2. Big Bend, Texas

By Rich Beattie

(Alan Kesselheim)

Score: 4.19

High marks for scenery and the visitor center catapulted west Texas' Big Bend to become Glacier's closest challenger. And what scenery it is. Here on the Rio Grande, desert meets mountains and north meets south. You won't be lacking for culture or things to do. One reader recommends hiking to the South Rim. Just beware that it's closed part of the year for falcon nesting.

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