South Rim Loop Considerations for BiBe First-Timer

[ttrocks]

Hello all,

I'm a native Houstonian eager to experience that good ol Texan Backyard that is Big Bend. I'm 27 years old, female, and in good physical condition. In June I returned from a 700 mile hike along the Appalachian Trail. It was an experience! Now I want to tackle a long weekend in Big Bend. I'm planning for a late October 3 day/2 night hike of the south rim loop, much like Ray's trip back in '06

http://www.bigbendchat.com/portal/forum/your-trip-reports/back-from-the-rim-october-backpacking/

I'm thinking of going solo like I did the AT, and I'd appreciate everyone's input on this. What are some things to consider for BiBe first-timers, especially solo first-timers. Would taking along an unexperienced hiker be any better than hiking solo?

I hammock camped on the AT; am I correct in assuming that tenting is more suitable in the Chisos?

I'm open to feedback! Thanks!
ttrocks

[elhombre]

The main difference will be that you will have to carry ALL your water with you.  Unless it has just rained, which is not likely.  Sounds like you are strong enough with your previous experience.  Tent or not to tent has been discussed a bunch here, and I ALWAYS bring a tent because the weather fronts can be rather tough.  One time doing the Dodson trail we were suppose to have good weather all 4 days.  When we picked up our stash on day three, a hiker asked us if we had heared about the snow storm coming in that night.  Well, it did snow, but only after raining, then sleeting, then snowing.  It sure was beautiful in the morning, but sucked during the night.   

I would bring someone along so y'all can split up the load.   

[jeffblaylock]

I hammock camped on the AT; am I correct in assuming that tenting is more suitable in the Chisos?

The trees tend to be shorter, thinner and brushier than what you experienced on the AT. The ground cover is probably sharper and brushier too. That's not to say that a suitable place to hang is not available, but finding it may be quite challenging. It should be fairly easy, however, to tie your hammock's tarp between several of the smaller trees or over an open portion of a site, for shelter.

[Cookie]

After 700 miles on the AT I don't think this would present any real difficulties for you. We picked a 2 night trip on the rim for our daughters first backpacking trip, she was 4 years old at the time.

You might want to consider going up Laguna Meadow to SW3, then heading over to one of the NE sites to really enjoy the view at different times of the day, then hit Emory peak on the way out if you have time. I like the view from the rim much better than from Emory peak. The hike thru Boot Canyon is one of my favorites, but I don't really like any of the boot canyon sites (no view of the desert).
Carrying all your water is definitely your biggest challenge. As El Hombre said, bring a buddy and share the weight. Even a newbie hiker could do the rim if they are in pretty good shape.

Don't forget to post your report with pictures when you get back!

~Cookie

[ttrocks]

Thanks for sharing! On the Appalachian Trail, I carried at most 1 gallon of water at a time, but often 6-7 days of food  We got really good at reducing our pack weights out of sheer necessity.

Ideally it would be great to share pack weight with a companion, but I'm not sure I'll be able to find someone to hike with me given my timeframe. My biggest concern is safety in terms of what to do in case of accident. On the AT you were never far away from a human being, resupply point, or town, but it's a different story in Big Bend. What first aid equipment is considered absolutely essential for Big Bend? (I'll do my research, but would appreciate any personal words of wisdom). You could get buy with a very meager and lightweight first aid kit on the AT.

I'm nervous about how well-marked the trail is. All you had to do was follow the whiteblazes on the AT. Is the trail generally well-marked for South rim loop ascending/descending?

Cookie, I may take you up on your recommendation depending on what time I hit the trail!

Again, thank you all for sharing. I really appreciate it. Looking forward to experiencing Big Bend for the first time really soon!

[Sotol Vista]

the South rim trail is very easy to see and its marked nicely, since its one of the more popular trails it is a well worn path so route finding is not a problem. You will encounter people along the trail but not very many, but the end of October is a PRIME time for hiking the rim, so there might be more people than usual, but its still NEVER crowded up there.

a basic first aid kit should do the trick, make sure you have some good tweezers as there are lots of little sharp things to poke you up there and all over in big bend for that matter.

since there has be a lack of rain in big bend this year, water up on the rim will be non existent, so make sure you have plenty.

many people form the board here plan on being in Big bend at various times in October, so you might run into some. Me and Rey will be there mid October


James

[steelfrog]

You won't really be challenged.  My Bro and I did it this past January as a dayhike.  I think we were done by 4 or so.  You might consider if you are doing 3 days, 2 nights; just one night on the rim; and a night in the Basin and also do something else, such as Casa Grande.  With your experience, 3 days 2 nights for this relatively short loop might be a bit of a disappointment.  Let's say you set up your camp on SW rim first night; then, what, hike to NE rim and set up camp?  That takes an hour.

[dkerr24]

I agree with Steelfrog, you won't be challenged doing the South Rim...  but that's a great hike for your first trip to BIBE.  My wife and I day hiked to the rim... it was a good workout, but well marked and easy to follow.

Someone with your experience might want to tackle the Outer Mountain Loop.  I think you'll find it more of a challenge.  The Dodson trail gets a bit brushy in parts, but no trouble at all following the trail.  I hiked the OML in Feb '09, the weather was about perfect... mid 80's daytime, mid 50's at night.

Darin

[Ray52]

Glad my trip report has been useful for planning your upcoming visit TTRocks.  That was my second time to do the Rim and a way to introduce my friends to Big Bend.  They both enjoyed it, but one said "never again" and the other has moved to Hiroshima so I don't think he'll have many opportunities for a follow up. 

Like several others have said, I agree that you won't be challenged by this hike.  But there's nothing wrong with a relaxed pace in this very beautiful place.  Most on this board have done it multiple times. We did the reported hike early in October.  I'm sure it had been much wetter than this year and that trip was the most beautiful I've ever seen the park.  We weren't sure of water so packed all that we'd need.  After doing the rim we hoped to do day hikes in the eastern part of the park but found the temps too hot for comfort and my homesick hiking buddies and headed for home.  Perhaps later in the month, as you plan, temperatures will be more bearable.

[catz]

Well, since we're  tossing out alternatives, here's another.  Park at the Homer Wilson Ranch and follow the Blue Creek trail up to Laguna Meadows.  Turn right and the rim will be in another mile or two.  Like all the routes up to the rim, this is also steep.  I personally think it is better than Juniper because it doesn't include a long slog through open desert, although there won't be any water on it.

I think you should seriously consider the Outer Mountain Loop, as mentioned earlier.  It is, I think, the best backpacking route in the park and can be done in four days.  It includes the two main routes to the rim from the Basin plus the Juniper and Blue Creek trails.  The Dodson Trail portion will have water at Fresno Creek, or if it doesn't, no place in the park does.  You can also cache water at Homer Wilson (there's a bear box there for that very purpose) and at the Juniper Trailhead (although there's no container for that purpose--put a gallon in some brush and leave a note saying when you plan to pick it up).

[ttrocks]

The OML is not out of the question! Because I'm not familiar with the South Rim Loop, I assumed that the loop was formed by the ascending/descending trails that lead to the South Rim, e.g., Pinnacles, (Emory Peak), Boot Canyon, and Laguna Meadows. I'm referring to this topo:
http://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/upload/HighChisos-Trails.pdf

Here was my tentative itinerary:
Day 1 - Oct 21
Early drive (5am) from Houston to BBNP. Arrive, assess energy, and register for campsite accordingly. Start at Chisos Basin trailhead and hike up Pinnacles trail. Set camp, possibly Junniper Flat or Boulder Meadow.

Day 2
Finish Pinnacles Trail, take Emory Peak side trail, continue up Boot Canyon Trail, Northeast Rim, and make camp at SW4 or SW3.

Day 3
Hike out via Laguna Meadows, arrive at Basin. Head home!

How does that sound? I may have plenty of miles under my belt, but it's been 3 months since I had my trail legs and the relaxed pace should offer good sightseeing  . Does anyone have a better topo of OML than the one offered by nps? (http://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/oml-itinerary.htm)

Thanks again, all!

[Flash]

Links to Jeff Blaylock's Maps 

[catz]

That's a heck of a day 1!  Doable, but full.

The OML includes what you show, but also a lot more.  Forget it unless you have one or two more days.  Sorry I even brought it up.

[ttrocks]

Thanks, Flash. Those topo's are really helpful, but I'd need to consult someone over the phone or in person to really wrap my head around the OML. My visual-spatial abilities need improving!

Catz, I could extend my trip by 2 days (leave early Thursday and return Monday or Tuesday), but I think I'll save that for BiBe trip #2 

[mule ears]

Thanks, Flash. Those topo's are really helpful, but I'd need to consult someone over the phone or in person to really wrap my head around the OML. My visual-spatial abilities need improving!

Catz, I could extend my trip by 2 days (leave early Thursday and return Monday or Tuesday), but I think I'll save that for BiBe trip #2 

While things can change rapidly, an October OML could be a hot hike down low, across the Dodson.  There are only two October OML trip reports on the board, one early and hot, one in your time frame and not too bad.  I would think that with this years really hot conditions the heat may last further up into the fall than normal.

I might do your Chisos trip and get oriented to the park and then come back in cooler weather and do the OML, hopefully after some more rains too.

I would also try to add on a day or two for this trip and explore the park some, it is a long way to drive for just 2 nights.