Texas Wildflowers 2013

Normally around this time of the year, all the wildflowers are in bloom and I am out in the field photographing the Texas bluebonnets. It has been a really strange year and the drought and cold weather snap has been affecting the blooms all over the state. Big Bend National is no exception. They do have a few bluebonnets, but it normally peaks in late February if I’m not mistaken. I was down in Big Bend National Park in late February and I did see a few, but at that time it was not worth stopping to take a picture. I wanted to return to Big Bend before it got too hot to do some exploring and fortunately my timing was perfect because the bluebonnets were in full bloom when I arrived, March 27th – March 31st. Not only were the bluebonnets in bloom at Big Bend National Park, I did see a lot of Ocotillo as well and a few cactus. The most concentrated area of cactus in bloom was in Mile Marker 15 from Panther Junction Visitor Center and Rio Grande Village. Also, the 4×4 drive to Glen Spring Road had some nice cactus in bloom along with amazing views of the mountains including the Chisos Basin mountain range from the distance.

Here are some photos from my recent trip:

Big Bend National Park Bluebonnet Photographed along Highway 385 from the main entrance to Panther Junction Visitor Center
Springtime Bloom – Big Bend National Park, Texas

Ocotillo in Bloom
A Touch of Light – Big Bend National Park, Texas

Cactus in Bloom
Cactus in Bloom – Big Bend National Park, Texas

Spring in Big Bend – Big Bend National Park