Guadalupe Mountains NP / Big Bend NP Advice

[Stime187]

Hey everyone, I'm new to the site and while I saw a section for "Places to Shoot", but my question is about advice on an area. If it needs to be moved though, sorry for the trouble.

Anyways, I'm planning an 8 or 9 day trip next week to Guadalupe Mountains NP (first 3 days) then down to Big Bend NP for as long as I can stay before I have to come back to NC. I'll be camping in both parks (I have the reservations I need) and I'll have my truck (4WD) so transportation won't be a problem.

Mainly, I'd love some suggestions about places to shoot in both parks ESPECIALLY good sunrise/sunset spots. Since they're both (especially Big Bend) big places, it's be nice to at least go there with some ideas, though I'll certainly be doing my own adventures to see what I can find. Also, any general information about the area or the parks would be greatly appreciated.

And, to help you fine-tune your advice, here's a bit about me:

I'm a landscape photographer. If you want to get an idea of my work, check out www.LightOfTheWild.com. My style is wide-angle, dramatic light. I don't care how rugged nor remote a place is and I consider myself fit enough that pretty much anything in the area won't be a problem. Also, while I enjoy wildlife, I won't be shooting it.

If I forgot something, just remind me and I'll add it in.

Thanks, everyone! I look forward to being around here a bit more...

- Scott

[studiocygnet]

There was just another thread about Big Bend recommendations here:
http://www.texasphotoforum.com/forum...ad.php?t=68207
OH yeah, since you've got 4WD, make sure to go down Old Ore Road and stop at Ernst Tinaja in BBNP. Looks kinda like this. I scanned an old Kodachrome slide, and didn't spot or color correct, but you get the idea.

[Stime187]

Wow, I'll absolutely be going there. Looks like a good great spot.

Thanks for the link too. Weird, I definitely searched for both places and didn't find anything...

[picman]

See if this is helpful:
http://www.bigbendchat.com/

[Stime187]

Wow, thanks for that link too. I'll check it out.

[Breezy]

James sent me some GREAT info, not sure if I can share but if you ask he might share with you too :D

[Stime187]

Who's James? Would you mind directing him to this thread? I'd appreciate it.

[Gordon]

Ernst Tinaja is one of my favourite spots in the park. Beautiful Tough to get to, but nothing too crazy if its dry. I wouldn't try it if it was wet (though we had snow last time I headed out to Big Bend)

NE4 campsite on the rim is awesome. The view at sunrise and sunset is quite stunning. (it's a point so you can see a wide view) All of the campsites and overlooks up Laguna meadows, along the south rim and out to NE4 are pretty marvelous.

This is just with a small PnS from there, but it'll give you an idea of the potential up there



The other part of the park I love is Santa Elena/ the whole south west out along the river road, overlooking the Rio Grande. Just west of the park there are some great tuff deposits too that really catch the evening light.


South of the Chisos/ under the window has some good agave and great light around sunset.


Dug Out Wells area is a good spot for sunrise shots of the Chisos/ Nugent mountain.

Terlingua has some great bars/ people/ characters to shoot. Worth a visit, as is further along the river road, too.


That's just a few ideas, there's tons of other places with great ops, boot spring area, grapevine hills, down by the river in the canyons, sunset through the window is pretty cliched but marvelous. Night shots of casa grande... You might also check out the http://bigbendchat.com forum

[JamesB]

Originally Posted by Stime187

Who's James? Would you mind directing him to this thread? I'd appreciate it.

That would be me. Im a member over on Big Bend chat also( same user name and avatar as here)

I sent Breezy some good things to do to get a feel for the park in a few short days. send me a PM is you are interested in that info.

Many people here and at Big Bend chat can offer up their favorite spots to see.

Also what are your hiking abilities? short easy to moderate day hikes or longer strenuous hikes

James

[Stime187]

Thanks for the help/input, Gordon. Some beautiful images you have too. That Santa Elena Canyon was in my head, but now it's definitely on the list. I love that kind of terrain.

[Stime187]

Originally Posted by JamesB

Also what are your hiking abilities? short easy to moderate day hikes or longer strenuous hikes

James

PM'd you, James. Thanks.

And, I'd consider my hiking ability to be more on the advanced side. I can go 12-15 miles pretty easily with a 30lb pack in a day depending on weather/terrain.

- Scott

[Breezy]

Well I see you found james :D

[xseption]

Big Bend Chat is definitely the way to go!

[Stime187]

I wish I would've discovered this place earlier (and Big Bend chat). I'm ultra-busy today and I'm leaving tomorrow very early. Doesn't leave much time for research. But luckily, I've gotten some great info so far.

- Scott