The Other Side of Nowhere: Exploring Big Bend Ranch State Park and Its Flora

Big Bend Ranch State Park is a rugged wilderness outback with 238 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding and 70 miles of challenging four-wheel drive roads. This guidebook, written by photographer and naturalist Roy Morey, walks visitors through the park's six physiographic regions and includes a field guide section with informative profiles and vivid imagery of 281 plant species.

Format: Hardback
Length: 480 pages
Publication date: 22 December 2023
Publisher: Texas A&M University Press

The Big Bend Ranch State Park (BBR) is a remarkable destination nestled within the southern reaches of the Trans-Pecos region, acquired by the State of Texas in 1988 and officially opened to the public as the Big Bend State Natural Area in 1991. Spanning an impressive 492 square miles, this state park represents nearly half the total acreage of the Texas state park system. Unlike its neighboring Big Bend National Park, BBR remains relatively undiscovered, offering a wild, challenging, and slightly intimidating experience for those seeking adventure. It is affectionately known as the "Other Side of Nowhere," a rugged wilderness outback that beckons the intrepid with its 238 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, as well as 70 miles of challenging four-wheel drive roads that allow visitors to explore breathtaking geological features, remnants of the area's 11,000-year human history, and a remarkable diversity of flora and fauna that rivals any other region in the state.

In this comprehensive guidebook, photographer and naturalist Roy Morey takes readers on a captivating journey through the untamed landscape of Big Bend Ranch State Park. With eleven years of dedicated study and photography under his belt, Morey shares his invaluable insights and knowledge, providing a comprehensive guide to this remarkable park. Organized around the six physiographic regions of the park as outlined by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, The Other Side of Nowhere takes readers on a guided tour of the park's features and locations, offering a wealth of information and captivating imagery.

The guidebook includes a comprehensive field guide section that features informative profiles and vivid imagery of 281 plant species found within the park. These profiles provide detailed information about the plants' characteristics, habitat preferences, and ecological significance, making it an essential resource for botanists, nature enthusiasts, and anyone seeking to explore the diverse flora of the greater Big Bend and Trans-Pecos areas.

Whether you are a seasoned explorer or a first-time visitor to the region, The Other Side of Nowhere is a must-have guide for anyone seeking to discover the wonders of Big Bend Ranch State Park. With its comprehensive coverage, stunning photography, and insightful commentary, this guidebook offers a deep appreciation for the natural beauty and ecological richness of this remarkable park. So pack your bags, lace up your hiking boots, and prepare to embark on an unforgettable adventure in the "Other Side of Nowhere."

Dimension: 279 x 216 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781648431067