilliant demonstration and teaching garden to demonstrate the variety of plants in the Chihuahuan desert, and show how they all fit together in an fascinating ecosystem.
From the NPS website: (
visit link)
"Panther Junction Visitor Center
Open all year, 9:00am-5:00pm. Reduced hours on Christmas day.
Located at park headquarters, Panther Junction Visitor Center is the best place to begin your visit. Backcountry and river use permits are issued during normal business hours, and entrance fees can be paid at the visitor center. Interactive exhibits provide an overview of geology and natural and cultural histories of the park. The visitor center also has a theater, with a park orientation movie shown upon request.
The visitor center complex includes a Big Bend Natural History Association bookstore, U.S. Post Office, and restrooms. A water faucet is available for filling personal water containers. The Panther Path, a self-guided nature trail, begins adjacent to the porch of the visitor center.
The Panther Junction Service Station, 200 yards west of the visitor center, is open every day. The station offers gas, diesel, as well as groceries."
"Hiking" the Panther Path earned little ones a special patch, while older children will use the informative plaques in the trail to answer questions and do activities towards the Junior ranger badge.