TEXAS, OUR TEXAS
Texans will have even more breathtaking views to look forward to when the Chinati Mountains State Natural Area, a 39,000-acre park in West Texas managed by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, opens in 2031.
The area is currently being preserved for future recreation and conservation, the area will protect Chihuahuan Desert grasslands, mule deer habitat, and bat colonies that pollinate desert plants.
About the Park
Set in the Chinati Mountains of Presidio County, this natural land protects a unique sky island ecosystem – isolated mountain habitats that rise above desert lowlands. These volcanic mountains provide shelter for diverse plants and wildlife. The landscape is already generating buzz, with local reporting in Big Bend Times already calling it “a new jewel in the desert.”
Other Areas of Interest
Kronkosky Natural Area
The Albert and Bessie Kronkosky State Natural Area, projected to open in the fall of 2026, is located northwest of San Antonio, protecting nearly 4,000 acres of Hill Country.
Bear Creek State Park, a 1,720-acre property near Garner State Park is also expected to open around 2031, thanks to the $1 billion Centennial Parks Conservation Fund approved by Texas voters, with TPWD planning additional new parkland purchases by the end of the decade.
Devils River — Dan A. Hughes Unit
TPWD opened the Dan A. Hughes Unit of Devils River State Natural Area earlier this year.
This picturesque environment is prized for its pristine waters and rugged beauty, offering world-class paddling opportunities, more than 25 miles of hiking trails, with plenty of fish to catch and abundant wildlife to see.
According to astronomy buffs, if you tote your telescope along, you can also enjoy some of the darkest skies in the Lone Star State.
Palo Pinto Mountains
Palo Pinto Mountains State Park is located about 75-miles west of Fort Worth, features dramatic canyons, and a 90-acre lake with campsites. Still under development, the park will be open for First Day Hike only on Jan. 1.
Post Oak Ridge
Located across the river from Colorado Bend State Park, Post Oak Ridge will provide two miles of Colorado River frontage, and the spring-fed Yancey Creek when the park fully opens around 2030.
The park will eventually offer hunting opportunities, and other limited public access.
Also scheduled to open in 2030 is the Powderhorn State Park along Matagorda Bay.
According to TPWD, this is one of the largest remaining undisturbed coastal prairies in Texas, and is home to marine life and more than 200 species of birds – including whooping cranes!
2026 First Day Hike – Big Bend
If your New Year’s Resolution is to hike more, you’re in luck. On January 1st, 2026, the Friends of Big Bend Ranch are hosting a special First Day Hike for a select group. This will be the first time members of the public are allowed inside the natural area.
Here’s how it works:
- Raffle tickets will be sold from Dec. 1-13.
- One winner will be drawn each day Dec. 14-25.
- Each winner may bring one guest, for a total of 24 people.
- On New Year’s Day, the lucky winners will hike into the park, exploring backcountry areas during this historic moment.
All proceeds will benefit Friends of Big Bend Ranch State Park, which also supports the Chinati Mountains State Natural Area.
To learn more and enter the raffle, visit Friends of Big Bend Ranch and follow the Big Bend Ranch State Park’s social media channels.
