good overnight hike besides south rim

[Phil]

can someone recommend a good overnighter.....off icial or unofficial trail?

[Robert]

Provide a little more info.
How far do you want to hike?
High Chisos, foothills or desert?
Carry all your water or springs?
What time of year?

[Phil]

i really don't want anything more than 15 or so miles roundtrip, we'll probably pack our water, we're headed out there in a week and a half.

[Robert]

If you have never hiked to the South Rim, that would be a great hike. Best views in the park, mileage slightly under your limit.

Here's the map with campsites.

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BBNP Website

[RichardM]

You'd still be putting in all of the vertical as going to the South Rim, but if the elevation gain is not a problem how about hiking up the Pinnacles to camp at Emory Peak or Toll Mountain.  That'd give you a chance to catch both sunset and sunrise from the peak.  The next day you could go down through Boot Canyon, then on the Colima trail to Laguna Meadow.  Of course, this would be during spring break so all of those campsites may be filled.  If you're looking for something flatter you'll have to head to the desert.  I've only day-hiked there so I'll let someone else come up with some ideas.  Maybe Banta Shut-in or something.

[Robert]

Oops, sorry I didn't read the "besides South Rim" comment in the topic line.

Suggestions:
Starting at Mule Ears overlook, hike ME trail to Smokey Creek trail. Can hike across valley to Smokey Springs to camp. Exlore up canyon from here or backtrack to Smokey Creek trail. See Billh's trip report if you choose to hike up Smokey Creek a ways.  Lots to explore, beautiful views unseen by most visitors.

OR start at Blue Creek Ranch overlook and hike Dodson trail to Fresno. You can camp at Fresno and explore down Elephant Tusk or hike down canyon along Fresno (which later intersects with ET trail). Again, lots of options for hiking and you won't see many people.

[schraderstein]

While on the topic of overnighters - we were NOT happy with the 'bagged' meals we bought when we made our last such trip, which was too many yers ago to mention - have they improved lately?  I remember them being so 'bad,' that the 6 people in our group voted to bring canned Campbell's soup next time!
 Any recommendations would be aprpeciated, as we will be there during Spring Break as well - 'home base' will be in Study Butte.
 :?

[Casa Grande]

While on the topic of overnighters - we were NOT happy with the 'bagged' meals we bought when we made our last such trip, which was too many yers ago to mention - have they improved lately?  I remember them being so 'bad,' that the 6 people in our group voted to bring canned Campbell's soup next time!
 Any recommendations would be aprpeciated, as we will be there during Spring Break as well - 'home base' will be in Study Butte.
 :?

can i assume you mean the bagged meals in the basin restaurant?  never had the pleasure, although i love their chisos burger after a 4 day hike to the south rim  :P

[randell]

It wasn't until last year that I finally ate in any restaurant in the Big Bend NP/Terlingua/Study Butte region.  I just always brought everything I needed.  

It took having a kid and a grandpa along with me to get me to finally eat in a restaurant.  

Never done the bagged meals, though.  And after what you said, I think I'll stick to freeze dried meals, which are tasty.

[schraderstein]

I was thinking of the pre-packaged meals you buy at REI, Whole Earth, etc.
The one's we had several years ago were very close to being barf material. :roll:
Then again, I think for just one night on the trail, we could easily survive on granola bars and trail mix!

[Casa Grande]

mountain house freeze dried is the best brand you can get. I swear by them and will never backpack or even roadside camp without them. easy to cook, easy to clean and very very good!

here's where i buy mine from :

Mountain House Freeze Dried

[xseption]

mountain house freeze dried is the best brand you can get. I swear by them and will never backpack or even roadside camp without them. easy to cook, easy to clean and very very good!

I enjoy them as well! I have tried other brands but consistently return to Mountain House.

~ edd

[STARLITDARKNESS3]

Overnighting on Granola or Trail Mix is ok, but there is nothing like a hot meal during the cold days/nights and the hot chocolate....   I prefer to pack the extra weight, stove and whatever else I need. 

For an overnighter...  you can prepare your own meal at home, freeze and warm up on the South Rim... 

[Summit]

mountain house freeze dried is the best brand you can get. I swear by them and will never backpack or even roadside camp without them. easy to cook, easy to clean and very very good!

I enjoy them as well! I have tried other brands but consistently return to Mountain House.

~ edd

Totally agree. Mountainhouse leaves all competition behind for freeze dried meals.  Very worth the money--they are so easy to make and replenishes you with needed carbs and protein--they always taste gourmet to us after a long day of hiking

[Undertaker]

My third of fourth for mountain house quick, clean, good and leaves you time for sunset and a adult beverage.