Big Bend NP Expedition Report 2/27/08-3/2/08

[tdesanto]

Road conditions were excellent. The park apparently re-grades the roads towards the beginning of each year depending on conditions and rainfall. This didn’t provide much by way of challenges, but it did allow us to cover a lot of terrain and see more of the park.

1st day: Nugent Mountain. Easy access makes this camp a great choice for the first night, usually because you’ll be arriving late if you’re traveling by day. N29°15.993' W103°08.929'.
Great views of the Sierra del Carmen at sunset and a breathtaking view of Nugent Mountain at sunrise.


2nd day: The Window. 5 mile hike. Very easy going down, uphill all the way going back up. It's worth it for the view.

Terlingua Abajo. N29°11.997' W103°36.250'. This site offers a beautiful view of Santa Elena Canyon for sunrise. It’s also close enough that you can go for a day hike of the canyon too. The only way to get there is via Old Maverick Road.






Dos Monteros:



Read on for part II

 

[SOAZ]

Nice shots! I look forward to readind the report!

 

[tdesanto]

Part II

3rd day: Fresno camp/ Mariscal Mine. The remains from this mine are pretty well preserved considering the conditions. Mining of mercury was carried out until the mine was closed in 1943. Fresno camp is wide open and offers views of all the surrounding mountains. Fresno camp: N29°06.028' W103°10.797'; Mariscal Mine: N29°05.836' W103°11.076'




4th day: Grapevine Hills and the Balanced Rock formation. We took Black Gap road to Glenn Springs road to get to pavement for 2-3 miles, then off to Grapevine Hills road. This trail/road is very easy to traverse. 4WD isn’t even needed for this one, but that’s not the point of this location. The goal of this one is to get to the balanced rock formation. The hike is an easy one to get to the mountains, then it’s a moderate hike up to the formation. Hiking boots definitely recommended once you get to the climbing portion of the hike as the trail really ends there. Trailhead: N29°24.618' W103°12.455'

 

[tdesanto]

Part II: Rio Grande

 

[The BN Guy]

Oh Tony that was cruel! Great pix and it looks like y'all had a great time!

BTW, I remember that little hill climb on Black Gap. So does my seat. Pucker was high for me during that.

 

[Ursidae69]

Sweet, I've been waiting for this trip report. unk03:

Awesome trip to break in the new AT!

 

[hattrik21]

Dang Tony it looks like I missed a great trip.

 

[tdesanto]

Oh Tony that was cruel! Great pix and it looks like y'all had a great time!

BTW, I remember that little hill climb on Black Gap. So does my seat. Pucker was high for me during that.

I hadn't forgotten that hill climb. In fact, I remembered that time when I ran that trail this time. I'm just glad we got through it ok.

 

[tdesanto]

Sweet, I've been waiting for this trip report. unk03:

Awesome trip to break in the new AT!

Dang Tony it looks like I missed a great trip.

Yes, it was quite a trip. I'm pretty bummed that I'm already back home. It flew by so fast.

 

[Overland Hadley]

Thanks for the trip report.

I am heading to Big Bend in two days. I have never been there before, any advice?

How are the wildflowers looking this year?

 

[kcowyo]

You've got an awesome looking set up Tony. The AT really compliments the Montero. Congratulations.

 

[Willman]

Right on Tony!!!!

Great trip report!!

Love the setup!!!!!

Can't wait to see it at this years ET!!!!!

Your coming right?


:victory:

 

[preacherman]

Everyone else liked the trailer too. Every time we stopped people came around and asked about it. In this pic 5 people stopped and asked questions.

 

[flyingwil]

Nice write up!

Next time make sure and send me an e-mail in advance and maybe I can join you guys.... Wait, maybe that was the point, huh?

 

[preacherman]

Ever wonder how tony gets such good shots?