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Old 03-27-2019, 07:41 AM   #1
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Big Bend Trip

Good Morning;
Just fishing for any comments on Big Bend.
I have reservations at Ft. Davis and Big Bend next week.
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Old 03-27-2019, 08:32 AM   #2
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Big Bend Trip

Used to be able to pay a guy a few bucks to take you across the river and then ride donkeys up to Boquillas. The little town has a bar and a restaurant or two. I remember great tacos and margs. This was near the Rio Grande Village center. Also, Terlingua West of the park is a funky little town. Starlight Theater, cold beer on the porch of the general store. La Kiva is a cool restaurant. Check out Chisos Mtn lodge area. Nice hiking around there. Santa Elena Canyon is cool to paddle into. Historic Gage Hotel in Marathon has a cool bar and restaurant. Cottonwood general store has a surprising selection of provisions.
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Old 03-27-2019, 02:59 PM   #3
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Listen to 'Jake21' above..... that's how I'd describe it. The hiking trails are fantastic and definitely go across the river to Boquillas. Fun!! I'd highly recommend you stay in the park itself for the best experience. We love Rio Grande Village campground (not the RV park next door) and also Cottonwood campground although note that generators are not allowed there. Both are in beautiful settings.
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Old 03-30-2019, 08:46 AM   #4
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Agreement in regards to Boquillas. But what if border is closed? Also remember in any case you will need a passport to cross the river.


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Old 03-30-2019, 09:23 AM   #5
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Definitely stay in the park. We were there during the government shutdown and had to stay at Still Wells which wasn't bad. We go to Big Bend every year. This was the first time we stayed outside the park. Another vote for going to Boquillas. The border crossing is closed Monday and Tuesday this time of year.
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Old 03-30-2019, 11:55 AM   #6
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Here's the park's web site on crossing to Boquillas. Note that there are other forms of documentation that can be used if you don't have a passport.


https://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvis...-boquillas.htm


If's a fun way to spend a half-day!! It's extremely safe.
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Old 03-30-2019, 12:00 PM   #7
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Following this! Looking to plan a Big Trip out to Big Bend sometime soon
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Old 03-30-2019, 12:26 PM   #8
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Cool

The sites reported above are great.

If you are up for a strenuous hike, climb Mt. Evans. It is a walking path to the top except for the last 30 yards. Then it is a scramble and requires using your hands a little. Take gloves if you have thin skin like mine. It starts in the Chisos Basin.

The view from the top is spectacular!

Less strenuous is the trail to the "Window" through a "desert island" forest. It also starts in the Chisos Basin.

Walk from Rio Grande Village to the hot springs on the Rio Grand or drive in on an unimproved road. Take your swim suit.

Sign up for a half day float trip through St Elena Canyon. Out fitters are in the Terlingua area.

Where ever you go in Big Bend, be sure to get out and walk. Remember, it is a desert. There are oasis and places of special beauty. Finding these special places is what it is all about.
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Old 03-30-2019, 12:54 PM   #9
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Logistics in Big Bend. Big is the key word. It can take 4 hours to drive from the North Gate to the ranger station at Panther Junction. It can take another half hour to reach the Rio Grande Village camp ground.

Carry lots of drinking water where ever you go in Big Bend.

Don't drive into back country alone or without water. You may end up staying for a while regardless of your intentions.

Bring water. The more you can bring in, the better. The rangers recommend campers bring at least 5 gallons.

Full hook ups are available at the Rio Grande Village Store RV parking lot.
There is dry camping in three campgrounds.
Water tank filling and dump station is available at Rio Grande Village.
Chisos Basin campground has a dump station.
Often you will have to bring your own water to the Cotton Wood Campground.

Big rigs will not do well in the Chisos Basin or Basin campground. Use Rio Grande Village campground.

The Rio Grande Village Campground is about 1.5 hours from the Cottonwood Campground. Chisos Basin is in the middle.
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Old 03-30-2019, 01:15 PM   #10
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A rich California real estate developer bought the tiny "town" of Lajitas, TX and has tried building a world class resort there. It's just outside of Big Bend State Park (next to the National Park). First Class golf course, private jet airstrip and a nice RV Park.

I don't think it's taken off the way the owner planned. But in this part of Texas there is NOTHING first class anywhere for a couple hundred miles.

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Old 03-31-2019, 06:19 PM   #11
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Lots of great suggestions here. If you have a 4wd, the backroads are fun. If you drive the Old Ore Rd, be sure to take the short hike back to Ernst Tinaja.
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Old 04-01-2019, 08:55 AM   #12
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take a trip on rt. 170 west out of terlingua. VERY scenic have lunch in Presidio.
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Old 04-01-2019, 06:40 PM   #13
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Getting up to the Chisos Basin you hit some tight switchbacks so big rigs and long tailers won't make it. Very good suggestions though. I've been out there 3 times in 6 years. A few weeks ago was blown away by the bluebonnets.
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Old 04-02-2019, 08:40 AM   #14
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Great suggestions! We just came back from Big Bend and we had a great time. Just a few things to add: The Chili Pepper Cafe in Study Butte has really good food. Try the tamales and Piccadillo. If you like off-roading, try the northern part of Black Gap Road. It can be a challenge. Recommend you find another Jeep to go with you. Finally , leave some time for sitting out at night and enjoying the night sky.
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