1st trip to Big Bend

[madf1man]

Looking for ideas on spots in the park for camping and photo ops. Let'em fly myself and a fellow TPF'er are headin out next Tuesday. 1st day of fall

[alamoshutterbug]

I have never been in the fall but I would suspect the weather will be excellent. So much so you won't be relegated to the Chisos as happens at times in the summer months. That said, however, I still think the Chisos would have the best camping. Good places to see would be Santa Elena, Balanced Rock at Grapevine Hills, The Window, hot springs and the ruins around them. I am not sure you can hike the South Rim right now (it is closed off for part of the year for a bird nesting season), so check before you try that trail.

Just try your best to do as many trails as you can.

[madf1man]

Thanks Eric, just the kinda stuff we'll need to know

[iinastynateii]

Most definitely explore around the Chisos. When I went I didn't camp out in the basin, though, but in one of the backcountry campsites instead which was awesome. Hikes to Emory Peak, Lost Mine Peak, and South Rim were among my favorites. Enjoy your trip!

[jeffkohn]

We were there in Oct of last year. It can still be warm at the lower elevations, but not unbearably hot. The Chisos Basin would be my choice for camping (that's where we stayed). The South Rim is a great hike, albeit long for a day hike. It's open this time of year, I think it's like Jan-June that part of it is closed.

Balanced Rock and Grapevine Hills is neat, and a pretty short/easy hike. Balanced Rock is a good place for a sunrise shoot.

Ernst Tinaja is worth checking out, although the road to get there requires a high-clearance vehicle at the very least.

For a taste of the desert, the Mule Ears trail to the spring is a good option.

[venchka]

Search this forum. Lots of Big Bend information & photos.

Camp high. Elevation is natural A/C.