India, March 18 -- When most people think of Far West Texas, their minds immediately jump to Big Bend National Park, which sees more than half a million visitors a year and has about 800,000 acres of gorgeous desert landscape. And while Big Bend National Park deserves all of the love it receives, it's not the only worthwhile stop in the area.

At over 300,000 acres, Big Bend Ranch State Park is Texas's largest state park, unfurling along the Rio Grande and the Texas-Mexico border. In contrast to its national park counterpart, this state park only sees about 14,000 visitors per year. "The state park is more remote and rugged," says Alex Mariona, the park's superintendent. "We offer a more dispersed and self-guided experience."

It's also ...