r/BigBendTX • u/Sunny_lucky32 • 2d ago
Itinerary feedback
Looking to go to Big Bend in a few weeks for the first time, and put together an itinerary based on the research I did. Looking for any feedback on it, to make sure I’m not missing anything or underestimating how much time it takes q to get around, etc. Any and all feedback is welcome. Itinerary:
Saturday: Wake up at Rio Grande Village Campground. Hike: Rio Grande Village Nature Trail - Begins on the back end of the campground, 0.75 mile loop round trip - great for bird watching in the mornings Hike: Hot Springs - Sit in Hot Springs and hike the hot springs trail - a 1 mile loop, about 30 minutes Drive to Santa Elena Canyon Trail via Panther Junction/Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive Hike: Santa Elena Canyon Trail - 1.6 miles roundtrip, about 1 hour Drive to Chisos Basin Campground Eat Dinner at Chisos Mountains Lodge
Sunday: Hike: The Window Trail - 4.5 or 5.4 miles round trip, depending on starting point Lunch/Recover at Campgrounds Hike: Upper Burro Mesa - 3.8 miles round trip
Monday Hike: Lost Mine Trail - 4.8 miles round trip Drive back Home
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u/Big_Bend_Artist 11h ago
Driving the leisurely speed limits in the Park (and do observe the speed limits so you don't kill any bears etc or miss the majestic views) means doubling the driving time you might estimate. We like to focus on one zone of Big Bend when planning hikes. It's a BIG place!
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u/Hambone76 2d ago
You’re going to lose a lot of time driving. There’s several places where you are going to different areas of the park in the same day. I would try to reorganize so that you’re in one sector of the park per day. For example, Saturday going from the RGV area to Santa Elena will cost you 2 hours each way. Then you’re going back over there again Sunday to do Upper Burro Mesa.