On top of Big Spring

BIG SPRING One thing you don't often find at a state park is a local, especially ones who come every day.

But at Big Spring State Park, residents get a unique way to exercise and enjoy nature.

Margarito Loya of Big Spring said he goes to the park everyday. There, he walks the 2.3-mile road that climbs a 200-foot bluff, providing 25-mile views of the Permian Basin, before circling back to the ground.

He said it's a big difference from the high school track he used to walk.

"It's a lot better," he said. "You get your little inclines, the trees, the breeze. There's no traffic up here or nothing."

Others use the road for biking or running, park manager Ron Alton said.

And for those who can't make it the entire way, the 385-acre park also offers a 2/3 mile nature trail.

"That ain't too bad, even for the younger ones," Alton said.

The park is popular among nature watchers. It has populations of horned lizards, roadrunners, crissal thrashers and native plants.

"I've talked to people who've traveled all around Big Bend and never seen a roadrunner, but we do have them here," Alton said.

But everyone enjoys the views, Alton said. Folks are often surprised to see such a vista in the Permian Basin.

"We get a fair amount of people that come out of Midland, Odessa, even Lamesa - they're like, ‘Wow!' " he said.

Just remember to expect a bit of a breeze. After all, there's a reason many of the other bluffs in the area have wind turbines on them.

IF YOU GO

>> What: Big Spring State Park.

>> Hours: Gate is open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. during Daylight Saving Time, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. the rest of the year.

>> Location: 1 Scenic Drive, Big Spring.

>> Fees: Entrance fee is $2 per person, per day. Tent campsites are $10 per day.