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LeeB · 03-30-2023, 12:32 PM

Any thoughts on Big Bend Resort? We are both in our mid 70s and this could very well be our last hurrah as RV Travelers. We have been RV'n for well over 40 years and (Yikes) and Big Bend is on our bucket list.

We would be arriving the last weekend of May before Memorial Day. We are not into hiking anymore. However, we want to drive and see what we can see.

We will be leaving the 23rd heading to Lake Livingston in East Texas (north of Houston) for Memorial Day. We will be staying with wife's cousin.

We are Traveling from California....... Thank you for your input LeeB

vtwinwilly · 03-30-2023, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeeB

Any thoughts on Big Bend Resort? We are both in our mid 70s and this could very well be our last hurrah as RV Travelers. We have been RV'n for well over 40 years and (Yikes) and Big Bend is on our bucket list.

We would be arriving the last weekend of May before Memorial Day. We are not into hiking anymore. However, we want to drive and see what we can see.

We will be leaving the 23rd heading to Lake Livingston in East Texas (north of Houston) for Memorial Day. We will be staying with wife's cousin.

We are Traveling from California....... Thank you for your input LeeB

Big Bend is a very beautiful and remote place. It will be hot in late May but if you’re just going to drive around and see the sites, you should be fine. Be sure to take water with you on your daily excursions.

Unfortunately some of the popular sites require a moderate hike, less than a half mile. Two I can think of are Santa Elana Canyon (known from Amstel Adams photography), and the Big Bend Hot Springs.

I mention “remote” above for a reason. Any type of services will have a hard time getting to you in the event of an emergency. While they will eventually get there, it may take a while. In fact, cell phone service is non-existent in many parts of the park. There is limited cell service on the western side of the park near Terlingua. If you’re a healthy 70, it shouldn’t be a problem. Just be sure to always have an exit strategy.

Don’t mean to scare you, just plan well . . . And have a great time.

LeeB · 03-30-2023, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vtwinwilly

Big Bend is a very beautiful and remote place. It will be hot in late May but if you’re just going to drive around and see the sites, you should be fine. Be sure to take water with you on your daily excursions.

Unfortunately some of the popular sites require a moderate hike, less than a half mile. Two I can think of are Santa Elana Canyon (known from Amstel Adams photography), and the Big Bend Hot Springs.

I mention “remote” above for a reason. Any type of services will have a hard time getting to you in the event of an emergency. While they will eventually get there, it may take a while. In fact, cell phone service is non-existent in many parts of the park. There is limited cell service on the western side of the park near Terlingua. If you’re a healthy 70, it shouldn’t be a problem. Just be sure to always have an exit strategy.

Don’t mean to scare you, just plan well . . . And have a great time.

By HOT how hot? We are from the Central Valley where it get's over 100* a lot during the summer.......... Moderate hikes are not out of the question. I have not contacted the Park yet but I will.. I hope they can send me information on the Park........ Thanks much LeeB

andy29847 · 03-30-2023, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeeB

By HOT how hot? We are from the Central Valley where it get's over 100* a lot during the summer.......... Moderate hikes are not out of the question. I have not contacted the Park yet but I will.. I hope they can send me information on the Park........ Thanks much LeeB

Hot!! I haven't been to Big Bend in May or any of the warm months. However, I have been to Moab in August. It was hot there too, but I still enjoyed myself.

vtwinwilly · 03-30-2023, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeeB

By HOT how hot? We are from the Central Valley where it get's over 100* a lot during the summer.......... Moderate hikes are not out of the question. I have not contacted the Park yet but I will.. I hope they can send me information on the Park........ Thanks much LeeB

At the time you’re referring to, probably high 90’s, maybe low 100’s. Based on what you’ve said, should be a walk in the park!

twogypsies · 03-30-2023, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeeB

By HOT how hot? We are from the Central Valley where it get's over 100* a lot during the summer.......... Moderate hikes are not out of the question. I have not contacted the Park yet but I will.. I hope they can send me information on the Park........ Thanks much LeeB

You don't have to contact the park. Every national park has an awesome website with all information that you may need including a map and trail information. Here is the section on weather & they put May at 89 deg.... cooler than at home!

Buy all your groceries before entering the park as distances are great. There's a tiny park store at Rio Grande Village but poor selection and expensive. We once went there for a Sunday paper & were told it usually arrives on Thursday! Also be prepared for expensive fuel.

A good thing about May is that it won't be crowded. Most visitation is in the Fall, Winter, Spring through Spring Breaks.

We love the park and the hiking but then, we love the desert anywhere!

For other information click on 'Plan Your Visit' & 'Other Information About the Park'.

https://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/weather.htm