Husband and me, late 50's. Interested in mid level hikes, not high adventure. Natural beauty, I hear the bluebonnets are wonderful in the Spring. Accessibility to places by car, and hiking.

I hear the Gage hotel is a fun place to stay, historic.

Some prefer BB, some prefer Fort Davis.

Help me learn why!!

Many thanks,

I have only been to Big Bend but have friends who have a house in the Davis Mountains. My understanding is that Davis Mountains State Park is thought to be less crowded. You can visit Mcdonald's Observatory and Marfa, Texas. (You can visit the observatory and Marfa on your way in or out of Big Bend, but I think it's too far to drive if you are staying in or near Big Bend. The following link gives you an idea about the two areas. I think the hikes might be too difficult.

I was in Big Bend in April and it was so hot I thought I was going to pass out. Keep in mind that shade is limited on many trails.

https://www.texasmonthly.com/travel/...another-world/

Depending on where you are coming from and how much time you have, why not both?

I have not been there since shortly before Covid, but there are fun hotels in Alpine (The Holland Hotel), Marfa (The Paisano), and Terlingua . All those towns deserve a day or two, IMO. I did not hike the Davis Mountains, but the Fort Davis National Historic Site is well worth a visit, if that is an interest for you. Big Bend is loaded with easy and difficult hikes, great birding, fabulous night skies and fabulous scenery. Getting inside the park reservations can be tough, though.

Check out this PDF from the Texas Historical Commission
https://www.thc.texas.gov/public/upl...ntaintrail.pdf

https://www.thc.texas.gov/