Whenever I visit Big Bend Ranch State Park, just west of Big Bend National Park, one of my favorite hikes is the one to Cinco Tinajas. The trailhead sits about 1.3 miles (2.1 km) from the Sauceda Ranger Station, and the hike is fairly easy — if your destination is only the lookout point above the tinajas. I love the panoramic views from the top, and I also enjoy taking the trail down to explore the pools themselves.
Tinaja is Spanish for a large earthen jar, and here in the desert Southwest the word describes waterholes carved into bedrock. When visitors look down from the lookout, they can see why the area earned the name Cinco Tinajas — five jars. Depending on the rains, some of the pools hold water. One year, I braved the cold weather and got into one of them. They are deep, and the water can be surprisingly cold depending on the time of year.
Getting down to the wash involves a downhill trail with plenty of rocky stretches. That is the first challenge, both on the way down and on the climb back up. Once you reach the creek wash, you won’t find a clearly marked trail; you simply walk toward the canyon if you want to explore the pools.
The canyon walls are majestic and display the region’s geology beautifully.
I captured these photos in February 2026, on my most recent trip to Big Bend Ranch — Texas’ largest state park, at more than 300,000 acres (121,000 hectares). Whenever I am there, I truly understand the park’s motto: The Other Side of Nowhere. You are surrounded by vast landscapes, silence, and solitude — and then, tucked into the rock, you find water.
That is the story behind the shots. If you liked this post, you may also be interested in others featuring Big Bend Ranch SP, Cinco Tinajas, Landscapes, One Step, Parks, and Texas. Until the next time, keep clicking and capturing the beauty your eyes find.
Posted for Pepper’s One Step at a Time #19.
Sources:
- Texas Parks & Wildlife Department — Big Bend Ranch State Park — https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/big-bend-ranch
- Texas State Historical Association — Big Bend Ranch State Park — https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/big-bend-ranch-state-park
- AllTrails — Cinco Tinajas Loop — https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/texas/cinco-tinajas-loop
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Yinglan
I love the sunburst photo. 🙂
Anne Sandler
Egidio, what a beautiful desert landscape. I especially like the rock formations.
Egidio Leitao
Thank you so much for your feedback, Anne.
Pepper
Oh, my goodness! I think this is my favorite set of images from you yet, Egidio. I would love to be standing right there on the edge of nowhere. 😁
Egidio Leitao
Pepper, that means a lot to me. I love that park and with it were closer to home. Thank you.
pamperrault21
Ohmigosh, Egidio, you’ve taken some spectacularly beautiful and technically perfect pictures! I enjoyed them all but I really liked your narrative and I enjoy learning from you. I’ve never been to Texas, nor am I very likely to, so I’m living vicariously through your descriptive words and images. Thank you for sharing these with us. pp
Egidio Leitao
Pam, your feedback is always a boost in my day. Thanks for your kind words.