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"A natural wonder—especially in the mostly flat Lone Star State—this far-flung preserve is named for a massive bend in the churning Rio Grande that separates West Texas from Mexico, and it packs enough scenic diversity for a week-long journey. Base at the in-park Chisos Mountains Lodge to marvel at high-elevation vistas of the craggy Window Formation while hiking through madrone trees and fragrant junipers, then soak your tired bones in the historic hot springs as sunset turns Santa Elena Canyon into a hundred shades of amber." - Emily Pennington