♨️🏞️ Big Bend: A MUST Visit National Park with Incredible Hot Springs! | 51 Parks with the Newstates

[@NewstateNomads]

Dry Tortugas: 70 miles off the coast of Key West! kzbin.info/www/bejne/emfUkGyQlt2Xm5I

[@kenvalliere7906]

The recycling/trash interview was very interesting. This was my first video of yours, and I'll watch many more! Keep it up!

[@NewstateNomads]

Ken, thanks so much and welcome! We're so glad you're along for the journey. Telling stories like this is WHY we love to travel and share! 👍 -Howard

[@peggystolley6886]

I always love your videos and appreciate the educational pieces you include, but this was one of my FAVORITE videos! I absolutely loved the explanation of the trip to Mexico, and the focus on the landfill and recycling efforts of those who work and care for Big Bend NP. Super share, Newstates! Thank you.

[@NewstateNomads]

Thanks so much, Peggy! We try to show a well rounded experience at each park, and so glad you enjoyed it! 👍 -Howard

[@Rejoicewithsinging]

Excellent video!! I loved the serenity sounds in the one canyon with the birds singing ~ Blissful

[@NewstateNomads]

Thanks so much, Amy! We're going to try and record the natural sounds more often as we explore the parks. 👍 -Howard

[@GenesisMovie]

Wonderfull! And thank you for featuring the recycling program at the park. It's so cool!

[@KelleyTexas]

Great video of one of my favorite parks. During my last trip to Big Bend in 2021, I did an 8.5 mile guided bird hike up Laguna Meadows trail to try and find the Colima Warbler. The Chisos Mountains are the only place in the United States where this bird breeds each year. Unfortunately, we did not see the bird, but I did get a couple of new birds. The most important thing to know about hiking in Big Bend is to make sure you have enough water. As many times as I have been to Big Bend, I had no idea that they had a landfill. I'm so glad that you included it in your video.

[@TravelingKory]

Really enjoying following along you guys! Love that you add some elements with the Vista and your Navion with the excellent footage and commentary you provide about your destinations, excursions and overall journey. My wife and I watched your Salem video last night and we're inspired to add that to our list. I've also been using the Gaia GPS app to map and add waypoints to interesting spots you find and share with us viewers. Thanks so much for all you guys do! Cheers! ⛰️🌊🚐👍👍👍

[@NewstateNomads]

Kory, thanks so much! We aim to inspire others to explore, and the Gaia app sounds like a great idea for collecting inspiration. We are currently building out our website with more companion articles and also the full recommendations lists for our travels in our Navigators community. 👍 -Howard

[@CruisinwiththeColemans]

We love this park too! Such a great area! - Michelle & Brian

[@NewstateNomads]

Michelle & Brian we're so glad you love Big Bend, too! While attendance has certainly increased, it still feels like a hidden gem given the distance from major cities. 👍 -Howard

[@pglen6042]

Fascinating scenery. Will look forward to the cc version later. Thank you.

[@WanderingWagners]

Looks like a perfect road for our Jeep! The hot springs are so awesome and we want to do a lot of them in the country on our travels. What a great park with amazing views!

[@NewstateNomads]

Yes it is PERFECT for the Jeep! There are several additional roads with incredible views and historic sites that are 4x4 only but we couldn't dedicate the time in the episode. I think you'd love it! 👍 -Howard

[@WhereTheBASShasNoName]

I just got back from there. Chisos mountains are so beautiful. Now I'm back home in Dallas. I now love Texas so much more. My dad and I did the Window View Trail one day. Came back the day after and hiked the Window Trail.

[@NewstateNomads]

Sounds like a fantastic trip to Big Bend, Cam! Hope you can return again soon, there's a lot to see and do in the park. 👍 - Howard

[@geniemedford9200]

Such a fab video! I love Big Bend. So much to do, and you can only do so much while there. You covered so much. Thank you!

[@NewstateNomads]

Thanks so much, and glad you enjoyed it! This was our second visit, but as we say in the episode, you can always have a new experience each time. 👍 -Howard

[@TravelSmallLiveBig]

Oh my - ranger led walks / boat trips are the BEST! The horses in the river - wow. Big Bend is on our list. And a friend has a liquor store in Terlinga, so I have to get to that area - ha ha!

[@NewstateNomads]

Friend with a liquor store?! That's quite a perk to visit! 🤣 We love featuring ranger led walks, both for their informative nature and to highlight the great work rangers and interpreters do to help us all understand the place we're exploring! 👍 -Howard

[@judyclark8653]

The 3 seconds of the canyon wren echoing at Santa Elena was the highlight of this video….more of these natural sounds and less overdubbing with music would bring the true sounds of these places to us. Thanks for the great hiking trail tours!! (Canyon wrens rock)

[@dianestevenson2630]

Another great video, thanks for sharing your Big Bend Adventures with us. Spodded a fellow R-Pod owner in your campground! 🐸

[@NewstateNomads]

Thanks, Diane! We've certainly spotted more than one R-Pod in our travels. 👍 -Howard

[@dawnie3029]

Thanks for another great video. Big Bend is on the never ending list of places to visit.

[@NewstateNomads]

Dawnie, that's ok! We keep adding 2x the places to our list for every one we cross off, haha. Big Bend, absolutely worth the effort to get there. 👍 -Howard

[@dawnpiercy539]

Thanks for sharing. My husband and I are enjoying your National Park tours. Great job!!!

[@johneason6540]

Wow guys, you made this video very exciting. Lucky me me I found this video. Im planning to visit this park in April 2023 ❤

[@NewstateNomads]

Hey John! So glad you found us! Hope you have a great trip, it's an amazing park!

[@DrJWR1]

27:18 a Canyon wren! What a catch! Great video! You were there about the same time I was. I especially liked the landfill and recycling segment.

[@virginialemm864]

Oh my gosh! Big Bend is just beautiful! What fun…once-again, you’ve made me include another place on our bucket list. You have a “habit” of doing that, you two! Always so happy to see you enjoying life. Be careful and stay safe, love ya, Virginia

[@NewstateNomads]

Virginia, thanks so much! We always look forward to your comment each week and can't thank you enough for the kind words and your loyalty! ♥️♥️

[@randysiler7458]

This is best video I have watched of Big Bend. I have been there 2 times but did not have the time to explore it like y’all. Amazing park!

[@floydbishop]

This is an odd thing to comment on, but I think the magnet board in your RV is upside down. The blue bit goes at the top.

[@NewstateNomads]

OMG you're 100% right!! I just flipped it, so it will still be wrong for a couple more episodes, haha. Thanks for the heads up! 👍 -Howard

[@floydbishop]

@@NewstateNomads I know only because we just got a National Parks Edition Vista.

[@NewstateNomads]

Congrats on the new Vista NPF! Any plans for the maiden trip if you haven't already?

[@cindyj9014]

We did the Window trail last fall, it was a looong hike especially when the sun was out but totally worth it in the end! Bring lots of water!

[@JodysJourney]

My sister and I didn’t get to do the hike but Santa Elena Canyon was my favorite spot in one of my favorite parks. Just a stunning place.

[@NewstateNomads]

Jody, we couldn't agree more! Santa Elena canyon is just breathtaking. 👍 -Howard

[@bigjimslade6250]

Who Dey 🐅 You all did a great job on the video. Big Bend is my favorite. We went down to the river at Rio Grande Village. It was cold for us in March. We ate at the lodge in Chisos Basin. The steak was surprisingly good.

[@NewstateNomads]

Who Dey, Big Jim! We can definitely see why Big Bend is your favorite! Glad to hear the steaks and dining at Chisos Basin is as good as it smelled. We're excited to start sharing the dining at the lodges (you know how much we love to eat, lol) at the western parks. So many delicious choices and epic scenery to boot! 👍 -Howard

[@WilHershberger]

Another terrific video. It’s really fun watching you build you magnet collection. There are so many choices, it can take many minutes to choose just the right one. Looking forward to Saguaro. Safe travels.

[@NewstateNomads]

Wil, thanks so much! It's been fun trying to pick out magnets for the collection. Lots of options! 👍 -Howard

[@pameladeleone135]

Beautiful trip, great video,, thanks for taking us with you. Loved it!🥰

[@NewstateNomads]

Thanks for watching, Pamela! 👍 -Howard

[@toddramsay977]

Tinaja is Jar in Spanish, great video. We want to see Big Bend, maybe next year!

[@jaimel.477]

Best Big Bend video. I never watch 30 minute videos, but I'm SO GLAD I watched this one. Great trip prep.

[@2LStews]

As promised at the rally, Katelyn. I watched this video and loved it! I wasn't surprised. After meeting you and Howard, I knew it would be awesome! We're really looking forward to seeing many more videos from you guys!

[@NewstateNomads]

Hi Larry!! Yay! So glad you enjoyed it and hopefully you got some good ideas for your upcoming trip. It was so awesome chatting with you and the rally and I hope you two have a blast on your upcoming trip! ❤️ -Katelyn

[@2LStews]

@@NewstateNomads we took notes on Big Bend. Now we're taking notes on Utah! 😁

[@iamfaithfullyhis]

Beautiful places! Great hikes! Thank you! 😎🤙

[@NewstateNomads]

Glad you two enjoyed it! We're already back in California, boy the weather has been wild here. Hope you're both staying safe! ♥️

[@cosmiccharlie8294]

Always wanted to go there. Thanks for sharing!

[@ladikmk]

What a great video! It made me smile to see Katelyn’s joy from finding all the cacti. Santa Elena is nature’s own cathedral with those high walls and the mirroring river, echoing sounds and colors bouncing off the canyon walls, and the peace that you can find within - just so very beautiful. That little excursion across the Rio Grande looked fun and very interesting too. Thanks so much for sharing. Wish you safe travels & stay well. Hope the puppers are good too. P.S. Katelyn - who makes that backpack that you use? I kept trying to zoom in on the logo and couldn’t figure out what it is. Please & thanks. LisK

[@Thesaltymedic36]

I really want to see this park. I’m flying to Tampa and picking up our Rv Monday. 21’ and 4x4 😊 Perfect for this park 👍🏼 Great video, this park looks amazing

[@NewstateNomads]

Ohhhh, congrats! Wow, you're going to love exploring parks like this. Perfect for 4x4, with all the backcountry roads. We couldn't dedicate the full day for some of the longer dirt roads, but there is incredible scenery and historic sites only accessible from these roads! 👍 -Howard

[@kevinstrahle9687]

Hi guys Real nice informative video Big Bend looks great. Everything is big in Texas. Like the magnet you guys picked out. So where is your magnet board. Look forward to the next one. I slso like the desert and the cactus 🌵

[@NewstateNomads]

Thanks, Kevin! There's a large magnet board above the dinette, but I think it's still going to fill up before we finish all 51 parks! 🤣 -Howard

[@playingoutsideafter50]

Another great video, we did not know about Big Bend in Texas, going to have to put it on our list 💛

[@NewstateNomads]

Definitely a worthy addition to your list! It's extra effort given the remoteness, but absolutely try to plan a trip to south Texas. 👍 -Howard

[@evangelinastout1900]

we will be in Big Ben National park around april 7 we are so excited to see your video . we Loved your video it is very informative thank you .

[@NewstateNomads]

Perfect timing! Glad you found us and let us know how your trip goes to Big Bend! 👍 -Howard

[@munhui6510]

Thanks for the video and bringing all the breathtaking sites to us! You guys always make amazing videos that we enjoy watching and we look forward to seeing the next one. Keep it up with the good work. Safe travel!

[@NewstateNomads]

Thank you so much! We're so glad you're along for the journey. 👍 -Howard

[@laurelmode6604]

This was a great episode.

[@NewstateNomads]

Laurel, thanks so much and glad you enjoyed it! 👍 -Howard

[@proudtexan5513]

Excellent, excellent, video!! We travel to Big Bend annually here in Texas! We live in SATX! The Alamo City!

[@NewstateNomads]

Thank you so much, means a lot hearing that from a Texan! My sister will be graduating from Air Force basic training near San Antonio soon and we're looking forward to exploring the area! Thanks for watching and hope you'll continue on the journey with us. 👍 -Howard

[@proudtexan5513]

@@NewstateNomads That’s great! Please make time to eat at MiTierra famous Tex Mex, Mexican Food and spend some time down at the Pearl Beer Center on the SA Riverwalk. Also, check out Hotel Emma while you are there. Chris Madrids famous Tostada Burgers will not disappoint located on Blanco road. Y’all have fun

[@shannonalward217]

Finally getting caught up on videos! I didn’t know much about this park, but as always, you guys did a great job showing it off! 🎉

[@scooterw3936]

Yet another great video! Even though this was a longer one, it still flew by. Great storytelling and information throughout the whole video. Looking forward to the next one. Thanks so much.

[@NewstateNomads]

Scooter, thanks so much! We always try to keep the episodes moving, but the length will vary widely by the experiences we can share. 👍 -Howard

[@carolynknisely2383]

That was amazing. Thank you!!!

[@NewstateNomads]

Thanks, Carolyn! 👍 -Howard

[@rudyacosta2516]

On your next visit to Big Bend National Park, check out Cattail Falls ,Great morning hike, youll be in the shade of the Chisos mountains Geat Vlog , my Grand mother is Buried there of Glenn Springs road at Chicotal springs. ❤

[@davemaurer9709]

Another awesome video of your adventure❤

[@NewstateNomads]

Thanks so much, Dave! ♥️

[@johneason6540]

Hi guys. Im a space nut. So I need to add the Kennedy space to my must do list in TX, the wildlife parks is cool to. If your travels get you near Huntsville Alabama, you must see the space center there and the Redstone rocket factory, they built the Saturn five space rocket's ❤

[@outbackwack368]

We can't wait to visit Big Bend next year. Thanks! BTW, that black dot in your vids is a dust spot inside that lens ... I got that in my expensive Canon lenses when we were in Egypt and it cost $500 to have them serviced. I'd suggest Howard keep lens caps on the front & back when not in use and carry a little dust blower...

[@mikeigotravel9034]

Last fourth of july, I ate at the restaurant in Chisos Basin for two nights. If you can bring in your own food and cook it, then you would be better off. Which temperature did you keep the thermostat at night?

[@b1mfua33]

I loved this video. I loved all the trails and parks. It really bothered me when I saw that Landfill.Please people recycle!! We have a beautiful planet,let’s keep it that way. Love that they are getting solar panels.The people that work there are truly amazing. So happy you got to see horses and Cactus.☺️. Very impressed with all your hiking,kudos to both of you!! Big hugs for the puppies ❤️❤️🇨🇦

[@NewstateNomads]

Thanks and we're so glad you also found the sustainability projects and team interesting! Big Bend is such a unique and beautiful park. Still 40+ parks to go in the weeks to come! 👍 -Howard

[@georgelicerio6806]

Great video very informative great views

[@NewstateNomads]

Glad you enjoyed it, George! Thanks for watching and hope you'll continue on the journey with us. 👍 -Howard

[@markhamilton8612]

Excellent video!!

[@keepthewheelsrolling]

Very interesting! Thank you!!

[@NewstateNomads]

Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for watching! 👍 -Howard

[@dspierce4893]

Hello, thanks for another great video! Do you mind sharing the cross pack you are using Katelyn?

[@NewstateNomads]

Thanks so much! And of course, it's here in our Amazon shop. It's honestly my favorite bag ever! It's only $27, is very comfortable and can carry so many things! There are lots of color options too! ☺ amzn.to/42tGy2W

[@Spenttheirinheritance]

Thanks for all the info.

[@NewstateNomads]

Dan, glad it was helpful! 👍 -Howard

[@clayhackney3514]

I feel like half the parks in the lower 48 maybe more you can't really say you fully saw unless visited between June-September or so

[@NewstateNomads]

Clay, that's certainly true of parks like Glacier (which a large portion of the park is inaccessible until summer), but winter is definitely when we would recommend visiting Big Bend. The summer heat is intense, and much of the wildlife is more active in winter. Seasonality is important when visiting the parks! 👍🏻 - Howard

[@mariaatkinson4838]

How did your Vista NP do with dry camping. How many hours a day do you generally leave dogs inside motorhome while you explore. Also do you tow behind or drive the Honda on travel days?

[@NewstateNomads]

Maria, lots of great questions! The Vista NPF has large holding tanks, lithium battery, expanded solar and advanced power management which combined makes dry camping pretty painless. If we're in truly hot conditions, the system will even kick on the generator and run the A/C to help keep the dogs safe. We typically don't leave the dogs for more than 8 hours in the RV, and usually come back for lunch, too. Finally, yes we flat tow our CR-V, and won't go back to towing with a dolly (our Santa Fe couldn't be towed flat, but we've been towing a CR-V since 2020). 👍 -Howard

[@OurEpicFieldTrip]

We're enjoying this NP series. Thanks for all the great info!! Would love to know the manufacturer of the back pack and sling back bags you're using in this video??

[@NewstateNomads]

Glad you're enjoying the series, and thanks!! The backpack and sling bags are on our Amazon shop, and we love them so much Katelyn just bought another sling in a different color! 👍 -Howard www.amazon.com/shop/newstatenomads

[@ourepicfieldtrip9261]

@@NewstateNomads - thanks ! We will check them out 😀. Safe travels ✌️.

[@pglen6042]

Will rewatch later when, hopefully, the cc will be added so I catch your comments. This time, just looking and enjoying.

[@martinjdesmond]

Great video. Thanks for sharing.

[@bekindtopets]

Awesome video

[@NewstateNomads]

Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it. 👍 -Howard

[@TheECSH]

i also work in a national park but this is the first time i heard about landfills in the parks. Very informational and not something that I even thought about. But it's so true, operating parks and all the visitor facilities create so much trash, speaking from first hand experience. This isn't even counting the water and food waste. Thank you for sharing.

[@scooterw3936]

For a second there I thought you were gonna adopt a horse!

[@NewstateNomads]

Hahahaha, absolutely, positively, a horse will not fit in the RV! 🤣

[@daviscrt]

super cool. Thanks Don

[@kristenschust]

sooo funny question... when signing a guest book like you did.... do you put where from? Nomad? 😁

[@NewstateNomads]

Haha! Howard asked me too because I usually sign them and he wasn't sure. LOL Sometimes I put 'all over' or Florida, or Virginia. Just depends on my mood I guess! 😂

[@toddramsay977]

So you are passing 2 National Parks in. NM? Carlsbad Caverns and White Sands and going to Saguaro N.P.? That doesn’t make sense…Great video 5hough. Loved the shots.

[@NewstateNomads]

Hey Todd! Thanks for watching our Big Bend episode. 😄 We explained our route a bit two videos ago but since we have to be in Texas in May for the RV Unplugged Rally, we're making some circles. We'll be hitting those parks soon!

[@MuhammadSaleem-o8o]

Good work 🇵🇰 I like it 👍

[@jamesclick8223]

I have always wanted to go to Big Bend,pretty. I have heard horror stories from ranchers because of what is going on at the border. So I have had fears about going to Big Bend but from your video it looks safe.

[@NewstateNomads]

Hey James! We hope you add it to your list and are able to visit. Big Bend and the neighboring town of Boquillas, Mexico are all incredibly safe. Are there certain areas along the border that have issues, sure. But that's not the case here. There are MASSIVE mountains surrounding the park both along the Mexico and US sides, so it's pretty isolated! The Mexican town of Boquillas is wonderful and the people living there are incredibly kind & welcoming! 😄Their town is very remote, the next nearest town is several hours away from them.

[@marthayahoogillespie9567]

I am having the same concerns.

[@rodneyferree9766]

we loved Big bend, we left a week before you.

[@NewstateNomads]

Rodney, glad you enjoyed Big Bend and hopefully our paths might cross someday! 👍 -Howard

[@rodneyferree9766]

@@NewstateNomads Likely our paths have crossed, two ships passing in the night kind of thing.

[@pglen6042]

No border problems in this area?

[@NewstateNomads]

Not at all. This area is a massive national park on both sides of the border, and perfectly safe. Agreed, the scenery is incredible as well! 👍 -Howard

[@LeNguyen-tv2cv]

I collected magnets from all locations of my trips and I have over 300 magnets in the last 45 years of travelling.

[@janetwagnon5195]

It's an eastern bluebird.

[@NewstateNomads]

Thanks, Janet! Someone else suggested a Western Bluebird, how confident do you think it's Eastern? Thanks for watching! 👍 -Howard

[@janetwagnon5195]

@Newstate Nomads Howard, Western Bluebird has red on its back as well as the breast. The Eastern males back is bright blue with no red as in your video. Eastern Bluebird overwinter in that area. Big Bend is too far east for a Western Blue.

[@enesaklcag7527]

Water is life. Save Van Like

[@mikeigotravel9034]

NPS rangers have the option of wearing baseball style cap instead of the wide brimmed hat.

[@NewstateNomads]

That's true, and we've seen several that do so. Interestingly, we can't recall seeing rangers with ballcaps on any of the programs or tours, though. Maybe it is encouraged for those types of programs? Thanks as always for watching! 👍 - Howard

[@kathleenj.daniel1693]

Please tell me that the lens on your shoulder has a rear cap on...I am over here biting my nails!

[@FittingInAdventure]

Same! 😳

[@dale3x8]

The wide angle lens needs a good cleaning for sure! Big spot, top center of shots.

[@NewstateNomads]

Fear not, there's definitely a cap on it! 🤣

[@NewstateNomads]

Yep, it turned out to be a spot on the camera sensor! We kept cleaning the lenses, but finally found the spot on the sensor. Saguaro will be the last with the dreaded spot, lol.

[@FittingInAdventure]

@@NewstateNomads whew

[@merg-kw4dr]

❤

[@sandymajors9771]

Didn't your husband go with you across the rio?

[@josetejada320]

Thats all petrified wood all mountains and hills are giant petrified tree stumps you can clearly see the the rings

[@scottbumps7738]

I love your videos we watch every week, but please clean your camera sensor. You have a big dust bunny on it in the last several videos. Sorry

[@NewstateNomads]

Scott, thanks and we know! Unfortunately we couldn't ship the camera to get it cleaned (since we needed it for the tight schedule), and there wasn't a place to get cleaning supplies until our next major city. There's one more video with the infamous "spot" and then I was finally able to get it cleaned. Thanks for your patience! 👍 -Howard

[@judyclark8653]

It’s a shame that we can send billions of dollars to Ukraine but we can’t fund our own beautiful National parks….we should fund them FIRST, then send what we have left to other countries. And as far as recycling, NJ only does #1 and #2 plastics, so it’s not that we don’t care, it’s that 95% of packaging can’t be recycled….we need to stop producing plastics, since it takes energy (oil) to recycle!!

[@sandymajors9771]

51 parks in 52 weeks? does that seemed rushed? can you really enjoy it? guess we'll see.

[@cosmiccharlie8294]

People should haul their trash out with them.

[@DavidJenkins-vt2nr]

Probably been asked before - with all the content creators unable to film in national parks - why are you so special? You might state in one of your videos why you can film and no one else can.

[@NewstateNomads]

Hey David - there's certainly a lot of confusion around the most recent ruling. To be clear, nothing states that creators are unable to film in parks, you must apply for a permit. Commercial filming (which includes monetized KZbin and TikTok channels) requires at least applying for a permit. Some parks replied to our applications indicating that no permit is needed for our specific application and activity, but it is still important for everyone commercially filming to follow the new rules and apply every time (the parks who indicated no permit required did not ultimately charge us the application fee, either). Every park's process is different, but often they are looking for the type of filming activity, the locations and times. We are not special and are following the same requirements as everyone else. 😉 Hope that helps clarify!

[@DavidJenkins-vt2nr]

@@NewstateNomads You should state that on your episodes!

[@garyt-of6yb]

MANY SAFER PLACES THIS IS A ROUTE FOR CARTELS AND DRUG SMUGGLERS! I PERSONALLY WOULD NEVER GO THERE!