Big Bend

[Barko1]

Since Death Valley was getting washed away I opted to head to Big Bend NP for a few days. If you are not familiar BB is a very large Chihuahuan desert park that sits on the Rio Grande and the Mexican border. Elevations range from 1800' to over 7800'. There are three campgrounds and a number of backcountry sites available. The dirt roads are not technical (except maybe Black Gap) but are rough and rocky. The weather was influenced by all the storms coming from CA which made the tumbleweed move like Walmart shoppers on Black Friday. But once the wind died off the temp by the river got over 80 and it was ideal. I had a trailer along so I stayed in two of the less developed campgrounds, the Basin at 5400' and Cottonwood closer to 2000'. Also set a new personal record for having 4 dogs, one a new rescue we are fostering (if interested in a small Catahoula mix she is a great little pooch - better than my others!). As usual there was lots of wildlife around, deer, javelina, and coyotes. At the moment I had let my sighthound off the rope for untangling a deer decided to run by, deer got some exercise, dog returned 10 minutes later.

 

[chnlisle]

I love the pic of the dogs, thanks.

 

[Barko1]

I love the pic of the dogs, thanks.



Quite a motley collection huh!

 

[buzzman]

Barko,

Nice traveling crew you have. I would like to visit Big Bend NP sometime this year so I appreciate your trip report info. What are the camp grounds like? Are they fairly secluded? Send more pics if you can. In your opinion, how would a 2wd truck do in this park?

 

[Barko1]

Barko,

Nice traveling crew you have. I would like to visit Big Bend NP sometime this year so I appreciate your trip report info. What are the camp grounds like? Are they fairly secluded? Send more pics if you can. In your opinion, how would a 2wd truck do in this park?



Their website is pretty comprehensive with picture of the campsites and good info on the backroads, most are 2WD. I did old Ore Road with is high clearance and was happy I had low range and 4wd but I think it could done without it. I wouldn't go after April, too warm. It was 82 one afternoon last week and warmer in the sun. There are very secluded backcountry campsites you could get to, Grapevine Hill, Terlingua, Paint Gap. Rio Grande is the most urban campsite and one area is all big class A's with full hook ups. Cottonwood doesn't allow generators, Chisos is higher in elevation, 5400 compared to the others at 2000/1800 so would be cooler.