Outer Mountain Loop elevation profile???

[curt9988]

Hey, all. First post here. I'm planning a trip to BB in a couple of weeks to do the OML. Does anyone know where I can see an elevation profile of the hike? I haven't come across one on the web, and I don't have mapping software for TX (yet!)

Thanks in advance.

Curtis
Edmond, OK

[Drifter]

Welcome Curt, The OML , at least the Dotson portion is all up and down.  The drainages flow north to south off the Chisos mountains so you are, for the most part, walking up the side of a drainage and then down the other.  The Parent book has a profile of elevation gains and losses but it really does not get you ready for the actual boot ups and downs.  The trail itself is easy to follow and some great vistas.  When you get to the Elephant Tusk junction be sure to drop you pack and go up the ET trail for 50 yards until you get to the top of the little rise and you will be rewarded with a look at the Fresno creek, Tortuga Mt. Elephant tusk, Back Bone ridge, Dom. Mt. and the Sierra de Punta range.  Be careful on the solo reach.

[TheWildWestGuy]

The OML is a very excellent trail for those looking for a ~3 night backpack.  I started in the Basin, spent the first night on the NE Rim, 2nd night at Fresno, and 3rd night in Blue Creek Canyon.  You should leave water/food at Blue Creek with your car as the Cedar Spring in Blue Creek Canyon is often dry and you can resupply from Blue Creek Ranch Overlook.  You will find reliable water at Boot Springs/Boot Canyon, at Upper Juniper Springs, and at Fresno Springs.   Dodson Spring will also have water but is often muddy.   Cedar Spring and a few other places along the route are probable water sources but not reliable.  The longest stretch between water is coming from Upper Juniper Springs to Fresno ~9-10 miles.  I was at Upper Juniper a few weeks ago and it was flowing better water volume than I have ever seen it so you can rely on it no problem.  That said be sure to carry plenty plus a little reserve just in case.... TWWG

[jeffblaylock]

Curtis,

Here is an approximate elevation profile of the minimum Outer Mountain Loop hiked west (Laguna Meadows/Blue Creek) to east (Juniper Canyon/Pinnacles), minus any side trips, including to the South Rim. The mileage is short by several miles, but the approximate elevation is close enough to give you an idea.

Actually, the profile looks smoother than the actual trail, which has many ups and downs that look awful smooth here.

Based on the mileage on the profile AND NOT ACTUAL MILEAGE, the following is roughly the hike:

0-3.5 miles -- climb Laguna Meadows trail to LM
4.25-9 miles -- descend Blue Creek Canyon to Homer Wilson Ranch
9-11.5 miles -- Dodson Trail climb to high saddle
11.5-19 miles -- various ups and downs along Dodson Trail heading east
19-22.5 miles -- gradual climb into Juniper Canyon
22.5-26 miles -- steep climb up Juniper Canyon
26-27.5 miles -- Boot Canyon
27.5-30.5 miles -- descent down Pinnacles Trail

Again, the mileage is off. Don't rely on the trail mileage. Consult Parent's book instead for mileage waypoints. The profile should just give you a good sense of the ups and downs, and the "mileage" listed above simply indicates the various stretches of the route. If I wasn't clear, DON'T RELY ON THE MILEAGE.

My OML trip went as follows:
Day 0:  Cache food and water 1/2 mile southeast of Homer Wilson Ranch along Dodson Trail
Day 1: Hike LM trail around SW rim to SE 2.
Day 2: Hike east and northeast rim, descend Juniper Canyon trail to zone campsite 1 mile WNW of Juniper Canyon TH.
Day 3: Hike western portion of Dodson Trail, water at Fresno Creek, zone camp 1 mile E of Dodson summit
Day 4: Finish Dodson Trail, lunch at Homer Wilson Ranch after picking up cache, zone camp in Blue Creek Canyon near the spring
Day 5: Hike back into Chisos, camp at SW3.
Day 6: Hike to Basin Trailhead via Boot Canyon and Pinnacles Trail.

A complete trip report begins here.

[Al]

That is a hell of a hike!  Listen to ALL of the water recommendations.

Al

[curt9988]

Jeff: Thanks! That's exactly what I was looking for. (I had already read your trip report, by the way. Good reading!)

Thanks, everyone, for the advice. I've been planning this trip for a year (didn't get to do it last year for some forgotten reason), and can't wait to hit the trail. Plus, I bought a new 8" telescope, and plan on doing some serious stargazing while car-camping after the hike. I hear skies down there are just a little on the dark side.  

While I have ya'lls attention, are there places along the desert portions of the OML to hang a food bag? Trees? Tall bushes? Cactus? If not, what's the best way to keep the critters away from your stash?

[RichardM]

While I have ya'lls attention, are there places along the desert portions of the OML to hang a food bag? Trees? Tall bushes? Cactus? If not, what's the best way to keep the critters away from your stash?

The best way is to carry a bear canister, but I'd imagine not too many hikers do that.  I haven't done the OML, but I'd imagine the only trees of note are cottonwoods near the springs and you're not supposed to camp too close to water sources.  For the food and water caches, you're supposed to use the provided bear boxes.  There is one 100 yards below the Blue Creek Ranch overlook parking lot.  Personally, I'd juct keep my food in fairly well sealed containers and keep it buried in my pack.  There probably aren't too many skunks hanging around out there, as they prefer their cushy setup in the Basin where negligent campers leave them lots of food.  Coyotes and other critters aren't likely to approach if you're nearby.  As far as the ants are concerned, well, best I can say is good luck and keep moving! :)

[Robert]

I've never had any problems with critters getting into food in the Sierra Quemadas. We do most of our backpack trips in December or January and one of the nice things about this time of year is that animals and insects are not that active.

But one desert animal you might encounter is a mouse so I would recommend keeping your food outside of your pack. There really aren't any trees to hang food in anyway but I wouldn't worry about it too much. We bag up our food and keep it next to the tent (but not in it).

[SHANEA]

Personally, in the absence of bear boxes along the trail, I'd invest in a bear proof container from REI or some other outfitter.  
http://www.rei.com/online/store/Search?storeId=8000&vcat=REI_SEARCH&query=bear and keep absolutely nothing but yourself in the tent.

[curt9988]

Thanks, again guys. Maybe I will invest in a bear canister. I do most of my hiking where there are plenty of trees to string a hanging bear-bag. My only experience with desert hiking is in Grand Canyon, where they provide ammo boxes at the campsites for storage. Or used to, at least. Apparently too many people thought they were for trash storage, so they are doing away with them. But, I digress ...

As a solo hiker who frequents bear country, I'm pretty uncomfortable keeping anything smelly (except me!) in my tent at night. Be it bear, javelina, skunk, or mouse, I don't want it trying to get into my tent. Purchasing a bear can would give me a good excuse to hit REI in Dallas on the way down. Woo-hoo!

[RichardM]

There are alternatives to the heavier cans.  Check out http://www.ultralightbackpacker.com/bear-cans.html for a few suggestions.

[SHANEA]

good excuse to hit REI in Dallas on the way down. Woo-hoo!

If you are not, REI membership has it's definate advantages - like the "rebate" check every year.

[The Trout Whisperer]

Curtman!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wanna go to Bandelier again in 2007?

John

[curt9988]

John! Whaaaaaasup? Small world, huh?

Yeah, I'll do Bandalier next year (if Big Bend doesn't kill me first!) I took a buddy out there this year in Feb. Pretty chilly (15F in the early AM), but otherwise a great trip. Hav you been since you guys got snowed out a couple of years ago?

[curt9988]

When do I get to be a "Jack Rabbit" like you????