Rio Grande -- Big Bend State Park, Presidio County TX - Scenic Roadside Look-Outs on Waymarking.com

FM 170, "the River Road", is known as the most beautiful drive in the state of Texas. Part of the reason for that reputation is scenic vistas like this one, located in a highway pull-out in Big Bend Ranch State Park east of Fort Leaton.

This vista, and many other scenic spots along this part of the Rio Grande, delight tourists of all ages who make the trek to this remote area of Texas.

An information sign nearby tells how precious and threatened this river is from the actions of man and growing riverside cities upstream:

"A THREATENED NATURAL TREASURE

One of Texas’ greatest natural treasures, the Rio Grande (Rio Bravo del Norte) is also one of the most endangered rivers on the planet

Sustaining Life

Looked down at the green ribbon of vegetation that borders the Rio Grande beyond this panel. Do you see how the slush cord or contrast sharply with the surrounding area landscape? You are witnessing the power water to transform the desert.

The life-giving waters of the Rio Grande sustain one of the most diverse communities of birds, mammals, and amphibians in Big Bend Ranch State Park. However, although it’s hard to believe, this river is actually now one of Texas most threatened natural resources.

A River in Peril
with some of the highest population growth rates in the entire United States, demand for water along the Rio Grande steadily increasing. Water diversions from municipal and agricultural use down claim 95% of the river’s average annual flow, and at times demand for water exceeds the available supply.

Conserving water will be the key to protecting the Rio Grande for both humans and wildlife in the years to come. Think about your own water use. What could you do to cut back?

This 2004 aerial photo of El Paso/Ciudad Juarez shows the extent of urban expansion along the Rio Grande. Sometimes known as the “forgotten river”, the Rio Grande is greatly diminished and actually channeled through concrete culvert at this point on its journey to the Gulf of Mexico."

Describe - Highway or Road number: FM 170 Closest town or city: Lajitas TX Number of parking spots available: 20 Winter View: yes Summer View: yes Year around access ?: yes Comfort station on site: no Is a photo of an "Information Sign"included?: Yes Name if a website describes this location.: Not listed

Recent Visits/Logs:

Date Logged Log User Rating   12/23/2016 Benchmark Blasterz visited it