Big Bend Campgrounds

TomG2 wrote:
Our group of Seniors will avoid the most strenuous hikes but want to look around.

The Nature Trail at Rio Grande Village campground is a very nice hike, with the option of a bit of elevation change.

Do make a trip to the Hot Springs.

The hike into Santa Elena Canyon is incredible. Not to be missed. Just make sure Terlingua Creek isn't running - the crossing can be iffy if you have to wade across.

One of my favorites isn't even listed as a hike in many sources - Tuff Canyon. You can walk up the smooth floor of the small canyon carved in the debris and ash of some of the volcanic eruptions.

Another favorite is the Grapevine Hills Trail. To see the balanced rocks.

In the mountains - one should first do the Window View Trail - the paved trail that starts from the Visitor Center/ Store/ Lodge parking lot. It provides the second best view of the window at sunset (the best view is from the terrace at the lodge - with a cold beverage in hand.)

Many people want to see the Window Trail. Unlike most mountain hikes - it descends on the out leg, and when you are most tired on the way back - you hit the steepest part. If you want to take that hike - start at the bottom of the Chisos Basin Campground. Hiking from the Chisos Basin Vistor Center adds a lot of distance and elevation change, especially on the way back.

We like the Lost Mine Trail - and highly recommended it for people wanting an easier, but scenic hike in the mountains. The first mile is very easy, offers splendid views, and then you can decide to go higher or return to the vehicles.

One strong warning - take plenty of water. Not one little bottle - each person needs one 16 oz bottle of water per mile minimum. Even when the weather is 'cool'.

Especially in the mountains - the elevation helps dehydrate people quickly.

We went down the Window Trail several times during our hosting stay to take water to people dehydrated on the trail. Too tired to climb back up the last 500 ft of elevation change in the last mile.

Never push anyone you are hiking with finish the hike if they are tired. Let them rest. You have plenty of time to finish. The one time we had to call in the paramedics was because a 30 years old son had pushed his mother to finish the climb up from the Window.

The amazing South Rim and Emery Peak Trails are probably beyond your groups desires. We never climbed either trail.

Two other things - as one BIBE ranger said - all the plants in the park are Red Cross plants - they make you give blood. Almost every plant has thorns, sharp points, etc. Be careful.

People worry about coming across bears or mountain lions at Big Bend. Make a little noise as you walk, and you won't surprise either. We did have some mother and cubs issues restrict some of the trails while we were there. But no one has ever been hurt by a bear at Big Bend. The only mountain lion injuries were from very sick, old lions. A bigger concern should be snakes. There are less than 70 bears in the entire park, less than 30 mountain lions. I'm sure snakes are almost everywhere. Very, very seldom is there a problem - but basic hiking safety - never put your hand somewhere you cannot see.

(And yes - my sig pic was taking at the host site in the Chisos Basin campground - and there is a way to climb Casa Grande - the mountain plateau behind the rig - but it takes finding a special map and some real rough mountain terrain skills. The other host did make the climb. We didn't even consider it.)