I went camping and cycling this past weekend and some of my friends now want to go to Big Bend National Park. I’m wondering if anyone has gone and do you have any recommended hikes or anything like that. We also are thinking about taking our bikes down there to do some riding as well. Are the roads decent around there for a good ride? How is the water situation as well?
I plan on doing some of my own research on the Internet, but I also wanted to get some 1st hand info from people that have been there already.
Use caution when riding as roads are rough and have little if any shoulder. Few resources for water outside of park stores/Ranger Stations.
Lots of good hiking and camping but you should plan on packing all thw H2O that you will need as the springs are unreliable. We were out there for New Years weekend and had a very good time.
If you like primative camping head out to the south rim area, its a long hike but worth it. Also consider Boot Canyon campsite, way out there and very private.
When I was in high school we did a 4 day rafting trip with Big Bend River Guides out of Lajitas that was terrific. We didn’t spend a lot of time hiking though. It was summer and 110+ degrees. I’d say definitely go, but its a pain to get there.
Roads are 2 lane w/o shoulders, but 45mph or less speed limit is enforced in the park and there are that many cars there anyway. Road surface was OK when I was there.
The ride up into Chisos basin will test your climbing ability. I think I drove up with the bike on the rack and then rode down and back up. I left myself no way to wimp out.
From the main Visitor’s Center down to the Rio Grand Village and back has got some climbing too.
I encountered a herd of wild boar on the road down to Santa Elena Canyon, Luckily I was in my car. So be cautious about heading that way on you bikes.