Big Bend 2016

Hey everyone,

Seems like we've come to an agreement on this thread:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/texas-overland-where-to.401657/
To do a Big Bend trip sometime in 2016. Looking for any kind of date inputs, as well as duration for the trip and what we can do while we're out seeing the most bazaar placed landscape in Texas. Since the National Park is larger and closer, would probably attend there.

The original idea was to meet up somewhere on 90 and drive together for us Austin/San Antonio guys, which would probably encompass Houston and Dallas too.

Big Bend National Park:
http://www.nps.gov/bibe/index.htm

Could always stop by McDonald Observatory:
http://mcdonaldobservatory.org/visitors/directions

The trails out there are somewhat odd. Its more of off roading to see the sights and not to beat your vehicles up. Obviously some sort of off road tire would be recommended. With a group you can probably go without 4x4 if you're willing to sit out while other members do more difficult trails. Stock 4x4s will be fine.

Currently Interested:
@tuckdaddy
@ramonortiz55
@TashcomerTexas
@Nimbus2
@mhorton1911

 

I am going to post this link in the new mexico trips thread.

@NateMob

 

Make sure to wheel Black Gap at night. It's crazy fun. The step isn't that bad. A stock 4x4 can easily do it.

 

anybody have any trip reports of Big bend? would love to see pictures

 

Interested

 

Interested as well!

 

@DoorDing i believe has been to Big Bend. Any trip reports or pictures?

 

lol, yeah I caught that. Your eloquence is so fine.

 

Better than being on death row... sometimes

Any suggested dates? Don't want to interfere with the Lone Star Toyota Jamboree thing

 

Sub'd for a Fall 2016 trip...

 

i wouldnt mind it being a Fall 2016 trip.

@CedarPark how about you do a poll?

Spring or Fall?

Then we set a date.

 

How do I add a poll to a pre existing thread?

 

Just adds excitement

 

I have some maps, videos (full length, no music), and a few photos.

 

I've been but it would've been years ago... I'll have to see if i can't dig a photo or two up and some maps i should still have. A stock truck could do the trip while more modified trucks can tackle some of the other harder trails. Some beautiful country to be wheeling and camping in.

 

If you go, stay back country. Although, one year, we did stay in the Chisos on our drive in. It made setting up camp a lot easier. Keep in mind, that getting around backcountry can take a while.

Alright, here's some of my pics vids and what have you from my Big Bend trips. We did almost an even ratio of hiking and wheeling.

Most of the roads just off the main road aren't too bad


Some backcountry routes can be closed due to bad weather, or rangers may suggest alternate routes


Backcountry camping is some of the best around. Many sites are just identified by a sign and some rocks/logs placed a cove style.




You can even find some interesting stuff in the backcountry campsites.


Make sure to bring gas cans.


Night wheeling? Yes!


You'll want to visit the mines, it's along River Road, towards the East of the park.


The Southern Rim offers a good hike for the day


If you stay at the Chisos, it still has amazing views. And the restaurant isn't that shabby either.


Fun places to hike.




Definitely make it a point to get out there.


Wheeling
These are what they consider the "toughest roads" in the NP. Here's some of the full footage I took of the drive out there.

Black Gap night wheeling
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZRIl1OfZCk

Old Ore 1-3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9vMiCr-Ils

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlSIWswDWUk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPlcNotkjKE

Camping/Map Stuffs
Learn the maps around the park. They sell a big one from Nat Geo at the office, make sure to pick it up.


Big map of Big Bend. Lots of good info.

Remember, no ground fires back country. And bring a large water container, as they only have fill stations at the rangers offices, and at some developed campsites (like the Chisos)

If you stay back country, make sure you fill out a permit. More than likely you'll need to fill it out around 7 or 8 am the morning of. I've had an issue with their automated systems kicking out tickets made earlier.

http://75.41.144.100/permits/welcome.php

 

Lots of good info thanks for the post!

 

Sorry I didn't add more. I was trying to wrap up stuff around the office while also pulling up the info.

If y'all need tips about backcountry campsites, let me know. The rangers weren't too strict on how many were in the site (I think we had 2-3 more than was allowed). They were more concerned where everyone listed was at. It's a big park after all. But the week we were back there, they only showed up on the last day to ask for passes/site info etc.

 

Im game, how long are we talking on staying there?