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Summer Fun in Big Bend begins in the mountains. Some Texans don't know that Texas has its own rugged high country in Big Bend National Park's Chisos Mountains, or that Marathon is a cool 4,050 feet above sea level. We are currently enjoying a typical late summer rainy season, when temperatures are much cooler than seasonal highs, the desert and mountains are green, the Rio Grande is perking up, and the sunsets are indescribable. Once you smell the desert after a brisk summer shower, you won't want to go back. 

Although Big Bend is known for outdoor adventure activities like hiking, canoeing, rafting, jeeping, horseback riding, mountain biking, and camping, that doesn't mean you have to rough it. Comfortable accommodations and excellent meals are available at Chisos Mountains Lodge for an authentic National Park high country experience, or at the luxurious riverside oasis, Lajitas Resort, or in historic Marathon at the lovingly restored Gage Hotel.

FESTIVALS AND SPECIAL EVENTS:
Something for everybody, regardless of interest or age group. Click here for the full schedule
 

August 4-6 Marathon Living with Nature Festival. Seminars and demonstrations for low impact energy efficient contruction technique and off-the-grid living. Eve's Garden Bed and Breakfast (under construction at right) is 70% by volume shredded waste paper.

August 18-19: 22nd Annual Terlingua Bronze Buzzard Chili Cook Off.  Authentic Terlingua Chili with all the trimmings and none of the crowds that flock to the annual World Championship Terlingua Cook Off in November.