Rice Tank.....

[Chad]

Hello all.  Planning a trip to Big Bend next weekend.  Have always stayed at backcountry roadside campsites as this will be my fifth trip in the last seven years.   Was wondering if anyone had ever stayed at Rice Tank?  From what I have researched this site should have great views of the Chisos but still be pretty accessible to the main park road.  If anyone has any insite, pictures, or whatnot please pass along the info.  Also any info on roostewr's Ridge would be appreciated, as the views from this site look amazing.

So far we have stayed at Pine Canyon 2 and 3, Johnson's Ranch, La Noria #2 (which we loved), Gravel Pit, Grapevine hills #2.  Was wondering how Rice Tank compared to some of these sites, espically La Noria.  We prefer to be on the East side of the Chisos as we love watching the sun set over the mountains.

Thanks in advance.

[Roy]

This is the only photo I've got handy of Rice Tank, doesn't show the views, but gives a little reference.  Basically looking north to south.  This is the old corral and loading chute at the site, the log at the extreme botom left is the edge of #1 camp site;  #2 is on the far side of the corral fom where this photo was taken, a little more sheltered.  On the left side of the photo, behind the corral, is the bank of the old tank.
Rice Tank is almost directly south of Nugent Mountain, at the base of the northwest slope of Chilicoatl Mountain.  Great views of the southeast part of the Chisos.  The view is open to the west, and only blocked by the tank itself to the east.  Good views for sunrises/sunsets, but not so much over the Chisos.

Welcome aboard.

[sleepy]

Rice Tank campsite is easily accessible and provides sweet views.  Nice chisos sunrises and expansive views across the desert.  You are camped at the base of Chilicotal which makes a great day of exploring.  No trail, but you can bushwhack through thorns and scramble up.  A nice canyon on the backside.  Note that the two campsites are pretty close, so hopefully you won't have noisy neighbors.  If you have two vehicles, you could try to get both of them.

sunrise views from campsite


another view


from the road leading to the campsite


view toward Elephant Tusk from Chilicotal


view form Chilicotal looking back toward northwest.  You can see Glenn Springs Road and the campsite spur.

[homerboy2u]

Beauiful pictures guys...and welcome aboard Chad.

[jeffblaylock]

You are camped at the base of Chilicotal which makes a great day of exploring.  No trail, but you can bushwhack through thorns and scramble up.  A nice canyon on the backside.

I've camped on the other side of Chilicotal Mountain and thought about hiking up its flanks before. Next time I'm in that part of the desert, I will check it out. Thanks Sleepy.

BTW, where on Chilicotal are the best spider caves to hide in, you know, like for terrorists, and such. 

[sleepy]

You are camped at the base of Chilicotal which makes a great day of exploring.  No trail, but you can bushwhack through thorns and scramble up.  A nice canyon on the backside.

I've camped on the other side of Chilicotal Mountain and thought about hiking up its flanks before. Next time I'm in that part of the desert, I will check it out. Thanks Sleepy.

BTW, where on Chilicotal are the best spider caves to hide in, you know, like for terrorists, and such. 

if I told you, I'd have to kill you.   Only my sleepy cell knows.

[tjavery]

another view


from the road leading to the campsite

Um, those two views look an awful lot like the PC4 campsite to me:


Link to larger version:
http://www.texbrick.com/photo/bb/bb_pan02.jpg

Not that there's anything wrong with PC4 It's an awesome campsite with a fantastic 360° view!

[sleepy]

um, did i get my images mixed up?   if so, pardons.  still, Rice Tank has nice views. 

it was all a ruse to confuse the infidels.

[jr ranger]

um, did i get my images mixed up?   if so, pardons.  still, Rice Tank has nice views. 

it was all a ruse to confuse the infidels.

Well, I'd imagine it's easy to get confused when you have to sleep in a different place every night. 

[aggiehiker]

Two of my most memorable times at BiBe came while at Rice Tanks. Several years ago I was there on a full moon night and got to see it rise over the ridge by the camp. What a site! The moon always looks big upon rising, but in BiBe, it's a whole lot bigger!! A couple of Christmases ago, I was there with friends and we celebrated the day decorating a tree and swapping small gifts. I brought a small batter powered string of Christmas lights and we had socks for stockings.

[Casa Grande]

Personally, I'm not a real fan of Rice Tank.  Campsite are WAY too close together and during certain times of year, the insects are unbearable, but that can be the case for a lot of campsites.   "Twisted Shoe" (one false move on the boulder pile and you'll think it should be called Twisted Foot) on Juniper Canyon Road (the old JC2) is one of my favorite campsites in the park and provide some outstanding views of the Chisos and Sierras (view it here).  JC is quite a bit longer and more difficult to get to than Rice Tank, but that's one of the great appeals to the site.  Plus, TS and the surrounding view is all to yourself!

[aggiehiker]

Wonderful site, CG. I'll have to try it out next time. I love the panoramic views and the interaction with other sites!

[Red Hawk]

I've stayed at Rice Tank a couple of times. Even dragged in my tiny camper 'Felina' once. (nearly lost her in a steep wash) Both times I was the only one there and used it as a great base camp for all sorts of expeditions around the east side of the park. The tank, while containing no visible water was nonetheless very lush and FULL of birds. I understand the Park is reducing the sites to one now that you have to pay.  spc

[01ACRViper]

i love rice tank, i great site. isolated, yet close, with great views