Big Bend Trip Help!

Im trying to plan a 5 day senior trip to big bend with my friends and none of us have ever been there. We want to a lot of back country driving on their trails and camp in a different site each night. What tips do yall have on the park, gear, truck, terrain ect. Also any stand out places in the park that are a must see? Thanks in advance!

 

I'm fairly familiar with the National Park as we've been camping and hiking there since the late 70's (yeah, a few of us old fart's are still around) and we've also spent some time in Big Bend State Park but are less knowledgeable there. While summer is not the ideal time to visit this area, it can still be a great experience. A few questions and I can offer better suggestions.

Which Big Bend Park?
When?
How many folks?
How many vehicles?
2WD, 2WD High Clearance, 4WD?
Do you plan to hike or just looking for driving suggestions?
Any prior experience with remote desert camping or primitive road driving?

The NPS website has a lot of good info on the National Park http://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/index.htm You may have to follow multiple links it should provide a good basis. www.bigbendchat.com is another good source.


Al

 

1. Big Bend National Park
2. July 18-23, I know itll be hot but when you work 8hrs a day outside in the texas heat it doesnt bother you as much!
3. 3-6
4. 2, My tacoma and by buddies serria both 4wd
5. Driving from camp to camp with day hikes to outlooks, mines, historic spots ect.
6. Lots of camping experience, never in the desert, lots of off road experience, never in the desert.

Thanks for the help!

 

After a little more research I want to see if we could do 3 nights at the NP and 2 at the SP

 

I heard the state park is better for off roading?

 

Thats what its looking like

 

Lol we're supposed to hit up angel falls in NM that week, that'd be cool if we rendezvoused through there. Probably won't haha

 

Im down to run the tacos thru some trails together!

 

also for those that have been, are 4 wheelers allowed in the SP or NP?

 

Yeah that'd be BA. Me and my buddies are coming from SA heading west, maybe if we get more time we could head southwest towards big bend. I'd have to let them know.

 

Hey this guy got a good thread on his trip. Check it out
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/big-bend-2014.348522/

 

Yeah I just read it thru about an hour ago, thats what made me start thinking about the SP, but a great write up!!

 

I'm actually getting pumped to go through this now. Just have to get my ac fixed

 

You live in Texas with no A/C??

 

Dude you don't even know...

The college struggle.

 

I'll feel ya in 2 months haha

 

Nah I've just put it off till now. I was gonna get it checked next week along with its maintenance.

Regardless, big bend! It'll be hot that's for sure.

Edit: also congrats! Big relief now I'm sure, a deserving vacation should sound nice.

 

itll be hot but i dont think itll be too bad

 

Having two 4WD's, camping experience and at least three people opens up a lot of possibilities in both Parks for you. Splitting your time between the two Parks is probably a good idea; I think the NP has more opportunities for hikes and scenic features while the State Park has more challenging roads. As mentioned earlier, we've been to the State Park but I'll limit my comments to the NP as I have more experience there.

Camping - With only five days to cover both Parks, I'd suggest picking one site in each as a base rather than moving daily as you'll lose a good bit of time just tearing down and setting up again. The Basin campground has a couple of advantages - its centrally located and its at a higher elevation (cooler) than any of the remote roadside sites. If you're looking for privacy, I doubt you'll have much company even there in July. For full disclosure, I've never camped at a back road site. We usually stay two weeks and split our time between the developed campgrounds and overnight backpacks into the Chisos. Exercise basic cautions with regard to scorpions, rattlesnakes, tarantulas and especially the javelina which will wreck a tent if they think there's food inside.

Hiking - The Basin area also offers three of the top hikes in the Park. The Window (2-3 hrs), Lost Mine (3-4 hrs) and South Rim (10-12 hrs, best as an overnight backpack). Santa Elena Canyon on the west end and the Hot Springs in the east shouldn't be missed. Packs with hydration system and minimum of one gallon of water/day/person recommended even on the short hikes.

Drives - Old Ore Road (4-6 hrs, stop at Ernst Tinaja, short hike to the pools). Refer to map and pick a route using Glenn Springs Road, River Road and Black Gap road that will take you to the Mariscal Mine (full day). Of these, Black Gap is the most challenging but none are too bad unless its rained. Make sure you have basic tools, tow straps, jack, inflator and at least one good spare tire. I've never gotten stuck on any of the back roads but have had tire issues. Within the Park, gas is available on the main road near HQ and on the east side at RGV. Study Butte outside the Park on the west side. Always carry plenty of water for vehicle and folks.

Other - Have at least one meal at the Starlight Theater in Terlingua. Get there in time to sit outside, drink a cold one and bs with the locals. I think La Kiva is still closed for renovations but that used to be a good watering hole as well. The restaurant in the Basin is average and the store there has limited camping/food supplies. Park speed limits are enforced.

Have fun, take pictures and post back with a trip report.

 

Wow. Thank you so much for the response, I really appreciate it!!