Media tour unveils wonders of Big Bend Ranch State Park

[SHANEA]

CLICK HERE FOR STORY:  Media tour unveils wonders of
Big Bend Ranch State Park

(staff photo by FRED COVARRUBIAS Jr.)  The Big Bend Sentinel.  Park interpreter Marvin Steinback and the new entrance sign near Casa Piedra Road.

and see related story here --> Advisory group talks public use
plan with state parks officials

[Roy]

Sounds like good news, in general. 

Whenever I read an article that describes the land out there as "virtually unspoiled" or "pristine", it makes me a bit sad.  I enjoy the area as it is, but if people undersood just how badly the land was damaged by grazing in even that short time, it might get their attention (maybe?).

[Sanjuro82]

Thanks for the posting the article.  I haven't had a chance to visit the Big Bend Ranch State Park yet, but my brother and I plan too in the next couple of years.

[SciTeach]

Thanks for the link.

The Ranch is way underutilized (not sure that is a bad thing).

I also agree with the statement about the pristine land- it is important to raise awareness as to how fragile this ecosystem truly is and how much impact various practices in the past have impacted the area.

[SHANEA]

Thanks for the link.

The Ranch is way underutilized (not sure that is a bad thing).

aside from cash flow into the park from increased visitation, I'm quite happy "making do" without picnic tables, shade shelters, fire rings, etc.  I like it underutilized - it's my own private playground.  One can go there any time of the year and it's desolate.  Big Bend National Park might be wall to wall people, but BBRSP is empty. 

     

[Boojum1]

All my solo desert bp trips have been in BBRSP.  I really have enjoyed it. 

[SciTeach]

I agree, the BBSR can still be an empty spot.  I prefer it over the national park.  I like the camping, hiking, and many of the vistas- but mostly I like the lack of other folks.  Also, the folks you run into in the ranch more often than not have an attitude that fits the BB more than those you find in the big park- they are there for the land, not just to say they have been to the BB.

Hope this doesn't come off as sounding BBSR snobby over the national park.

[Al]

The fewer people I see while in the BiBe area, generally speaking, the happier I am.  That's why I don't do the basin, with rare exception, and haven't done the South Rim.  Although I probably should have, back in the early '70's, when we first started going there.  But even then we thought there were too many people in the Chisos.  I don't think it is snobbish.  We went to the state park between Christmas and New Years a couple of years ago for that very reason.

Al

[SciTeach]

We head down to the ranch each year between Christmas and New Year's.  We normally set up camp at Grassy Banks (we like the river access) and spend our time exploring in the ranch- there is still some backcountry bushwacking to do there.....

[Casa Grande]

....and haven't done the South Rim.  Although I probably should have, back in the early '70's, when we first started going there.  But even then we thought there were too many people in the Chisos. 
Al

um, that's a pity you think that.....the upper chisos, with the exception of TGing, Xmas, and Spring Break, there is hardly a soul....in fact, it isn't without possibility that you won't see anyone for several days while hiking the Rim.....you should do it, afterall, you haven't done Big Bend, until you've done the Rim.

[Al]

I hear you. We started going to Big Bend and Guadualupes between Christmas and New Years during college and it continued to be the best time after we got jobs.  I have a preneptual agreement with my wife of nearly 30 years that although she always complains has honored.  I think I've messed going 2 years since '71. She considers the Holiday Inn to be camping out and doesn't do the Bend although she LOVES the Grand Canyon.   

It's a shame I haven't done it but it gives me something to look forward to add to my many Big Bend experiences.  There are so many ways to enjoy the park and one way is to savor the remoteness which is so rare. 

Al

[badknees]

....and haven't done the South Rim.  Although I probably should have, back in the early '70's, when we first started going there.  But even then we thought there were too many people in the Chisos. 
Al

um, that's a pity you think that.....the upper chisos, with the exception of TGing, Xmas, and Spring Break, there is hardly a soul....in fact, it isn't without possibility that you won't see anyone for several days while hiking the Rim.....you should do it, afterall, you haven't done Big Bend, until you've done the Rim.

Al,

I hiked Upper Cattail, The Rim, and Boot Canyon as part of a 3 day sojurn in August. I saw 2 people on the last day who we doing a dayhike to Boot. (They were nice too)

Crowds can be avoided with timing.

Go South(and up) young man!

[Vince T]

One can go there any time of the year and it's desolate.  Big Bend National Park might be wall to wall people, but BBRSP is empty.

You are right...I tell people it's similar to BBNP, only more desolate...
Which usually brings the response - "How can it be more desolate?"

Of course, it doesn't have the big mountains that the NP does...but it is still an amazing place, for sure.

Vince

[Boojum1]

you should do it, afterall, you haven't done Big Bend, until you've done the Rim.

I did it on horseback in about 1980 and again in 1983....does that count or does it just reveal my age?    BTW the scenery was nice but it was about like exploring Texas by driving I-10.  Hiking the Rim is definitely on the "list."