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Test Hike: Big Bend, Texas
Test Hike: National Park, Big Bend
There are few places warm enough to hike this winter time of year. Even spring has its iffy weather.
As I’ve been to Big Bend National Park, I’m going there in March before humans ruin it, the desert sun kills, the toxic plants and animals still dormant and do not snag, sting or kill me.
Logistics
It’s fairly inexpensive to fly to El Paso, and hitch hike south to the ‘Bend.
I’ve been there many times before and the Park’s rugged isolation appeals. Folks are really friendly, helpful; it’s hilly, weird and warm.
Deadly Ecosystem
However, the ecosystem kills: everything evolved thorns or toxins for defense or go without water for months.
It also looks very weird; something an alien, or a drunk Sci-Fi person with an “altered” perspective threw together.
Being a relatively frail human, I have to be careful. Going with a small group and hiring a guide.
It’s a dangerous, beautiful, even exotic place. The nearest health provider is hours away.
Plan
I will test-drive my stove, boots, power of attorney, patience, and tune up my hiking legs.
Altitude?
Big Bend has limited altitude, the exact variable needed to really test myself.
Oh well, one must do the best one can. Right?
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Comments 3
I’ve been there 50 times in winter, in my opinion, the best time to go.
South Rim is my favorite hike. In winter, be sure to include Northeast Rim in the South Rim itinerary. It adds a mile and a half (2.5 km) to the loop but that distance is all extra scenery that you came to see. I’ve hiked South Rim over forty times, probably half as day hikes, the rest as backpacking trips, sometimes up to five days just to have more time to hang out watching the awesome views, sunrises and sunsets.
I’ve also canoed and kayaked the incredible canyons on the Rio Grande dozens of times.
Big Bend is a special place!
I just looked at the Big Bend picture on my computer rather than my phone. My father took a picture of all five children in front of that very sign in 1966 on our first visit to Big Bend and 55 years later, we five children duplicated the picture. The yucca plant wasn’t there in 1966, the road wasn’t paved, and the typeface used on the current sign is different (along with some of the wording), however, the stone structure at the right hasn’t changed. The same rocks are still there!
I gave a copy of both photos to one of the park rangers and they are planning on posting it on their social media.