Big Bend

[darktiger]

I am going to be in big bend this weekend and want to know what are the area's that I should hit up?

[xseption]

How many days in the Bend and how fit are you? Are you want to trek all day to see a view or just a few minutes?

You have not given very much info for us to give suggestions ...

~ edd

[darktiger]

I will be there Friday night and leaving on Monday. I am fit, but then again I pinched my sciatic nerve 2 weeks ago. So I am half fit I guess..... Darvocet + vicodin + 800mg of liquid advil makes me feel good :)

[lhdvies]

Stanford, you can drive from one end of the park to the other and see gobs of scenery. If you are up to it, the lost mine trail is a must! The canyons may still be flooded so I don't know about them. There are some short and easy hikes you can make like Burro Mesa, Grapvine Hills (home of the "balance rock" photos) & "The Window trail in the basin. Also the Cat Tail falls hike is worth the effort if you have the time. Ask a ranger about the falls hike as it isn't on the trail maps.
Congrats on the trip you will love it!!!! WARNING!! The trip is addictive and you will be hooked for life! I was hooked in 1962 and have not been able to "take the cure". LOLOL
I'll be in Guadelupe while you are there and will arrive at the basin Tuesday for a 4 1/2 day stay so I'll just miss you. It's my 3rd trip this year I'M TELLING YOU IT IS ADDICTIVE!LOL. Good Luck and good shooting.

[alamoshutterbug]

Some good info so far. To add my own two cents. Do Grapevine Hills and Balanced Rock, but make sure your vehicle is up to the task, the road is high clearance, but not 4WD mandatory. The Chisos is a good place to hike with a handful of good day hikes (lost mine, window, emory peak). Hot springs is a neat place and easy to get to in a car.

Emory peak may be too much if you are injured, but the window and lost mine should be mostly tolerable. Grapevine Hill is a mostly level trail except for the climb up to balanced rock. Hot springs is all level as it is on the river.

Chisos lodge has a great sunset vista called "window view". Good sunset and it will give you a great vista of casa grande blanketed in warm light.

Drive all the roads that are open and accessible to you.

Plan for "odd" weather.

Start drinking your water now.

[KD5NRH]

If the local wildlife is cooperating, Mule Ear Spring can be a really neat little hike. Last time I was there, they had the most impressive mix of dragonflies and damselflies I've seen in one spot all arounf the spring itself.

[darktiger]

Thanks everyone.

[Magician]

I lived there for 15 years and couldn't have given you any better information than you got here.