Dropping a Hike - Should it be Devil's Den or Hot Springs Canyon

[NCDesertRat]

Still trying to finalize an itinerary for my 10 days in BiBe in October.  I need to drop about a half day's worth of hiking and it is going to be either Devil's Den or Hot Springs Canyon.  Which is the least interesting or rewarding?  I can't give up Marufo Vega, Chisos Rims/Emory Peak, Pine Canyon, Windows, Oak Springs, Lost Mine, Chimneys or Mule Ears . . . or can I?  I have a couple of other of the usual short hikes to Santa Elena and Boquillas canyons included plus a side trip to Terlingua, but I can't do everything.  I guess if I had 20 days, I would still be looking to cut something.  Thanks in advance for any suggestions between those two.  I have posted a couple of other questions out here on other topics and really appreciate the interest and feedback I get.  I will be sure to post a trip report on my return.  Saw there was a half inch of rain at Persimmon Gap yesterday . . .

[NCDesertRat]

Yeah, it's that "no bad choices" that is the blessing and the curse.  Too much wilderness, too little time.  If I lived closer than 25 hours away from Big Bend, I could visit once or twice a year.

[Sotol Vista]

I have done both and I prefer the Hot Springs Trail because of the views into Mexico, there are a few really good spots to take a break at. Devils Den you spend most of the time in a dry wash with little to look at for most of the trek.

Maybe put Devils Den on the list for your next trip

James

[jim2]

don't give up any of your first choices, those are great picks. i've never devil's den, but, i liked the hot springs canyon trail. many species of cactus occur on the rim. it is a hot hike with one small spot of shade.

[mule ears]

Yeah, it's that "no bad choices" that is the blessing and the curse.  Too much wilderness, too little time.  If I lived closer than 25 hours away from Big Bend, I could visit once or twice a year.

Having driven straight through from central NC several times, with another driver, 28 hours is about as fast as it can be done (maybe 26 from Charlotte) and that was flying low. 

[NCDesertRat]

But I am only six hours from the Outer Banks.  Yahoo.

[elhombre]

I would drop Devil's Den.  The best way to see it is to walk through Dog Canyon first, then contour on the east side of the mountains until you see the saddle leading over to Devil's Den.  Then up and over to Devil's Den.  Once on top of the drainage,, it is much easier to hike down the waterfalls.  Also, the drainage is easy to follow back to your car.  It will end up being a whole day with driving included.

Ask at the visitor's center for a map.  Last time I did it, they gave you a copied map from the quad of the area between Dog Canyon and Devil's Den.  If they don't have a copy, spend the $10 and get the quad.  Trust me, you want the quad to find the correct saddle so you don't go up and down the hill multiple times.  TRUST me on this one.     Good Times

You will see a bunch more wildlife next to the river, and take your bathing suit for a jump in the Rio.

[jeffblaylock]

Personally, I'd drop them both and use the time you have to explore whatever your inner muse guides you to.

They're both good hikes, but some of the best explorations are not on trails. Take that/those half day(s) to do something unexpected.

[catz]

I thought in your original post that you said you had hiked Devil's Den before, albeit a long time ago.  Another good desert possibility Upper Burro Mesa.  The Chimneys, too.

I agree with Jeff.  You don't have to--and shouldn't--have every minute planned. 

[NCDesertRat]

You are right, Catz.  I was in BiBe originally almost 35 years ago so for all practical purposes, it is all new to me now because the specific memories have largely faded.  But I remember the Chimneys more fondly than Devil's Den.  While I agree in theory that more flex-time is needed in my schedule like you and Jeff say,  I seem to have too many "can't be missed" hikes in mind.  Believe it or not, I do have some unstructured time in my master plan.  Sort of.

[jave]

Devils Den can be pretty brushy.  If you are getting a soak, only takes a few minutes to wander up to a nice vista into Hot Spgs Canyon- dont need to spend a half day on the 6 mile out and back.  I hear the local Sierra Club helped develop that trail too