First trip to Big Bend March 8th - 14th

[texan1337]

I'm completely overwhelmed, I realize I can't even see  a fraction of the park in 5 days, but even deciding what 5 day section to see is almost impossible.

I'd like to do overnight open zone back country camping/hiking, and strike a balance between seeing the main sites and avoiding the spring break crowd. It would also be nice to be along the river at some point, I see that fishing is legal on the RG(are they edible?) Below is my current itinerary, comments are desperately needed:

Thursday March 8th: leave Dallas in my truck with my college buddy, we're fit and have camped a few times but nothing like this. I expect to get to the park at midnight
Friday 9th: ?
Saturday 10th: ?
Sunday 11th: ?
Monday 12th: ?
Tuesday 13th: Work way back to car, maybe take some day trips.
Wednesday 14th: Depart early in the morning for Rockport for some fishing and R&R.


Thanks in advance haha!

[Boojum1]

Its going to be difficult to avoid crowds but you should still have a good time.  I suggest doing some homework here and on the NPS website to come up with some ideas.  Visit with staff at Panther Junction where they can match your interests with good locations.  Your variables aren't defined (vehicle, fitness, experience, etc.) so its hard to be specific.

Think of it perhaps as your first experience with s e x.  You may realize you don't know everything, but you'll definitely seek more learning and experience.  The joy comes with further exploration.  Have a good trip.  It will be a life event.

[jamesb]

not sure what to suggest for over night back country stuff, but a few things on the todo list should be

Santa Elena Canyon
Sunset from SoTol Vista (or any where witha great western view)

im sure others will chime in with some better ideas

James

[westtex]

I have fished on the Rio Grande before and caught catfish, but I have never eaten them and I think the NPS suggests that you do not eat them.  

You should at least go into the Basin and do a short hike, but it will be pretty packed in there.  I suggest checking out Boquillas Canyon hiking trail.  Its easy, short and the sanddune is fun to play around on, then you could jump in the rio to clean yourself off.  The Hot Springs aren't too far off but they are usually prety busy in peak times at the park.  

You really can't go wrong with anything you do.

[texan1337]

Thanks Everey Body!

[Picacho]

I'll be there on Friday doing Ward Mountain and the South Rim.  You are welcome to tag along.  I plan on doing a lot of hiking and a lot of bushwhacking so it will be an all day event.  What school do you go to?

Hopefully you will see this tonight because I am leaving in the morning.

Check your PM.

[Roy]

Buy copy of "Big Bend Vistas" and use it as a guide while driving the main roads.  Should take a day or so and will give you a solid understanding of the geology, landscape, etc.  
Been there many times before doing this last fall;  learned a lot and thoroughly enjoyed it.  Wish I'd done it years ago.

[texan1337]

great my friend backed out on me last minute, and i don't wanna go my first time alone. think im gonna post pone a week or two, at least i'll have more time to plan.