South Rim Itinerary for First-timers?

[HeikeDog]

Is there a published itinerary for people new to the South Rim?  To include basics like "start here," "make sure you don't miss this neat feature," "camp here the first night."  Etc, etc.

Is a 3-day, 2-night trip too long?  Is there a point when it gets too late in the day to start out in mid-March?  According to Google, BiBe looks like a 6 1/2-hour drive from San Antonio.  Is striking out the same day advisable, or should we drive down the day before?

Thanks!

Lesley

[Geezer]

From Austin it's a 9 hour drive (for this geezer). Seems like 6 is not enough time. Also, you might consider working a dash up Emory Peak into your agenda. I think the view from E. Peak is better than from the rim. Somewhere on this site you can probably find a concise description of how to do the last 50 feet to the tip-top of Emory. I't more than I can summon up at the moment. Should be lots of fun. But you need to think carefully about water.

[Quatro]

A 3 day, 2 night South Rim trip isn't too long at all.  It's probably the most common trip length.  Fortunately, there is no published itinerary.  Each trip is new and unique no matter how many times you make it.  Using the search function in the forums will generate lots of recommendations for favorite campsites.

A mid-March trip is the most difficult time to have  expectations of a set itinerary given Spring break schedules.  You'll need to go with a Plan A, B and C.  Permits are required for many sites including those in the Chisos Basin.  Almost certainly you won't be able to drive from SA and obtain a same day permit for the Chisos.

I'd try to make a reservation for the Chisos Basin campsite for night one. Do that ASAP. The day you arrive inquire as to South rim availability.  You can string together reservations for several nights running.  So, you may get drive-up back country sites for a couple of days and then maybe a couple of nights on the South Rim - all on the same permit.

Others with far more experience than I will likely provide much more guidance.  Don't get discouraged by the talk of crowds in the park during that time though.  A crowded day in Big Bend provides more solitude than virtually all days in most National Parks.
 

 

[steelfrog]

Frankly, I think that's too long.  It's only about 16, 17 miles and can fairly easily be done as a day hike.  2 days one night is a very relaxed pace.  Now, depends what else you want to do.  If you want to spend hours awaiting the perfect lighting for photog, or reading onthe rim, etc., that's a different story.

[catz]

If the south rim is your sole goal, then an overnighter is ample time.  However, if you want to add side trips, such as going up Emory Peak or Toll Mountain, then I think an additional day would be helpful.

[jeffblaylock]

My preference is 3 days, 2 nights because it gives you a whole day to do nothing but watch the desert change colors as the sun crosses the sky. It gives you twice the sunsets and sunrises, so you can camp on the East Rim one day and the South/Southwest on the next. But other posters are correct. It can be done as a dayhike, or a one-nighter. Depends on your time and what else you want to do while out there.

My most recent trip itinerary:
Day 1: Hike up Pinnacles through Boot Canyon to the South Rim, camp at SW4.
Day 2: Move camp to NE4. Explore east rim.
Day 3: Hike down Northeast Rim trail to Boot Canyon, back to Basin via Pinnacles.

A more "traditional" approach:
Day 1: Hike up Pinnacles, climb Emory Peak, camp at Toll Mountain (better view) or Boot Canyon sites (closer to Rim).
Day 2: Hike Boot Canyon Trail to Northeast Rim Trail, to Southeast Rim Trail, camp at SW4. Watch the sunset from the big ledge.
Day 3: Return to Basin via Southwest Rim and Laguna Meadows trails.

Or, reverse it.

[Robert]

We always drive out on the first day and start our hike the next day. Getting to the park in the mid-afternoon allows us to get our permits, talk to people, and get a feel for what the weather will be like. I think you will enjoy the trip a lot better if you aren't so rushed.

It can be very warm in March and if you start in the afternoon (vs the morning) you could be in for a tough climb.

[HeikeDog]

Is there a map of the backcountry campsites?  SW4, NE4, for example?  I've printed a bunch of maps but none of them reference specific campsites.  Thanks.

Lesley

[HeikeDog]

Trying to make a reservation at Chisos Basin for the first night.  Reservation system is asking which "loop" I want.  No clue on that one ... are some loops  / site #'s better than others?  Of course, they are -- but which ones?  Thanks again!

Lesley

[SA Bill]

Welcome HeikeDog!
Allow at least 7 hours, maybe more, for the drive from SA. Keep in mind that the speed limit in the park is 45mph so you can't "fly" once you enter the park. Those miles from the entrance to the Basin will take about an hour.

Lot's of info on S Rim camping and sites here:
http://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/upload/Chisos_BCSites-2007.pdf

I like site 21 in the Basin. Very roomy and kinda open for star gazing.
  HTH,
   Bill

[HeikeDog]

THANK YOU, Bill!  That link is exactly the thing for which my hyper-Type A personality has been searching!

Lesley

[HeikeDog]

If I understand what I'm reading correctly, both the northeast rim and southeast rim trails will be closed over spring break due to nesting peregrine falcons so we'll have to take Boot Canyon trail all the way from the Pinnacles trail to the Southwest Rim trail.  Is this correct?  That's disappointing ... and a lot shorter!

Also, the only campsites available on the night I want at Chisos Basin are 33, 40 42 and 50.  Is any of them better than another?

Lesley

[RichardM]

Is there a map of the backcountry campsites?  SW4, NE4, for example?  I've printed a bunch of maps but none of them reference specific campsites.  Thanks.

(Sorry, I just tried to find the old BIG map that a you could download with all the designated campsites on it, but it must be classified now)

The NPS wants you to download the 9.25MB booklet:
http://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/upload/Chisos_BCSites-2007.pdf
It at least has a lot more detailed info. Here's the map from the above PDF file.

http://www.bigbendgallery.com/uploads/files/High_Chisos_campsites_map.jpg
I believe EP1 was removed as a campsite when they rerouted the trail.

OK here is a site that will show you the map with the campsites on them.  You have to click on the preview and zoom in, but it is what it is:
http://shop.nationalgeographic.com/ngs/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=225&code=SR50001

I've misplaced my paper copy of that map. I assume you mean the High Chisos Backcountry sites as opposed to the "campsites" along the Dodson, etc.

[jeffblaylock]

If I understand what I'm reading correctly, both the northeast rim and southeast rim trails will be closed over spring break due to nesting peregrine falcons so we'll have to take Boot Canyon trail all the way from the Pinnacles trail to the Southwest Rim trail.  Is this correct?  That's disappointing ... and a lot shorter!

Also, the only campsites available on the night I want at Chisos Basin are 33, 40 42 and 50.  Is any of them better than another?

Lesley

Yes, the NE and SE rims are closed to human traffic during the spring. Peregrines spook easily and will abandon their nest if disturbed.

Only half of the sites are reservable. The rest are first-come, first-served. The sites have also recently been renumbered, so many of us don't know what our favorite sites are anymore.