Thinking about our visits to Big Bend National Park, I’m going through some old photos and reminiscing about some of our favorite trails. An easy and favorite trail of mine is the one to Ernst Tinaja. I’ve been there several times. When I captured the two photos highlighted in this post, I biked to the trailhead. Most people drive the 4.5-mile (7.25 km) dirt road on Old Ore Road. It is recommended a high-clearance vehicle. On this particular bike ride, however, we did see a couple of women driving a Prius. So much for high clearance!
After you get to the trailhead, the actual trail is very short (just about 0.5 miles or 0.8 km). The closest thing that comes to mind when a visitor starts looking at these vibrant colored swirling striations in the rocks is that one is seeing the Earth inside out and upside down. Doesn’t the photo below give you the impression the Earth twisted itself on its axis? Look at the lines.
Ernst Tinaja is a 13-foot (4 m) natural rock pool. An animal might get trapped in one of these pools if the water levels are low. The rocks are very slick, making it impossible for some animals to climb back up. A hiker must also use caution not to slip and fall in one of the pools. For example, to get to the angle I captured the first photo, I had to go through those slick rocks around the pools.
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Anne Sandler
Simply beautiful Egidio!
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, Anne. That is one amazing area in Big Bend. So much geology in front of our eyes.
margaret21
What quite extraordinary rocks! This is a trail I’d want to walk, because I’d be stopping very two minutes to stand and stare .. or get my camera out.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Margaret. It is a fascinating trail with so much to see. The rocks are full of mysteries.
Toonsarah
What fascinating example of rock formations! An unusual name too, was it called after someone?
Egidio Leitao
Thanks so much, Sarah. Ernst TInaja was named after Max Ernst, a justice of peace in that area. He was murdered as he was traveling that road, according to the National Park Service page.
restlessjo
It looks like very tricky terrain, Egidio, but these are wonderful captures.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Jo. Yes, the terrain is tricky in two ways: the rocks are slick and, in some areas, loose.
Marie
Beautiful. The rock feels alive, as if it is slowly flowing down to the pool.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Marie. It’s a wonderful place to visit.