Midland - Chisos Basin Drive Time?

[ReDiscovering]

The title is my question.   What's the drive time and where would be a good place in between to crash overnight?

[Al]

It's about 200 miles to Panther Junction. I'd figure 3.5 hours or so. I've done it but don't remember the time.  I'd drive down to Rio Grande Village, rather than the Basin if you get there too late to check with the rangers  Once you get near and enter the park bet you'll be able to stay awake.  No hassle finding a place to throw your bag down.  Get up the next morning and Go!

Al

[bdann]

typically takes me about 4 hours from Midland to the Basin.

[SHANEA]

between to crash overnight?

Fort Stockton.  - many new hotels/motels there and an IHOP.  I usually stay at the Holliday Inn Express.  There is also a new Hampton Inn.  The Holliday Inn Express has a pretty decent breakfast buffet.  I generally call them directly and get them to give me the best deal with an AARP or AAA  or Military discount to boot (even though I'm not a member of any).

Be sure and say hi to Pete.  (Piasanno Pete that is) 8)  No trip through Fort Stockton is complete w/o a picture of Pete.  Kinda sets the stage for the trip.  Kinda like stopping at the BIBE sign at the gateway.  

Am I the only one, but it seems like every time I go through Fort Stockton, somehow I get "lost" on making the transition to the road to Marathon?  If I go "straght through" I have no problems, but if I pull off some place or go to Wally-World or Sonic, then I have a heck of a time "navigating back".

[presidio]

Am I the only one, but it seems like every time I go through Fort Stockton, somehow I get "lost" on making the transition to the road to Marathon?  If I go "straght through" I have no problems, but if I pull off some place or go to Wally-World or Sonic, then I have a heck of a time "navigating back".

It is quite simple, really. After you pass the Sonic (headed east) turn right on Colpitts Blvd (the third street after getting on the main drag from the 'Y') and go south until you hit the railroad tracks. You will be one block west of 385 where it turns to cross the tracks. Ignore the highway signs. You are just cutting the base of the triangle you will unnecessarily drive if you follow the official route.

You could take the right side of the 'Y' as if you were going to head west, but just go straight across the main drag and on to Everts, which is ahead at the light, or take the first right as you are headed east from the 'Y', which is Rio St. They all go down to the tracks, but these last two don't gain you anything and are more residential in nature than Colpitts. Colpitts is a pretty wide street.

[RichardM]

Am I the only one, but it seems like every time I go through Fort Stockton, somehow I get "lost" on making the transition to the road to Marathon?  If I go "straght through" I have no problems, but if I pull off some place or go to Wally-World or Sonic, then I have a heck of a time "navigating back".

Yeah, my Dad got lost on our 11/2005 trip and we ended up heading toward Alpine and cutting back over to Marathon.  Granted, it was nice to see a stretch of road that I normally don't get to see, but it added 20-30 minutes to our travel time and contributed to our barely getting the last open campsite (# 49) in the Basin.  You know, the one that was on an incline where we kept sliding down inside the tent all night long.

[Undertaker]

May have forgot to welcome you, enjoy them both if you have time, my favoriate saying here is "Stop and Smell the Roses" 8)

[JeffB]

What is the best route from Odessa?  Should I take 385 south from Odessa or take I-20 to Monahans, then 18 south?  Hwy 18 looks shorter on the map.

I'll be working back-and-forth between Dallas and Odessa in the next couple months.  My employer purchased  a new laboratory, formerly Environmental Lab of Texas in Odessa, which is now part of our lab network.  I might as well make a trip  down to Big Bend since its so close.

[okiehiker]

And you are correct, going over to 18 is the fastest.  I would love to work closer than 800 miles someday!  
 :D

[Hayduke]

If you're trying to get from Odessa to the Park via Ft. Stockton the shortest route is not via 18 but I20 to FM1053.  

That has the added advantage of passing through Imperial, wher you can have a very fresh fried shrimp dinner at the restaurant just E of the main intersection.

[chisos_muse]

If you're trying to get from Odessa to the Park via Ft. Stockton the shortest route is not via 18 but I20 to FM1053.  

That has the added advantage of passing through Imperial, wher you can have a very fresh fried shrimp dinner at the restaurant just E of the main intersection.

I agree. I've heard that there is much more law enforcement on 18 as well........ 8)  And you still get to pass some really cool sand dunes in 1053..it's like you're at the beach!

[ReDiscovering]

I grew up playing in those sand dunes as a kid.

[RichardM]

That has the added advantage of passing through Imperial, wher you can have a very fresh fried shrimp dinner at the restaurant just E of the main intersection.

Speaking of those fresh shrimp, I was looking forward to trying them at the Chisos Basin lodge last November but they were no longer on the menu.

For those wondering what we're talking about:  Permian Sea Shrimp

[Hayduke]

The shrimp at that restaurant in Imperial are delicious. Forget the catfish.

[TheWildWestGuy]

ShaneA - I have gotten lost in Fort Stockton also - heading from I-10 Westbound.
The place you turn seems to be a little sidestreet and the BBNP directional sign points to a street before it.  A bit confusing especially at night when you have been driving all the way across Texas already.  I once drove 10 miles towards Sanderson on the wrong road before realizing that nothing looked familar.  I always breath a little easier once I clear the city limits but I never have any trouble heading back to I-10.   It's kind of like hiking in Arroyo's - easy and straightforward heading downhill (just keep branching in and going down) but you have to be carefull and watchfull heading up an arroyo as it's easy to miss the trail or pick the wrong branch to follow.   Glad to see I am not the only one!   TWWG