About an hour's drive southeast of Tucson along Interstate 10 is the Texas Canyon rest area. The rest area is at the north end of the canyon and the scenery in that area is fantastic. There must have been some gigantic geologic upheaval in ancient times because huge boulders are strewn all over the place. When my sons were younger I used to tell them that this was the site of a battle fought by an ancient race of giants who hurled these huge boulders at each other. In a way this place does look like a geologic mess.

If you are in a hurry or on your way to someplace else, the rest stop is a good place to take a break and enjoy this spot without taking too much time. Once out of the car you can stroll around and take in the majestic scenery. If you desire more exercise than just a stroll among the rocks, there are sufficient giant boulders within the Rest Stop for climbing as the pictures blow show.

We were in no hurry and the boys and I couldn't resist climbing the rocks while my wife waited below.

Climbing the higher rocks and scanning the horizon, one could understand how the great Apache Chief, Cochise, was able to hold out against the U.S. Army for years before the Army gave up and negotiated a peace with his tribe of Chiricahua Apache.

It is also good to remember that, despite the vending machines, running water and flush toilets provided at the rest area, this is still wild country and there are other critters besides tourists here. Even though I have lived here for almost 25 years and have never seen a rattle snake or scorpion outside of a zoo, I still keep a sharp eye on where I step and what I grab when climbing and hiking in areas like this.