Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge spreads over more than 110,000 acres in Cameron County, Texas, with the Laguna Madre as its southern boundary.
I set out on my Surly bicycle from the Visitor’s Center at Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge with the intention of seeing a Great Horned Owl. I rode a mile and a half along the caliche surface of Lakeview Drive and then took County Road north.
Searching for a Great Horned Owl Read More »
We wondered if there is any other location in the nation that Space X could close a State Highway, frequently, and thereby block access to a public beach and to public land.
When State Highway 4 is Closed, Make a New Plan Read More »
At Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, a half mile from the Visitor’s Center, a gate blocks access to a trail that is closed to the public. The trail passes through dense thornscrub and traverses beige bluffs above a broad silty tidal flat, Stover Cove, and ends at the old Paisano Trail. I hiked the trail Monday, February 5, 2024, to scout for a proposed group hike.
Hiking Near the old Paisano Trail at Laguna Atascosa NWR Read More »
The Bahia Grande Unit of Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge (LANWR) near Port Isabel, Texas, covers about 25,000 acres, approximately 40 percent of which consists of wetlands. The area is closed to the public except for hunts and during special events. Friends of Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge (FLANWR) sponsor a bike ride, Bike the Bahia, each month. Another event, Walk the Bahia, is scheduled to begin in March 2024. Yesterday, January 28, I scouted the proposed route.
a Six mile amble at the exclusive Bahia Grande unit of Laguna Atascosa NWR Read More »
The benefits of off-road cycling are great, especially in wildlife refuges, state parks, or other natural settings. Simply to be away from traffic, electronics and propaganda frees us to experience life out of doors. The benefits of off-road cycling are physical, emotional, and spiritual. On a bicycle, one covers more ground than walking, which allows for added opportunities to notice what we often do not see. I am not a birder, per se, but I always carry binoculars and a camera on my rides. I take my bike out as often as possible.
Three benefits of off-road cycling Read More »
I took a tranquil bike ride on Steve Thompson Wildlife Drive at Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge. The Refuge spreads across more than 110,000 acres in Cameron County, Deep South Texas. It borders the Laguna Madre. Yesterday, January 18, 2024, most of the Refuge was closed to all but licensed hunters. Wildlife Drive is always open.
One Tranquil Bike Ride on Wildlife Drive at Laguna Atascosa Read More »
Friends of Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge sponsor bicycle tours (Bike the Bahia) of the Bahia Grande Unit of the Refuge each month. They begin at an entrance on State Highway 48 near Port Isabel, Texas, and run northward on a caliche road to State Highway 100 near Laguna Vista, about 15 miles round-trip.
Bahia Grande is the largest wetlands restoration project in Texas. Construction of the Brownsville Ship Channel cut off tidal flow to the area a century ago. Over the past two decades, flow has been restored allowing the estuary to thrive. The Bahia Grande Unit encompasses about 25,000 acres. The Unit is generally closed to the public.
At State Highway 100, the group of cyclists stops briefly and then rides back southward to the starting point at State Highway 48. There are no facilities along the way. Near the turn-around point is the South Texas Ecotourism Center (STEC), which would be a better turn-around point as it offers a shaded area and restrooms.
Finding a New Route for Bike the Bahia Read More »
The beautiful ride to North Point at Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge follows good caliche road for the first seven miles. The last three and a half miles become somewhat challenging. On December 29, 2023, in the early afternoon, I pedaled from the Visitor’s Center toward North Point.
The Beautiful Ride to North Point at Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge Read More »
Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to ride a bike. Dozens of miles of caliche, dirt, or paved trails traverse the Refuge. Almost all are open to bicycles. Trails range from easy to challenging, but most are good, compacted caliche with some potholes, ruts and vegetation. I sampled several trails on this 32.5-mile ride.
A Great Location for Off-Road Cycling Read More »
I am riding my Surly bicycle counterclockwise on Steve Thompson Wildlife Drive, a 14.5-mile loop, a mostly paved road open to foot and bicycle traffic at Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge (LANWR), which covers an area of more than 110,000 acres in Cameron County, Texas.
A Short Ride at Laguna Atascosa National wildlife Refuge Read More »