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Author Topic: Favorite Day Hikes for Spring Break  (Read 1958 times)
Day_Tripper
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« on: March 02, 2006, 09:31:28 am »

I recently found this site and was thrilled to find so much information about BBNP in one place.

My husband and I will be visiting the park over spring break this year for the first time. Since this is our first trip, we will be staying in one of the main campgrounds and will only be attempting day hikes of 2 - 9ish miles.  

We would love to hear what your favotire hike of this distance is and any other recommendations on what shouldn't be missed.

Thanks :)
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RichardM
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« Reply #1 on: March 02, 2006, 09:51:07 am »

Check out the What To Do web page on the official BBNP site for the usual recommendations.  Unfortunately you may not get the best impression of Big Bend during spring break due to the crowds.  Of course, keep in mind that I thought the South Rim trail was crowded because we saw about twenty other people on it, so I guess it depends on what you're used to.

The Lost Mine Trail is a definite must-hike.  Most people hike down to the Window as well.  If you do, I recommend taking the Oak Springs Cutoff trail up to the rim where it overlooks the desert.  You can do that either before or after going all the way down to the Window pouroff.  Of course, you'll need to drive down the Ross Maxwell road, stopping at all the viewpoints, until you get to Santa Elena Canyon.  And, in the opposite direction, you'll need to go check out Boquillas Canyon and maybe the Hot Springs for a good soak.  Grapevine Hills is another good short day hike, although you'll have to drive on a bumpy gravel road to get to it.  If the weather is not too hot, you could try hiking the Chimneys Trail from the Ross Maxwell road.  For something more adventurous, try hiking out to Mule Ears Spring and back from the overlook.  If you find hiking in the mountains to your liking, hike up to Emory Peak and scramble to the top.  It's a workout, so plan on taking your time and enjoying the views.
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billh
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« Reply #2 on: March 02, 2006, 10:50:32 am »

I really like the Top of Burro Mesa Pour off hike, approx 3 miles round trip, shady at end. We just did Apache Canyon about a year ago, nice, with some off trail parts. (Watch for sticky stuff!). If you have high clearance, many like Pine Canyon. Very shady at the end, intermittant fall. I still think Lost Mine is best bang for the buck in the park.

bill
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jim2
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« Reply #3 on: March 02, 2006, 03:09:19 pm »

the top of oak spring cut off is killer spot for sunsets ,you're in the mountains looking down on the desert. blue creek canyon has some cool rock formations that change colors with the setting sun. this canyon also has good views of the santa elana canyon. from  the tuff canyon overlook you can look  north and watch the chisos turn pink.burro spring is just below burro mesa , from here watch the sun light up burro mesa. i know this is off topic but i thought it might be useful for your first trip.
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« Reply #4 on: March 02, 2006, 05:30:35 pm »

Quote from: "jim2"
the top of oak spring cut off is killer spot for sunsets ,you're in the mountains looking down on the desert. blue creek canyon has some cool rock formations that change colors with the setting sun. this canyon also has good views of the santa elana canyon. from  the tuff canyon overlook you can look  north and watch the chisos turn pink.burro spring is just below burro mesa , from here watch the sun light up burro mesa. i know this is off topic but i thought it might be useful for your first trip.


i agree :D sunsets in Big Bend are something to plan your whole trip around. nothing in the basin is going to give you any seclusion whatsoever, so look to the fringes of the park. the harder it is to get to, the fewer people will be there :)
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BigBendHiker
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« Reply #5 on: March 02, 2006, 07:04:33 pm »

The Chimneys Trail is a cool one to hike, especially in the cooler months.
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« Reply #6 on: March 02, 2006, 08:00:14 pm »

That whole area in and around Burro Mesa is very nice.  You can make it easy or make it difficult : !
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« Reply #7 on: December 14, 2007, 10:37:12 am »


the top of oak spring cut off is killer spot for sunsets ,you're in the mountains looking down on the desert. blue creek canyon has some cool rock formations that change colors with the setting sun. this canyon also has good views of the santa elana canyon. from  the tuff canyon overlook you can look  north and watch the chisos turn pink.burro spring is just below burro mesa , from here watch the sun light up burro mesa. i know this is off topic but i thought it might be useful for your first trip.


Can you elaborate on the "oak spring cutoff"? I would love to photo a KILLER sunset!

thanks!

~ edd
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