West Texas

A desert bighorn sheep stands on a rock wall at Big Bend Ranch state park
July 15, 2026

Big Bend Bighorns

The charismatic desert sheep are back in their former stomping grounds.

By Kristen Tibbetts
Man standing on a hill looking down at a river.
April 2026 Issue

Hiking 100 Miles Through Big Bend Ranch State Park

Three backpackers find “roses and thorns” in Texas’ biggest state park.

Story by Tyler Priest
Raymond Urban next to a monument on Guadalupe Peak.
January/February 2026 Issue

Novice Game Warden Experienced TV-Worthy Adventures in a Remote Texas Outpost

Texas lawman served in rugged Guadalupe Mountains in the 1960s.

Story by Shilo Urban
Northern view of the Chisos Mountains and Rosillos peak in Big Bend National Park
August/September 2025 Issue

What to Do in Big Bend During Chisos Basin Closures

Alternatives abound at both Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park.

Story by Morgan O'Hanlon
Three bighorn sheep standing on a rock covered mountain
August/September 2025 Issue

Disease Leads to a Critical Crossroads For Texas Bighorn

TPWD and partners focus on fighting a deadly disease affecting the sheep.

Story by Lydia Saldaña
A bird's eye view of two kayakers paddling the green Pecos River
July 2025 Issue

Pecos River's Forgotten Reach Gets Some Attention

A nonprofit group and partners pursue conservation efforts in an area hit by overpumping, drought.

Story by Morgan O'Hanlon
rock-shelter
March 2025 Issue

Big Bend Discovery Yields Secrets of an Ancient Hunt

Hunting kit found in a cave offers a vivid glimpse into the region's history.

Story by Louie Bond
The rio grande river winds through the landscape with mountains in the background
January/February 2025 Issue

Blaze Your Own Trail at Black Gap Wildlife Management Area

Experience pure West Texas desert at its finest.

Story by Eva Frederick
Black bears in front of a feeder
January/February 2025 Issue

As Bears Return to Lone Star State, West Texans Learn to Coexist

Biologists hope Texas bear research will give residents a toolkit to manage growing populations.

Story by Eva Frederick
A pink and blue sky highlights the scrub-covered hills of the Franklin Mountains
October 2024 Issue

Escape the City Grind in El Paso's Franklin Mountains

State park offers scenic summits and miles of trails.

By Lydia Pagel
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The October 2024 cover of Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine, featuring a surfer riding a wave along the Texas Gulf Coast

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