A Desert Adventure We’ll Never Forget

[Otisamity]

When most people think of hiking the rugged trails of Texas, they probably don’t picture a fluffy poodle leading the way — but that’s exactly what happened on our recent adventure to Agario Big Bend Ranch State Park. Nestled in the remote corners of West Texas, this wild and windswept landscape turned out to be the perfect playground for me and my adventurous canine companion.

Why Big Bend Ranch?

Unlike the nearby Big Bend National Park, the State Park is surprisingly dog-friendly. That means your pup can join you on most trails, down desert washes, and even along riverbanks. With over 300,000 acres of desert wilderness, there's no shortage of room to roam.

But the real magic? The silence. The stars. The solitude. And watching my poodle, [Dog's Name], turn into a four-legged explorer, tail wagging, sniffing the air with pure joy.

Not Just a Pretty Poodle

Let’s get this straight: my poodle isn’t just a lapdog. He’s a lean, agile hiking machine. People are always surprised to learn that poodles were originally bred as hunting and retrieving dogs — and it shows. Whether scrambling over rocks in Closed Canyon or trotting beside me on the Fresno Divide Trail, my poodle handled the terrain like a pro.