First-timers to Big Bend

[HeikeDog]

My 16yo son and I are just getting into backpacking and would like to target Big Bend for a 2-3 day spring break trip (mid-March).  Although we've never backpacked, we're both in good shape and do long walks (5-10+ miles) regularly, although without carrying any equipment.  I'm outfitting him with backpacking equipment for Christmas, and we plan to do several short weekend trips in the San Antonio area in preparation.  After reading through a couple of books, my concerns are these (given that we're urban dwellers):

1.  I read that cars are frequently broken into by people crossing the border.  Is this true?

2.  What about personal safety from encounters from other people in the Chisos Mtns?  I'm not a big person (5'4", 110 lbs), and while my son is a strapping 6' and 180 lbs, he's still a naive, inexperienced city kid.

3.  Are the South Rim trails well marked?  I also read many references to other BiBe trails that are not well marked, and I don't want to take on a great risk of getting lost our first time out in a somewhat desolate area.  I've read that the South Rim trail is pretty heavily traveled (relatively speaking) and is well marked, but I thought I'd verify that.

4.  I thought we'd end our trip with a night at the Chisos Mountain Lodge.  Is this a nice place, or should we just head back to San Antonio?

We are very excited about this new adventure!  I figure that my son will be gone in two years (college), so any activity he wants ME to do with him ... I'm going to love and make the most of for him! 

Thanks for all insights, everyone!

Lesley

[OldJeepr]

1.  The chances of your vehicle being broken into are very slim - much more likely in San Antonio.  We've parked at many trailheads in an open Jeep or pickup and never had a problem.  Of course, don't tempt fate by leaving your valuables in plain sight.

2.  While there's always the possibility of running into a scum bag, the vast majority of people you meet are there for the same reason as you, to relax and enjoy the Park.  You are more likely to meet people who want to help than to hurt.

3.  I'll leave this on to those who have made the South Rim hike much more recently than I.  I'll just say that, on our first hike there, with virtually no map, we had absolutely no problem finding our way.

4.  The Chisos Mountain Lodge rooms are clean and well appointed, if a bit pricey.  The trip home will probably be more enjoyable after a good night's sleep and a shower.  If you opt for this, I suggest making reservations early.

[wclavey]

If you decide to stay in the lodge for your last night, consider one of the Roosevelt Cabins, #102 or #103 - - there is absolutley nothing else like waking up and seeing the Window from your little stone porch.  Take a few minutes to take some last pictures of it before you go.

[steelfrog]

1.  I read that cars are frequently broken into by people crossing the border.  Is this true?

Only break ins in the park, according to rangers, have been at Boquillas,, and that is very few; none in the Basin

2.  What about personal safety from encounters from other people in the Chisos Mtns?  I'm not a big person (5'4", 110 lbs), and while my son is a strapping 6' and 180 lbs, he's still a naive, inexperienced city kid.

Not a concern.

3.  Are the South Rim trails well marked?  I also read many references to other BiBe trails that are not well marked, and I don't want to take on a great risk of getting lost our first time out in a somewhat desolate area.  I've read that the South Rim trail is pretty heavily traveled (relatively speaking) and is well marked, but I thought I'd verify that.

Yes, they are well marked; but get a Trails Illustrated BBNP map

4.  I thought we'd end our trip with a night at the Chisos Mountain Lodge.  Is this a nice place, or should we just head back to San Antonio?

Sure; stone cottages are best (100, 102, 103); but anywhere in teh Basin is better than dadgum SA; or any city.  Better start calling now; if they are all booked up, you can keep calling and people will cancel; or check website

[Homer67]

They sell a cheap map of the Chisos trails at Panther Junction, the headquarters where one must get their backcountry permit from. The trails are easy to follow. 

My wife and I did a loop through the mountains this November, which included the South Rim.  Check out my trip report!  Here is the link:

http://www.bigbendchat.com/portal/forum/your-trip-reports/doing-it/

(I know, shameless plug!)
You'll enjoy the area up on the South Rim!  We camped a bit beyond the South Rim, past the junction of the South Rim and Boot Canyon trails on the SE Rim.  The camp sites are set back a bit on the opposite side from the rim; we camped at SE 4 and it was very nice! We saw some deer very near our camp!


Here are a couple of photos from the South Rim:

ET, Mariscal and some Agave by SuperHomer67, on Flickr


Sunset SRim 24 by SuperHomer67, on Flickr

We have never had a problem with the security of our vehicles, even when we left the truck overnight at Talley (down on the river in a remote part of the park) when we hiked the Mariscal Rim/Cross Canyon trails in February.  We also did Marufo Vega last January and had no problem down there either (Hiking tells one to be cautious in this area). 

You will have a great time!

Homer

[elhombre]

Welcome to the sport of Backpacking.  Big Bend is a great place to learn  because no matter where you are up in the Chisos, you can walk out in 5 hours or less if something happens.  I would suggest do a easy "dry" run on a short trail like the loop trail at Enchanted Rock.  There are back country campsites only 2 miles from the parking lot on the west side of the big rock. Pack your pack just like you are going to head up into the Chisos (full water/food load).  You will quickly discover any problems with your packing/planning by just spending one night out with everything you need on your back.

The lessons you learn on the short trip will pay back triple when hiking up Laguna Meadows and the rest of the trip.

Lastly, make sure your boy gets fitted for the backpack.  I know it took over 3 hours for me trying on different packs (fully loaded) to finally find the correct one for me.  It will make a huge difference in your enjoyment of the trip if the pack is the wrong size for your body.