Big Bend Ranch State Park Backpacks

[catscats]

I've hiked the Rancherias Loop Trail (twice) and now I'm ready for more.  Anybody have any good ideas about other backpacks in the state park?  There is really very little on the web about hikes in that park (other than the Rancherias Loop).  The official park site map shows quite a few dotted lines signifying trails but does not provide any information at all about any of them.  I'm looking for a two-or-three nighter but can do less or more for a good hike.

[01ACRViper]

there are quite a few hikes you could do. pick any one of the canyons that heads north from the river, and start hiking!

I've gone up panther a short ways, madera 5 or 6 miles, and fresno all the way to the solitario. it's possible to hike up one canyon, move to another cross-country like on the Rancherias, then down another canyon. water isn't going to be a problem in Fresno or Panther canyon, Madera canyon only had a few small springs, but they might be flowing well right now.

here's a map of a hike i tried. didn't get very far with a dog in tow, but i want to get back and finish it sometime.

http://www.grbphotography.net/bbcfiles/febranch.jpg

Panther canyon has a few large boulders that require a bit of scrambling, and it would be easier going down that coming up.

the lower, narrow section of madera has a large 30ft pouroff that is very difficult to get up, as well as a few tinajas, so you have to get around it on the rim. it's worth going down in to look around though

Fresno canyon is the easiest to navigate, since it's the least "canyon-like".

i just picked up a topo, looked for canyons that looked interesting, worked out a loop/route, and went for it 

look on my site for pictures of these places

http://www.grbphotography.net

[Ay Chihuahua!]

Here's one that I did last year.  You would probably want to refine it a bit with the folks at Sauceda and I'd be happy to answer any questions.

[catscats]

Thanks, Ay Chihuahua!  What a fascinating report!   

Based on my limited experience in the State Park--and now your report--I would say it is much rougher and more difficult hiking than the National Park.  It is very heartening, however, to know there is at least the possibility of finding water. 

Thanks again!

[Ay Chihuahua!]

Based on my limited experience in the State Park--and now your report--I would say it is much rougher and more difficult hiking than the National Park.  It is very heartening, however, to know there is at least the possibility of finding water. 

If you've hiked the Rancherias Loop twice, you probably have a good feel for the place, so don't let my trip from last year discourage you.  You could check out the Fresno Creek area or the Solitario.   There seems to be more well defined trails in this area that at least show up on the map.  I'd call the folks at Sauceda and ask for some help.  If it sounds like I'm begging you to go, it's b/c I am.  We need more trip reports from BBRSP on BBC.!

[01ACRViper]

If it sounds like I'm begging you to go, it's b/c I am.  We need more trip reports from BBRSP on BBC.!

I concur!