Safety at Big Bend National Park

[autiger74]

DW and I have been discussing a winter trip to Big Bend this January.
Our daughter who lives in Texas has concerns about safety on the border.
Is Big Bend safe right now?

[huachuca]

Looking forward to a trip report. Have fun.

[shelbyfv]

Weather should be very nice. That's around the time of Texas spring break. Best to have reservations! I can't recall Bluebonnets but we've been lucky to be there when the desert plants bloom, impressive!

[Roy_Lynne]

The Hill country is the best place to see the Bluebonnets and they bloom in March April time frame. I would think that they would bloom early March in Big Bend.
We want to be there this spring also.

[Gearitis]

Hey Folks, if everything works out (you know what I mean), my daugher and son in law and my wife and I will be taking our RV's to Rio Grande Village BBNP in March. We were discussing today, what the weather might be from March 9 thru the 14th? And suggestions? Also when is a good time for the Bluebonnets there? We have heard Texas size stories of Texas size Bluebonnets. First time for all of us. I have traveled Texas in all corners except the BB area. Also we are not to concerned about the safety factor, but we had heard that there was an uptick in activity? With all the drama today, this may be an embellishment. Any suggestion or comments to our questions above would be so greatly appreciated.

[huachuca]

Agree with others that border safety shouldn't be a concern.

Other suggestions - Consider taking US90 out of San Antonio rather than I10; Its a much more scenic drive. It does get cold and sometimes snow along the Rio Grande in January; Bring warm clothes (We overnighted on the South Rim a few years back and saw 3-4" of snow and ice). Review the "Things to do" tab on the Park website closely before you arrive; Without prior planning, you may miss a lot. Visit Terlingua on the west side; Starlight Theater has really good food, La Kiva is a unique local watering hole (haven't eater there under the new ownership). Take your passports and have a meal in Boquillas on the east end. Relax in the Hot Springs after a day of hiking.

Sidenotes - Video - Google "A Murder in Terlingua". Recommended book - "Death in Big Bend" by Laurence Parent if you should need to come up with reasons to worry about your visit. 😉

One of our favorite Parks since the early 70's.

[monkey44]

Roy&Lynne wrote:
I wish ya'll wouldn't tell folks how great it is, we are headed there shortly and I'd prefer fewer people not more....hehehehe.

It's great, just don't tell anyone 🙂 Enjoy yourself.

[Roy_Lynne]

I wish ya'll wouldn't tell folks how great it is, we are headed there shortly and I'd prefer fewer people not more....hehehehe.

[dedmiston]

Beentherefixedthat wrote:
Everything I have read here so far which means every post, all of them were polite and on target so I am confused by the Moderators comment??? Did I miss something here?

Sorry for the confusion. I should have added some context, but I was just quickly checking the forums before the family got up for Christmas morning.

[monkey44]

We've been to Big Bend numerous times. Never had a problem, never saw a problem. We enjoy it a lot, and will return again, maybe this winter.

Well one problem, broke a tie-down once - some of those back roads are brutal, even with a 4x4 truck, but worth it regardless.

[Beentherefixedt]

Everything I have read here so far which means every post, all of them were polite and on target so I am confused by the Moderators comment??? Did I miss something here?

In any case BBNP is truly a jewel. Safe, beautiful, remote and truly a great place to stay.

I stayed at the cottonwood campground which is right on the river with a view across to Mexico (which is where much of the best scenery is).

The campground was surrounded by a three strand barbed wire fence. I asked the ranger WHY? He said it was to keep the Illegal Bovines out. He went on to explain that the only problem they have is with Mexican cattle strolling across to "our" side and it's there to keep them out of the campground.

Go! It is a great place and do not buy in to the fearmongering that is so prevalent about any area of the border. Most of it is just not supported by the facts.

[Kit_Carson]

When we were there we stayed in Marathon. The motel had a campground. It was a bit out of the way but not too bad. I remember the rates were very reasonable.

[dedmiston]

Let's all please play nice, Members and Moderators alike.

[TxGearhead]

Back to being safe in BBNP....I've never been there, close, but not there. The park is probably the safest place on the border. I guess it's just too far to hike for the mules and illegals to be picked up on the US side.
I would be very careful about other border towns that you may stop in on your way. I lived and worked in Laredo for 2 years. Bad.

[Heisenberg]

The criminals coming over the border en masse is a joke.