Wags Loc: Mequon, WI

I will be arriving in Big Bend National Park this coming Monday. (I bought a class B RV-and am taking my first road trip with it.) I’m very interested in your suggestions for photo opps at the park-drives and/or hikes. Regarding hikes, I’m probably capable of easy to moderate hikes around 4 miles or so—73 3/4 years old. Thank you!

lreisner Loc: Union,NJ

I visited this beautiful park last summer. It was nice and hot which kept the crowds down. Because of the heat I kept the hikes to short easy ones, which there are plenty of. The question is which route you are taking into the park. There is the north east entrance and the southwest entrance. If you are coming in from the Northeast on Main Park Rd. then the roads at the east west park road, Park Rte 12 and Gano Springs. The only gas station for miles is not far from the junction on Gano Springs.

I stayed in the Chiso Basin Park Lodge which is worth a visit. There is a visitor center there and a store. It is a totally different ecco system. There are actually bears to watch out for in this area. There is a nice easy trail that is paved with spectacular views. It is also a great spot for night photography. If you are staying at Grand Village Camp Ground, then take a drive down Boquillas Canyon Road to the Boquillas Canyon trail and stop at the overlook along the way. If you are in shape the trail here is maybe about 3 miles round trip. You have to climb up and over a ridge which will take you to the valley floor where the Rio Grande flows. If you are in descent shape, it should be doable and a great area to take pictures. I did this hike around sunset and it was beautiful. The views from the top of the ridge are really good.

I spent two nights in the park. The full day that I spent there my sister and I explored the western section of the park. We drove down the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive to the end at Santa Elena Canyon overlook. There is a trail that will take you into a canyon. You need to ford a stream which at the time I was there the water level was to high for my liking to wade across. It was hip deep. Normally it is fairly low so you might want to try this hike. The hike to the the canyon is fairly flat and easy, but I have no idea how the trail is once you enter the canyon. You will also be down at the Rio Grande so if you could not walk to the river at the other end of the park, you can do it here.

You might want to drive the border road through Big Bend State Park, Highway 170, as well towards El Paso or come down that way or head northwest. Make sure you bring plenty of water with you. I mostly used my 24 - 70 lens. If you see some wildlife then you might want a longer lens. I only used my longer lenses a couple of times. If you keep your eyes open, you'll have no shortage of photographic opportunities both. The border to Mexico was closed when I was there because of Covid, but if you can cross, it might be a good adventure. There are plenty of pull overs with signs. My sister and I stopped at almost everyone. We did a couple of hikes but I forget where they were. They were easy, on flat ground. Check with the rangers for more information.

Have a wonderful trip. It is an amazing National Park and one of the least visited parks. A great place to star gaze.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

Castolon is the old mercury mining town near the mouth of Santa Elena Canyon. Quite a bit to see there, including interesting ruins of old houses and buildings. There is actually a nice modern paved road back north which passes a number of interesting points, including Mule's Ears. When you get up to Milepistv2, there is a parking turnout which provides a nice view of the Chisos Mountains to the east, along with other nice views.

When you get to Milepist 0, you can either turn left and visit Terlingua, just outside the west gate, or right, to go to Panther Junction, which is one of the "nerve centers" of the park. Before you go that far, there is another junction where the road up into the Chisos Mountains branches off. The area around the lodge includes trails to The Window (pretty easy) or up to Emory Peak, the highest point in the park. In the summer, I'd suggest spending mornings in the valley and afternoons at elevation, with dinner in Terlingua.

I'm less familiar with the eastern half of the park. It is less developed, but does have a number of trails and campsites. The area is desert, and this is the driest time of the year, although occasional storms are possible. Be alert to sudden running water in low areas. The country is beautiful, and there's a mind-boggling list of things to see if you take the time and spend the energy to look.

Visiting the park requires some care. The closest hospital is in Alpine, which is about 80 miles (2 hours) away. Be aware of cactus spines and thorns. They are sharp and require very little encouragement to stick you. Be sure to bring fine-pointed tweezers. Long trousers mandatory, boots preferred. (Yes...I speak from experience on this.) Leave open shoes in the room.

alandg46 Loc: Boerne, Texas

The Boquillas Canyon trail is about 2 miles in and out. It goes over a hill that is not too difficult or steep to hike. I think the hike to The Window is not to be missed. It's 5 miles in and out. It's all downhill going to The Window making it all uphill on the return. It is not steep. Leave early in the morning and do not dally on the way down. Then take your time and rest, take pictures, snack, drink water, and just take it easy on the return. The hike into Santa Elena Canyon is easy except the creek emptying into the Rio Grande most of the time requires wading, so take water shoes, Crocs, or something of that nature so you can keep your hiking shoes dry. Above all carry a small backpack with at least a gallon of water for each of you. Try to do most of your hiking early when it's cooler. Do your driving around when it's hotter. The rig you're driving isn't suitable to drive the Old Ore Trail to the short Ernst Tinaja Trail. If you have time you should drive FM 170 from Study Butte to Presidio. It follows the Rio Grande through some spectacular scenery. Above all if you're hiking take water, lots of water. I cannot stress that enough. BTW I'm 75 and have no real problem doing these hikes now except the need to stop and rest a little more. Have fun, take lots of pictures. One other thing if you hike down to The Window or anywhere except Santa Elena Canyon be aware that Big Bend has black bears and mountain lions. The bears are mostly seen around and in the Chisos and often on The Window Trail. Sorry for rambling. I love Big Bend.

TerryVS

Since we seem to have some experts on Big Bend here I have a question. I plan on a trip there soon and have been looking at emergency communications devices like a Garmin inreach. Or these hikes you describe would/did you have a way to call for help? It might be something the OP would want to consider as well.

1000SP Loc: SETex

Greetings!
Finally joined this great forum to say to Wags: Have a fantastic time! We hope to make the same trip soon.
Other folks: Thanks for great info!

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

When i was last there cell coverage was very limited. Only around Panther Junction and the West entrance. Can't remember about Castolon. An additional tower was being installed near the lodge, but I'm not sure how far it was going to cover. There was wifi at the visitor center and the lodge, but range was limited. I would ask for an update or check the park website.

alandg46 Loc: Boerne, Texas

For the most part there is enough traffic at Big Bend inreach would not be necessary, unless you would go to the Mariscal Canyon overlook, the Rim Trail maybe, and possibly some of the other less-traveled areas. A lot of the less-traveled areas are not traveled because they're not so visually interesting.

I would suggest down-loading maps for your phone for use without a cell phone signal.

tcthome Loc: NJ

I say if you're going to error, do it on the safe side. Get the inreach, especially if you're hiking alone. Most incidents that go from not so good to worse are on short hikes where people didn't thing they neededthe extra equipment, supplies, etc.

LarryHarrison Loc: Texas

Be on the safe side. I always have my Garmin InReach with me on all the trails. You may not see anyone for hours, in some cases days. I’ve been going there every year for 40+ years. All the trails in the mountains are wonderful, many very remote.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

Monday begins Spring Break for many Texas schools, but Big Bend is not a big destination for most of us Texans. Not sure exactly why that is, but don't tell them. It's better this way.

The big thing is...Big Bend is a desolate place, and it's located in a very remote, quite desolate county. Google Brewster County. You are approaching the end of the earth long before you arrive at the park boundary. That's a big part of the attraction. But please come ahead, and be welcome. Just keep your wits about you and keep your water bottles and gas tank full.

whatdat Loc: Del Valle, Tx.

A lot of of posters have given you some excellent advice. Not much to add. Spring break can be busy; so be aware & ck with Panther Junction ranger station before choosing date to go. Some very good suggestions have been given. Terligua was an old ghost town & has some interesting ruins. You may be able to cross over the river to Boquillas, Mexico if you are inclined. Interesting remote village but supposedly has curios & at least one place to get good Mexican food. I have never been to the Mexican village as you need a passport ( I hear), & I grew up on the border in in So Texas. Plus, I wouldn’t go into Mexico nowadays anyway. You can see the village from the overlook on the American side & a long lens can be helpful. Be aware & ck ahead of driving an RV into the Chisos Basin as there is a limit to the length of vehicle that can navigate the tight curves going into the Basin. I haven pulled a horse trailer into the basin many times & it was tight & had a couple of steep spots as you navigate the pass. Have clothing for cool or hot weather; I have seen 102 degrees in the desert in April & 40’s at nights, though not that common.

whatdat Loc: Del Valle, Tx.

Addition; the Window trail can produce some beautiful sunsets as well as the mountain range to the east of the park which can be seen from some places on the road in from Marathon after you enter the park. As said before, it is a beautiful park & can feel remote. Been there many times with & without horses, & plan on going back since I have gotten into photography. Desert flowers, mountains, ruins, etc. as a last thought, you might be interested in stopping for a few hours in Marathon to look around. Have found a nice place for lunch & have heard they have a photographer or two that live there that may have a storefront. Google for a lot of info about the area. Enjoy!

RolandDieter

Big Ben is very desolate except during elections. This is where the last-minute votes for LBJ always came from. It was amazing ... all those votes within a minute or two and they all voted in alphabetical order.

stogieboy Loc: Marlboro, NY

you'll be able to get some great star trails at BBNP, its a Dark Sky designated park. The Milky Way may be too low this time of year, but I'm jealous of the shots you'll get (if you shoot at night). If you have not done night shoots in the past, use your time before the trip to research it.