Gotta go to Big Bend-Plan B

[venchka]

I have been putting off going to Big Bend since forever. I always went north to the Rockies. Mapquest is telling me that Big Bend N.P. is only 575 miles and 10 hours driving time from my office. I'm looking at the calendar and either July 4 or Labor Day long weekends look good. I could leave after work on Thursday and arrive back at work on Tueaday.

I know that's summer. I know the Chisos Basin is high enough to kinda sorta maybe moderate the heat. I will be self-contained. I will be prepared to hike to the first backcountry campsite I find empty. I want to know what the crowds, if any, are like then. Is the place deserted in the summer? Even on long holiday weekends?

Blitz Big Bend Road Trip:

Plan A:
Can't do Plan A. It's Plan B or wait until next year.

Plan B:

Depart after work Thursday Sept. 3.
Same as above.
Return Houston Tuesday Sept. 8.

Give it to me straight. Go? No go?

Thanks!

Wayne

[L Stegall]

While we haven't been inside the park, if you want/need a luxurious rest stop nearby (and that's a relative term in West Texas), I HIGHLY recommend Cibolo Creek Ranch, just outside Marfa as a stop over. Ah, just thinking about it makes me really want to get back out there again.

[venchka]

Thanks Lisa. You're killing me. I want to leave NOW!

I'm not sure there is any budget for "a luxurious rest stop", but I am taking good notes.

[L Stegall]

Originally Posted by venchka

Thanks Lisa. You're killing me. I want to leave NOW!

I'm not sure there is any budget for "a luxurious rest stop", but I am taking good notes.

Yeah, that's why we aren't headed there ourselves at the moment. But, if you hit to lottery or get the chance, check it out. It's one of the most relaxing places I've been and it is all-inclusive, which helps a bit with the initial sticker shock. Plus, who wants to drive nearly 30 miles just to have lunch in Marfa.

Guess I'll have to settle for Vail - headed there next week. Fortunately for me, though, it's a cheap trip, as I'm using a SW Rapid Rewards ticket to Denver and meeting up with my sister, who I love dearly, who happens to have a condo in Vail. She's the bestest sister in the whole world! And not just because she has a condo in Vail, either.

[venchka]

Originally Posted by L Stegall

Yeah, that's why we aren't headed there ourselves at the moment. But, if you hit to lottery or get the chance, check it out. It's one of the most relaxing places I've been and it is all-inclusive, which helps a bit with the initial sticker shock. Plus, who wants to drive nearly 30 miles just to have lunch in Marfa.

Guess I'll have to settle for Vail - headed there next week. Fortunately for me, though, it's a cheap trip, as I'm using a SW Rapid Rewards ticket to Denver and meeting up with my sister, who I love dearly, who happens to have a condo in Vail. She's the bestest sister in the whole world! And not just because she has a condo in Vail, either.

Kidnap me!

[L Stegall]

Hmmmm, would there be ransom $$ involved? LOL.

[venchka]

LOL! Right. I don't think so.

[wclavey]

Originally Posted by L Stegall

Hmmmm, would there be ransom $$ involved? LOL.

Maybe someone would pay you to take him, instead...

[iCe]

Plus he comes with film developing cost

Wayne, I've only been there once and that was in September. I think July is a peak month. Almost all of them are

The is a good forum for BBNP

However. BBNP is HUGE... Huge like big... like way big... like not a day trip...

Leon knows it well by the way.

[L Stegall]

Originally Posted by wclavey

Maybe someone would pay you to take him, instead...

ha ha - make me an offer.

[wclavey]

Originally Posted by iCe

Plus he comes with film developing cost

Well, a bunch of us come with that... not sure that would be a problem...

[Coelus]

I was in the area a couple years ago in July. It was the rainy season and made for quite the adventure when we got lost behind Big Bend Ranch and stuck in the mud with another set of storm clouds coming in. Makes me want to go back.
We have forced vacation at work 6/29-7/3 this year and I've been thinking of heading back to Big Bend this year. The last trip was a whirlwind between Van Horn, Carsbad, and Big Bend Ranch (the state park side) in four days.

[kwhite]

Originally Posted by venchka

I have been putting off going to Big Bend since forever. I always went north to the Rockies. Mapquest is telling me that Big Bend N.P. is only 575 miles and 10 hours driving time from my office. I'm looking at the calendar and either July 4 or Labor Day long weekends look good. I could leave after work on Thursday and arrive back at work on Tueaday.

I know that's summer. I know the Chisos Basin is high enough to kinda sorta maybe moderate the heat. I will be self-contained. I will be prepared to hike to the first backcountry campsite I find empty. I want to know what the crowds, if any, are like then. Is the place deserted in the summer? Even on long holiday weekends?

Blitz Big Bend Road Trip:

Plan A:
Can't do Plan A. It's Plan B or wait until next year.

Plan B:

Depart after work Thursday Sept. 3.
Same as above.
Return Houston Tuesday Sept. 8.

Give it to me straight. Go? No go?

Thanks!

Wayne

Mostly deserted in the summer. Even during busy times you will not find very many people off the pavement. The heat can be really brutal in the flat parts of the park. The sun can be brutal no matter where you are, especially on the high trails. Think mornings and evenings for hiking if you have that luxury. That way you can browse the park from a vehicle during the day. The light is extremely harsh during the middle of the day. Check out Marathon for good coffee and the Gage Hotel. There was also a pretty good bakery in town when I was there last spring. Watch you speed in those wide open spaces. It;'s pretty easy to lose track of speed out there. Last year a trooper clocked me going 90 - I only got a warning but your mileage might vary.

[venchka]

Originally Posted by venchka

Plan B:

Depart after work Thursday Sept. 3.
Same as above.
Return Houston Tuesday Sept. 8.

Give it to me straight. Go? No go?

Thanks!

Wayne

GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't win. Plan B went down in flames or up in smoke. Maybe next year.

[mdparthum]

Definitely go no matter what the dates may be!!!! Also visit Terlingua's ghost town and eat at the Starlight at least once. They have great hamburgers and the smoothest margaritas ever. Summer is hot, but the basin should be nice and cool at night for sure. I have been in several seasons and they are all great. August, March, and December with March being the best for wild flowers and December being great for temperatures. Don't stay at the Chisos Mining Co. Hotel! Big Bend Motor Inn is the way or the Lodge in the Basin if there is anything available. BBMI also has wifi and a nice little restaurant. But, since you are backcountry camping, these might be options for another visit. I love it there!!!!!