March in Big Bend

[levisurfer]

Hiya guys
Things are really moving forward for my upcoming trip to BB - and I am slowly getting things together.
Many of you have already given various bits of advice to this Brit for which I am very grateful.
I will staying in Terlingua just after the spring break - arriving 22 March for 7 nights.
And I am hoping to do scenic drives and walking trails in the 7 days I will be here - plus a visit to McDonalds Observatory on the Friday for star gazing.
This is a suggested itinerary - any thoughts please ?
DAY ONE
lost mine
the window with oak spring cutoff
DAT TWO
ersnt tinaja
pine canyon
DAY THREE
south rim or emory peak
DAY FOUR
cattail falls
grapevine hills
DAY FIVE
santa elana canyon
drive the r.m. scenic drive,do one or two short hikes
good choices mules ears , upper burro mesa pouroff, western side of dodson, the chimneys

Have I got most things covered ?
I will be getting a  Ford Escape or similar and was also thinking of driving the FM 170 to Presdio, Ruidosa and onto Marfa and staying overnight there.  Are these roads suitable ??
Once again thanks in advance for any thoughts, tips and suggestions.
Paul

[Sotol Vista]

that looks pretty good and the Escape or similar vehicle will be plenty good to get back to Ernst Tinaja, Pine Canyon and Grapevine Hills. Just drive cautiously and you will do fine.

just curious, have you checked the hiking distance on these trails?

while down at Ernst Tinaja, you can swing by the hot springs as its right near there and a short easy hike and a good place to soak your feet

James

[catz]

Ernst Tinaja may be a stretch for a small passenger car.  Isn't the south end of the Old Ore Road pretty beat up?

[levisurfer]

Hiya

The hiking trails were recommended to me by a friend.
Do you think they might be too far or too strenuos?
I am not a natural hiker it has to be said but don't mind a challenge
I was thinking of taking it easier on alternate days with car drives and small hikes the order of the day on those days, with longer trails on the other days.
I would love to be in the the best locations for those "golden hours" where light is best for photographers.
I think a stop off at the hot springs is a certainty!!
Thanks

Paul

[Jimbow]

One thing that I learned about hikes is to understand why the trail is there. A little knowledge makes the hike much better. This past New Years the couple camped next to us complained that the Chimney Trail was boring! When we compared notes they just sprinted out to the formation, never was closer than 25 yards, and never knew to look for all the signs of previous settlers of the area. When we shared pictures, they had no idea what was there. They also missed the various grasses, cactus, scat, and birds along the trail.

The other suggestion when viewing the mountains is at least one morning and one evening spend an hour or two at the same vantage point and watch the light change. The proper beverage helps but isn't required.

I want to be back.

[Sotol Vista]

here is some scoop on the trails you have listed

all distances are a total for the round trip

lost mine: 4.8 miles
window with oak spring cutoff: 5.8 miles
ersnt tinaja: 1 mile
pine canyon: 4 miles
south rim: 14 miles
emory peak: 9 miles
cattail falls: 1.5 miles
grapevine hills: 2.2 miles
santa elana canyon: 1.7 miles


upper burro mesa pouroff: 3.6 miles
chimneys: 4.8 miles

mules ears im not sure on this distance, but its 3.8 miles round trip for Mule ears Spring, then some additional to get to the base of Mule ears which I have not done yet.
western side of dodson.. not sure on this one.

[Quatro]

I agree with Sotol Vista that you've got a pretty reasonable trip planned out.  If you're going to be driving to Marfa on Day 6, you might switch your Day 4 and 5 to avoid consecutive driving days.

With the caveat that I haven't been up Emory Peak, I can't imagine going to Big Bend and not seeing the South Rim.  But start very early.

Upper Burro Mesa pouroff is one of my favorite trails in the Park.  The things you hope to see at the Chimneys can be located near Study Butte with a much shorter walk.  Ask for directions to Indian Head.

[mule ears]

With the caveat that I haven't been up Emory Peak, I can't imagine going to Big Bend and not seeing the South Rim.  But start very early.

The things you hope to see at the Chimneys can be located near Study Butte with a much shorter walk.  Ask for directions to Indian Head.

I agree that you must see the South Rim and Emory Peak is OK if you have time.  If it was me, I would go up Laguna Meadows trail to the South Rim (6.3 miles) and then down Boot canyon and past Emory Peak and if you are feeling strong enough then do Emory Peak, if not head on down the Pinnacles trail (also 6.3 miles, 12.6 total).  The SE and parts of the NE rim trails will be closed for peregrine falcon nesting so they won't play into your plans.

From Sotol Vista's mileage numbers you can see your biggest day (other than a South Rim loop) will be the first with Lost Mine and the Window but both are easily done.  Do the Lost mine early (maybe start at first light for best pictures) and it will give you a taste of what the South Rim can offer.  Do the Window in the afternoon and if you don't want to go all the way you can turn around.

I prefer the Mule Ears trail over the Chimneys (both are good) but the spring is the biggest in the desert and if you go all the way to the escarpment/overlook of Smoky creek and the Sierra Quemada (6 miles RT) I think it is one of the best views in the park too.

Can be hot in late March so your plans may change accordingly.  Depending of the weather fronts, you may want to do the mountains stuff on hot days and the lower desert stuff on cooler days or even the mornings versus the afternoons.

The Ford Escape should be fine to both Ernst Tinaja, Pine canyon and the Cattail Falls parking area, all the rest are on paved roads.

[jim2]

a lot of good advice in this thread. upper burro mesa is one our favorite hikes, the drainage it follows is interesting geologically and botanically. mules ears is also a great hike, especially if you go out to the escarpment. be sure to get directions to indian head. i know i like being able to say i've done the south rim. it's the king of hikes in Texas! 

[levisurfer]

Hey guys!
Thanks a million for the replies, tips and suggestions.
The mileage indication is really useful as well.
I will take it all on board and no doubt get back to you.
Thanks Jim for the suggestion to get Laurence Parent's "HIKING BIG BEND".
It has just arrived in today's post, so will be taking all the above stuff on board and reading it with the book and the BB Illustrated Trails Map.
Also just arrived is my new panasonic Lumix G3 camera - so as you can all imagine, I am about to burst my bubble with excitement!
I feel like a big kid again, going away on his first adventure!
Just hope Far Flung can come up with some options for a few days tour and stay  down the river!
Thanks again 
paul

[riverrat]

Just to toss my 2cents in...you mentioned the Golden Hour. I think no trip to Big Bend is complete without a sunset atop SotolVista Overlook, especially if you have some clouds. Be sure to check out both the eastern and western skies as the sun sets. Also, there's an area near Castolon that is really nice in the late evening (you'll know it when you see it). You could do both in the same evening.

[levisurfer]

Thanks riverrat

I am a sucker for a good sunset!

[kevint]

I'll tag on one question.  Also considering a trip in March.  Is there any concern of not getting a roadside campsite (preferably 4wd or away from high traffic) due to spring break "crowds"?  Would be driving in from Houston and would hate to be disappointed upon arrival.

[jim2]

kevin, my son and i were there weds/ sunday of spring break 2011. i was surprised by the number of open sites. spring break is the busiest time of year in the park so my experience may not be yours.