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Big Bend Camping Info
Posted on 1/22/14 at 11:16 am
Posted on 1/22/14 at 11:16 am
First time posting on the OB. Thinking about making a trip here in early May. Any tips, experiences, information that any of yall have would be great. I'm thinking about camping, kayaking the Rio Grande, etc.
Posted on 1/22/14 at 11:20 am to Haydo
One of the best star gaxing area in the country. Don't get much darker than that place.
Never been but I have read up on this place
Never been but I have read up on this place
Posted on 1/22/14 at 11:21 am to Haydo
Don't know much since I've never been but I know people who have and they've really enjoyed it. Apparently there are cabins and designated camping areas as well as a McDonald's observatory because the stars are crazy bright out there at night.
Report back after your trip, i'm curious.
Report back after your trip, i'm curious.
Posted on 1/22/14 at 11:54 am to Haydo
camp up in the mountains, it's much cooler at night and there is a chance you'll find water up there. The hike to the south rim is fantastic, as is the hike up to the top of Emory Peak.
As for the flat land part of the park, go to the hot springs, and drive down to Santa Elena and Boquillas canyons.
I can't help you with the kayaking, except to say don't be surprised if there is very little water flowing when you go.
While there, go over to Terlingua, it's a cool little town.
Also, wake late one night or early in the morning and sit outside and check out the stars.
As for the flat land part of the park, go to the hot springs, and drive down to Santa Elena and Boquillas canyons.
I can't help you with the kayaking, except to say don't be surprised if there is very little water flowing when you go.
While there, go over to Terlingua, it's a cool little town.
Also, wake late one night or early in the morning and sit outside and check out the stars.
Posted on 1/22/14 at 12:03 pm to Haydo
No less than 5 snake bite kits per person
Posted on 1/22/14 at 12:16 pm to Haydo
It's a giant park, so there is a lot to see. There's also a 5,000' or 6,000' elevation change from the Rio Grande up into the Chisos Mountains, so you might experience some wide temperature swings (50 or 60 degrees when I was there)
I went in early-mid April about ten years ago. The desert was in full bloom and it was pretty impressive, especially if you've never seen anything like that before. I camped 2 or 3 nights along the Rio Grande (Cottonwood, I think), one night in the Chisos Mt campground and then 4 nights backcountry on a loop through the Chisos and into the adjacent desert.
It was very windy along the river. Many tents were blown down. Pay attention to the weather. When I was there, there were always 10 or 12 Mexicans trying to sell stuff from their side of the river. The park rangers were adamant about not crossing, so I didn't.
It was cold in the Chisos - down to freezing. Parts of the mountain trails are closed during Peregrine Falcon breeding season. I liked this area of the park best (of tge areas I saw).
If you camp in desert backcountry, you'll probably have to cache some water. I did, and it was a good thing, because I couldn't find a drop in two days. Dehydration is a real threat because the air is so dry, even when it's not very hot.
I think the McDonald Observatory is near Ft Davis. I didn't go, but have heard it's badass.
I went in early-mid April about ten years ago. The desert was in full bloom and it was pretty impressive, especially if you've never seen anything like that before. I camped 2 or 3 nights along the Rio Grande (Cottonwood, I think), one night in the Chisos Mt campground and then 4 nights backcountry on a loop through the Chisos and into the adjacent desert.
It was very windy along the river. Many tents were blown down. Pay attention to the weather. When I was there, there were always 10 or 12 Mexicans trying to sell stuff from their side of the river. The park rangers were adamant about not crossing, so I didn't.
It was cold in the Chisos - down to freezing. Parts of the mountain trails are closed during Peregrine Falcon breeding season. I liked this area of the park best (of tge areas I saw).
If you camp in desert backcountry, you'll probably have to cache some water. I did, and it was a good thing, because I couldn't find a drop in two days. Dehydration is a real threat because the air is so dry, even when it's not very hot.
I think the McDonald Observatory is near Ft Davis. I didn't go, but have heard it's badass.
Posted on 1/22/14 at 1:17 pm to Haydo
Made a week long camping trip in college. Had a blast. Bring mountain bikes for the desert floor and then hike in the Chisos. If you do, you have to reserve camping spots even though they are remote so plan this in advance. Hike to the summit. You wont be disappointed. I believe its slightly above 7,000 ft and it's very doable. Bring plenty of warm clothes. When the sun goes down, it gets quite cool.
Also hit the natural hot spring on the border.
Tip: When gathering your supplies gather the amount of water you think you'll need then double it.
If you go, come back and post pics.
Here is a pic of me and my buddy in college. I will neither confirm nor deny which side of the Rio Grande we were on but that is the river.
Also hit the natural hot spring on the border.
Tip: When gathering your supplies gather the amount of water you think you'll need then double it.
If you go, come back and post pics.
Here is a pic of me and my buddy in college. I will neither confirm nor deny which side of the Rio Grande we were on but that is the river.
Posted on 1/22/14 at 3:01 pm to rattlebucket
Go here: BigBendChat.com
I have not camped in the park but I ride my motorcycle there. Terlingua is always worth a visit. Santa Elena Canyon is a must. The Chisos are absolutely beautiful. The Boquillas Crossing is open again, so you can take a boat ride across to Mexico for a beer and taco if you have a passport. A drive on 170 out of Terlingua is worth the time. The road follows along the Rio Grande and is considered the most scenic route in Texas. The McDonald Obeservatory is in Fort Davis, which is about 120 miles from the west side of the park. As far as kayaking, there are outfitters in Terlingua that can set you up. There is river access along 170. Im fortunate enough to live about 90 miles from the park.
Santa Elena Canyon
Rio Grande Overlook from 170
I have not camped in the park but I ride my motorcycle there. Terlingua is always worth a visit. Santa Elena Canyon is a must. The Chisos are absolutely beautiful. The Boquillas Crossing is open again, so you can take a boat ride across to Mexico for a beer and taco if you have a passport. A drive on 170 out of Terlingua is worth the time. The road follows along the Rio Grande and is considered the most scenic route in Texas. The McDonald Obeservatory is in Fort Davis, which is about 120 miles from the west side of the park. As far as kayaking, there are outfitters in Terlingua that can set you up. There is river access along 170. Im fortunate enough to live about 90 miles from the park.
Santa Elena Canyon
Rio Grande Overlook from 170
This post was edited on 1/22/14 at 3:05 pm
Posted on 1/24/14 at 7:32 pm to Lefty Diego
Haydo, did you plan your trip yet?
Posted on 1/24/14 at 7:48 pm to Haydo
We camped there in late May of last year. The Chisos Basin campground is the only rational option due to its elevation. The others will be too damn hot. Get there fairly early to get a decent spot. It was full when we were there but I think that is a bit unusual. If you like hiking go mostly on high altitude hikes (Boot Canyon and beyond is a nice one). It was close to 110 degrees on the Rio Grande. Kayaking tours are a long way away from the campground (at least an hour drive) but I think they would probably be a great thing to do if not terribly hot. Definitely check out Terlingua and the Starlight Cafe is one of my favorite restaurants anywhere. Hiking into Santa Elena canyon is a good hike for the morning. The hot springs that is next to the Rio Grande is worth a stop. You can cross the river into Mexico if you want now at an official border crossing (passport needed). The campers next to us thought it was a decent day trip.
Oh, and Black Bears have crossed from Mexico into the park so you may see some of them. And a Mountain Lion was seen at the campground.
Oh, and Black Bears have crossed from Mexico into the park so you may see some of them. And a Mountain Lion was seen at the campground.
This post was edited on 1/24/14 at 7:55 pm
Posted on 1/24/14 at 9:36 pm to Tigris
Speaking of bears and lions, this is on the road to Chisos Basin:
Posted on 2/13/14 at 12:56 pm to Lefty Diego
quote:
Lefty Diego
I have not. Having issues with timing and friends taking off time from work, etc.
Still hoping it'll happen. If not, I'm looking into a West Coast road trip through Monument Valley all the way to Cali next year.
This post was edited on 2/13/14 at 12:56 pm
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