The Wonders of America's State Parks Season 1 Episode 11 West Texas: Where the West Is Still Wild

The Wonders of America's State Parks takes viewers on a journey through West Texas in their 11th episode of season one titled "West Texas: Where the West Is Still Wild." This episode explores the rugged and untamed wilderness of the lone star state, where the natural beauty of the American Frontier still reigns supreme.

Host Sally Anderson starts the episode in Big Bend Ranch State Park, one of the least visited parks in the state, despite its vast open spaces and stunning landscapes. At over 300,000 acres, Big Bend Ranch is the largest state park in Texas, featuring dramatic canyons, towering mountains, and crystal-clear streams.

The episode highlights the park's unique geology, which dates back over 450 million years. Anderson gives viewers a glimpse into the lives of the park's residents, including a family of mountain lions, black bears, and other wildlife that roam freely across the vast expanse of this remote wilderness.

Next, the show takes viewers to the beautiful Davis Mountains State Park, located in the Chihuahuan Desert. Surrounded by the rugged peaks of the Davis Mountains, this park offers some of the best hiking and camping opportunities in West Texas. Anderson explores the park's rugged terrain and the array of wildlife that call it home.

A highlight of this episode is the discovery of Balmorhea State Park, a true desert oasis located in West Texas. This stunning park boasts a crystal-clear spring-fed swimming pool, where visitors can swim in refreshing sixty-eight-degree water year-round. Anderson takes viewers on a leisurely swim through the clear waters while exploring the various species of fish and other aquatic life that inhabit the pool.

The Wonders of America's State Parks then heads to Guadalupe Mountains National Park, where Anderson hikes to the summit of Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas. Along the way, she meets with the park's rangers and scientists, who discuss the unique ecology of the area, including the diverse array of cacti and plants that grow in the harsh desert environment.

Finally, the show heads to Caprock Canyons State Park, one of the last intact prairies in the United States. Here, Anderson explores the rolling grasslands of the Texas Panhandle and encounters a herd of bison, one of the most significant conservation success stories in Texas's history.

Throughout the episode, The Wonders of America's State Parks showcases the beauty and diversity of West Texas, from its rugged canyons to its serene swimming holes. The show highlights the importance of preserving these natural wonders for future generations while encouraging viewers to explore the joys of outdoor recreation themselves.

Overall, "West Texas: Where the West Is Still Wild" is a must-watch episode of The Wonders of America's State Parks, offering a stunning look into the heart of one of America's most wild and untamed regions.