Today we have quite the show to share with all of you! Welcome to America's first National Monument, Devils Tower, which was designated in 1906 by President Theodore Roosevelt under the Antiquities Act. Rising 867 feet above the Wyoming landscape, this stunning geologic feature is made of phonolite porphyry (igneous rock) and showcases some of the most dramatic columnar jointing on earth. Science explains its formation through ancient magma and ongoing erosion but for over two dozen Native American tribes, is it more commonly known as Bear Lodge and it holds deep spiritual significance.

Visitors can explore the Tower Trail, a 1.6-mile paved loop, or take in panoramic views on the 2.9-mile Red Beds Trail. With around 500,000 visitors annually and thousands of climbers attempting its summit each year, it remains a popular destination. Wildlife like prairie dogs, deer, peregrine falcons, and bullsnakes call the area home, while towering ponderosa pines dot the landscape. Recent $5.2 million accessibility upgrades ensure more visitors can experience its beauty, funded largely by entrance and campground fees. And who could forget the wild tale of George Hopkins, the parachutist who famously landed — and got stranded — on the summit!

Come take a listen!

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Welcome to West Texas, where the desert springs to life right in front of you. Balmorhea State Park, built in 1936 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, is home to one of the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pools. Fed by 15 million gallons of water daily from the San Solomon Springs, this desert oasis stays a perfect 72 to 76 degrees year-round. With depths up to 25 feet and covering 1.3 acres, it's a swimmer's dream.

Beyond the pool, the CCC also built retro-chic San Solomon Springs Courts motel. Nearby, the San Solomon and Hubbs Cienegas were created to restore critical habitat lost in the 1930s when building the swimming pool and have helped to save endangered desert fish.

Just down the road, the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center and Research Institute adds another layer of exploration. Established in the 1970s, this 507-acre nonprofit site features over 3 miles of trails, a 20-acre botanical garden with more than 165 native species, and the Maxie Templeton Cactus Museum housing 200+ types of cacti and succulents. With educational programs for students, ADA-accessible bird blinds, a pollinator garden, and even a historic mining exhibit, this center is a must-visit for nature lovers.

Together, Balmorhea State Park and the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center offer a rich blend of history, ecology, recreation, and conservation—all set in the stunning backdrop of the Trans-Pecos region.

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