October Storms in Big Bend
– October Storms.
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. – Psalm 19:1
Big Bend National Park, set in the remote stretches of southern Texas, is a favorite among national parks. In October, the landscape transforms as cooler temperatures move in, bringing a refreshing break from the summer heat. By then, the desert, revived by the late summer rains, takes on a greener look. Early in October, I set out on a photography trip timed with a forecasted storm system that promised some dramatic conditions—and it didn’t disappoint.
As I made my way toward Big Bend, I reached Fort Stockton around 2:30 pm. Just past town on Highway 385, a massive storm system began to take shape on the horizon. At first, I thought it was a low-lying cloud moving quickly, but it turned out to be a fast-approaching tempest. Rain started to hit the car, quickly followed by hail that grew in intensity. The powerful winds forced me to pull over and wait out the storm as the car shook, making for a memorable start to the journey.
October in Big Bend: Casa Grande Peak
My arrival at Big Bend started with quite the introduction to Texas weather.
Reaching the Chisos Mountain campground with a couple of hours to spare before sunset, I took advantage of the time by following a nearby hiking trail with gentle elevation. From here, the mountains stood tall and imposing: Vernon Bailey Peak, Casa Grande Peak, and Emory Peak—the park’s highest at 7,832 feet—all rising against the shifting light. As always, The Window view was especially captivating as the sun dipped low, adding to the scene’s tranquility.
That night, thunderstorms rolled in, one after another, each one lighting up the dark sky. Before dawn, I set out to photograph the Mule Ears, a familiar landmark I had shot before but wanted to capture in a new, moodier light. The sunrise under thick clouds gave the scene a haunting beauty I had hoped for, adding a unique dimension to a well-known view.
With the sun climbing higher, most of the clouds began to disperse, clearing the skies over the park. However, thick clouds lingered around the Chisos Mountains, wrapping around the peaks like fog. The wind kept the clouds in motion, and now and then, sunlight pierced through to illuminate the peaks, creating an ever-changing interplay of light and shadow that felt almost magical.
The Chisos Mountains presented distant views that drew me in like a kid in a candy store, eager to explore every angle. About two hours before sunset, I returned to the trail near the lodge, where the sky was a tapestry of clouds, with sunlight hitting the peaks at just the right moments. Each shot seemed to capture something distinct and memorable, leaving me in awe of nature’s show.
Looking back, planning a trip based on storm predictions felt like a gamble, but it rewarded me with moody, atmospheric shots that would’ve been impossible under clear skies. This trip to Big Bend remains one of my favorites, filled with incredible sights and unforgettable moments that reflect the park’s rugged and beautiful landscape.
Author: Tim Maxwell
