Thoughts on big bend national park

Route planning for BBNP is kind of just grab a map and go because most of the OR trails are pretty well marked. But you should keep the weather in mind. Some of the bigger camps have showers, running water and a small store. For a week long trip, I suggest some pre planning, mainly water and food if you plan on camping at the primitive sites off road. This place is remote. Once you are out there, you are cut off.
Also the trails in BBRSP are a different beast, they are not as well marked as the BBNP and the conditions vary wildly.

 

I usually spend about 2 months coming up with routes, activities, food, and alternatives to each.

 

DFW guys are planning a trip. In case no one saw the thread:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/north-texas-misfit-tacos-bbnp-trip-april-6-9-2017.476582/

 

Gonna be hot af in April. Been going the past couple years during Christmas/NYE week.

 

We took our Subaru in late October of 2015. Beautiful place. It was warm enough for mosquitos at the Cottonwoods Campground. I really wanted to get a spot in the Chisos Mountains, but they fill up quick..... the benefit is that it's about 20F cooler. I'll try to post pics tonight.

 

Sounds like a real cool place!

 

Haha, i got all 4 off the ground at Big Bend.

nothing broken!

i drove around the southern edge clockwise in January. trail was in real good shape and the icons booked it. beautiful, vast, and deserty.

 

Headed back next week for our 4th (I think) time to the NP.

Anything new/changed recently?

 

Nice. BiBe is our favorite place to camp and hike. We always stay in the basin cause it’s cooler than the desert below. I’ve done some mild off roading there and the trails are not technical. I’ve had friends say that the state park is more off road oriented, but no mountains. We isually end up here at least a couple times a year. Backpacking the south rim is the tits. Absolutely love this place. The tiny towns surrounding are something special.

 

moar ppl!!!

 

@SoTexTacoma What wheels are those? I like them.



As far as this thread.... looks like we are headed back March or April.

 

Lol, they are FJ wheels. I believe they’re from ‘07 or ‘08. Had them for a while now. I like them also, thanks! Been meaning to paint them, but I’m lazy.

 

I don't think it's possible to "over plan", but VERY possible to under plan.

You should be as familiar with the area as possible. Lot's of people can get by with flying by the seat of their pants. Is that the smartest thing to do? Probably not, but it works for a lot of people, as long as they are prepared for the unknown. More planning means you reduce the number of unknowns, however...

Usually, if you walk into a ranger station not knowing anything about the area, the Ranger is probably thinking "my SAR team will be seeing you later..."

You just need to be prepared for ALL contingencies, regardless if you plan to a T or not. If shit hits the fan, how will you communicate/extract yourself from the situation? Sometimes it's as simple as someone you know/trust knowing when to call SAR if you don't show up (wilderness permit is a good *start*), or maybe HAM radio, sat phone, etc... What about recovery? If you get stuck or break down, now what? And first aid?

 

I'm planning a trip next month. Ive never done any serious off roading other than some dirt mud roads in East Texas. This type of terrain will be completely new to me. Wondering if any of you think I should avoid any specific roads with my rig. Stock 2016 TRD Off road 4x4 DCLB so my wheel base is 13.2" longer than the standard set up. Completely stock with 21k miles on the Good years that will need to be replaced in 10-12k miles.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Watching YouTube it looks like its doable but I hate to get in a jam with the wife and kids esp.

I do plan to bring 2 gas cans and a 2nd spare from my daughters 2009 taco just in case.

 

You’ll be fine. Talk to the rangers about road conditions when you get there.

We did most of the “hard roads” in my stock truck, and I rubbed the mud flaps a couple of times and got a few scratches.

 

We've been over all of the back roads in BB with a similar rig (mine was/is 05 and 12) without any problems. Did get a flat once but I think the nail I picked up came from one of the hard surface roads and I was able to plug it and re-air right there in the campground. As others have mentioned, check with the rangers for road conditions before you venture out.

The Old Ore Road is a nice drive and usually has enough traffic that you wouldn't be alone in the boonies if you did have a problem. Ernst Tinaja is a nice stop along that road with a short hike to some interesting rocks the kids would probably enjoy playing on. Keep an eye on them around the tinajas as the sides tend to be steep and slick. The Hot Springs are a must as is Santa Elena Canyon. Incredible night skies if the air pollution isn't too bad. If you have passports, a visit to the Mexican village of Boquillas is interesting (take cash in small denominations).

Have fun, its a beautiful Park.

 

thanks this is great info!

 

Big Bend is a pretty special place!! Go if you have the opportunity. I think it was 10 hours from Houston.

Photos from a shitty phone camera.
I went self sustained w/extra H20, Fuel, Cooler of food, and firewood. Spent a week in Big Bend / Terlinqua Ranch. Parked the truck unloaded my 950, and did rides in about every direction I could. There were more people in terlingua than I expected, but what a great place.
Unless it says not to, you can camp pretty much where ever you want, but you need to pack in and out. Get groceries in Marfa or Alpine. No phone service.