Feb 13th-15th Solo Big Bend trip..Quick and Dirty

[ToyFamily]

I decided to head out of Houston for the weekend on about tues but didn't finalize plans until about friday due to work. Being from Northern Ca. I was hurting for some Mountains so my thoughts were Colorado, which was 16hrs. . Someone here at the shop suggested Big Bend approx 10hrs. away. So considering I was not missing any work for this, I went with that plan to save some on road drive time.

I left work at about 4:30-5pm and after situating my gear and heading to the store it was about 8pm before I consider "being on the road". I ended up getting near the park about 6 a.m. . I traveled 10 west until I hit Fort Stockton then took 385 south. I think I saw about 40+ deer from San Antonio west!!

I had to wait to get my Backcountry Permit so I decided rather than "After Hrs. Registration" I'd wait for the Headquarters to open up. I entered at Persimmon Gap and killed some time driving down to Park Headquarters at Panther Junction.

So I drove near by and waited for the Office to open an took some pictures while the sun rose

I noticed a rattling sound in the last few miles and here it was...

My shock lower bolt rattled loose, all before my actual offroading...so after I registered and got gas, I brainstormed a fix...I tried to think of an unimportant bolt on the 4Runner (while being frustrated about the Toyota Bolt bin I have at home).

I was happy when I found an easy fix and it was off to the Northen section of the park again to Dagger Flat Auto Trail (9:30am). I reserved a camp at Gauging Station (Southern End of the park) but wanted to make a full days worth of vehicle exploration of it so I figured I'd start at the top. Old Ore Road.

 

[ToyFamily]

In Route...Old Ore Road

Nick

 

[ToyFamily]

Old Ore Road

It I were Bear Grylls, I'd set a trap here

Nick

 

[ToyFamily]

passing Solis

Mariscal Mine

Nick

 

[ToyFamily]

and to your left you'll see MEXICO

I didn't mention my on board burrito warmer. (detailed write up will follow :sombrero: )

Back on road coming from Castolon

Gasing up at Panther Junction to leave in the morning

a sweet 2 wheel traveler

Nick

 

[ToyFamily]

Finally making the loop back around to Roys Peak Vista to make camp

I have to say cruising in a 4runner for this kind of off road tavel was great. All my gear stayed clean, I was able to sleep comfortably inside and didn't have to leave anything out for the critters to get into. But I may be due for a rear bumper/tire carrier for some extra gas/water/jack/spare

A beautiful sunset and finally, rest after 22hrs. of driving

Nick

 

[Capt Eddie]

Were the roads you traveled, to bad for a truck and camper? Did you leave out the bad roads. I have wanted to take the new truck there. Your story just drove that home.

 

[ToyFamily]

On my way out as the sun comes up..

In the end I traveled 1383mi leaving about 8 p.m. friday and returned about 6:30 p.m. Sunday. I ended up traveling 100mi of trail in the park. I averaged 17.26 mi/gal (3.4/auto) with the hi being at 21.92 (45mph mostly) and the low being 10.87 (75mph+). I took 90 east out of Marithon, thorugh Del Rio. It was a nice drive, alot of game ranches and small towns.

Home...and I can't even see straight :victory:, but it was sweet!

Nick

 

[ToyFamily]

Were the roads you traveled, to bad for a truck and camper? Did you leave out the bad roads. I have wanted to take the new truck there. Your story just drove that home.

What size camper? Are we talking large Lance camper or capper. I did all these roads in 2wd. The worst of them was the top (begining half) of Old Ore Road, more rocky and a few 6"-1' ledges. The worst thing for your situation would be the off camber sections and I had included the worst ones of those in the pics. The River Road was easy and flat gravel some occiasonal deeper gravel sections and a silt bed or two, that was more of a faster "prerunner" section. The only thing I didn't do that I was wanting to hit was Black Gap Road as it was "4wd required"/"not maintained" to see what it had to offer. After seeing most of the outer camps I'd prefer the northern section over the river, better view IMO. Which is partially why I changed my reservation from Gauging station to Roys Peak (I wanted McKinney Spring N29.40705 W10309200). The other reason is the perminant signs at Dominguez Trailhead warning of common theft of unsecured vehicles in that camping area. I'd like to check out the inner backcountry camps in the Mtns. next round.

Nick

 

[Fulltimer]

The Big Bend is one of my favorite places. Nice pictures that brought back some fond memories.

Terry

 

[flyingwil]

Thanks for sharing Nick! :victory:

The 4runner looks great!

 

[Funrover]

Thanks for all the great pics..... and for some reason I want a burrito now hahaha

 

[jeepmedic46]

Great pics, Thank you for sharing. I to want a burrito now.

 

[Cabrito]

Great trip report! Awesome pics!

Thanks for posting.

 

[Capt Eddie]

It is a LAnce 11 foot camper on a flatbed. I have good AOA and AOD breakover sucks with a 200 inch wheel base. I am not going to rock climb. Just travel overland style and show the kids nature.