If you are a first timer and only had one day...

[bdub60]

I've been lurking around on the site for a while absorbing a ton of great information from you guys and would like to first of all say thanks for those that take the time to provide all the great info!

I'm sure there are threads like this posted often so forgive me but I really need some help

I'm taking my first trip to Big Bend the middle of May with my wife.  We're wanting to check out as much stuff as possible in the area so we're going to be spending a couple of days getting down there with stops in Marathon, Marfa, Fort Davis (star party), Alpine, Terlingua on our way into the park.  We'll be spending a night apiece in Marathon (The Gage Hotel) and Marfa (El Paisano) before eventually staying two nights at Chisos Mountain Lodge and heading home.  My problem is that I'm pouring through the info on here and I'm reading some books on the trails and I feel a little overwhelmed trying to decide what the "must see" trails, sites, etc. are.  We're planning on eating lunch in Terlingua on the way into the park so we'll have the evening of one day and a full day after that before driving home the next morning.  So if anyone has some tips on the best trails for a first timer and his wife to hit to give us a good intro to the park I'd really appreciate it.  I know it will be impossible to even scratch the surface of what the park has to offer in the short time we'll be there but we're excited to "dip our toes" a little.  Neither of us are real experienced hikers but love the outdoors to give you an idea of our skill level and we'll be driving a two wheel drive explorer so won't be able to do some serious off-roading.  It's taken us way too long to finally get out there and I'm sure this won't be our last trip so anything we don't get to this time will just give us incentive to get back ASAP.  Can't wait to finally see THE BEND!!!

[jeffblaylock]

If I had only one day, I'd cry ... But, to make the most of it, the must-dos are Lost Mine Trail, sunset on the Window View Trail, and a leisurely exploration of the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive.

[rgibson]

It takes about 3 days before one calms down, clears the cob webs and starts to appreciate what you are seeing in the BB.

Better schedule a return trip now.

[BigBendHiker]

If I had only one day, I'd cry ... But, to make the most of it, the must-dos are Lost Mine Trail, sunset on the Window View Trail, and a leisurely exploration of the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive.

Excellent suggestions.  I too, would cry if I had only one day.

[bdub60]

If I had only one day, I'd cry ... But, to make the most of it, the must-dos are Lost Mine Trail, sunset on the Window View Trail, and a leisurely exploration of the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive.

Thanks for the help.  That's really good to hear.  From what I've read those were some of the things that really caught my eye and looked like they could be done in a timely manner to make the most of my trip.  Glad you mentioned the sunset, I wanted a good view that first night we'll be in the park.

I agree with all of you, I know we won't have enough time to truly enjoy the park but we'll be back.  We just couldn't wait any longer to go and our schedules only allowed us to take a shorter trip.  Also, I'm a road trip kind of guy so I wanted to do the blacktop thing this trip and see several different towns.  After this trip we'll know what to skip and what we really like. 

And guys, I feel bad enough about the short trip, you don't have to rub it in!    

J/k

[fc7cuda]

If I had only one day, I'd cry ... But, to make the most of it, the must-dos are Lost Mine Trail, sunset on the Window View Trail, and a leisurely exploration of the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive.

Perfect suggestions 

[Terlingua50337]

Depending on which way you're headed out of the park stop by the dinosaur exhibit. You can drive right up to it.

[Casa Grande]

And you will love it!  I echo what Jeff said.


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[Juke Box Hero]

Just got back from my first trip (3 days).  I agree with those who suggest spending your limited time on the west side (RMSD).  I was able to do the Window trail in the morning and still hit all of RMSD including hiking the Canyon trail and Cattail Falls, go to dinner at LaKiva and get back to Sotal vista for sunset. 

Can't speak for the Lost Mine trail because I ran out of time (and good weather).  If it has a view of the Basin from above, I'd definitely do that.  You get some good views from above the Basin on Pinnacles, but it's a loooong way up there.

[strontium87]

If I had only one day, I'd cry ... But, to make the most of it, the must-dos are Lost Mine Trail, sunset on the Window View Trail, and a leisurely exploration of the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive.

I'm heading out there Friday night for my first trip to Big Bend and had planned to do these things, so it's great to see that they're on the "must do" list.  Now what about days 2 and 3?  We're just going for a long weekend.   

[elhombre]

Blow off staying in Marathon and Marfa.  They are a dime a dozen west Texas towns.  Stay in Terlingua the nights you are not at the Lodge.  Hike to Cattail falls and spent the afternoon there one day.  Hike Lost mine another day and walk down when it gets warm another day.  Walk up Pinnacles trail as far as you can.  There is a very nice rock outcropping off the trail where the trail makes it's last turn to the east where people can sit and enjoy the view.

Big Bend should be your destination.  You will understand once you get there.   If you must stay in a hotel on your way down there, stay at Balmorhea one night and go swimming. 

I just realized this is an old post...........Nevermind............

[dkerr24]

I know this is an old post, but if I stick to answering just the title question, then my answer would be I wouldn't go at all.  BIBE is too far from civilization to spend a 14 hour car ride to only visit for 24 hours.  A National Park like Grand Canyon that is within an hour of I-40 might be different, but not a park so remote as BIBE.  BIBE is a destination park, not a 'stop for the day' park.  It's just too big to see but a narrow slice in a single day.

[Terlingua50337]

I've done that route before QS except I stayed one night in the park before detouring back to I-10 

[FatPacker]

I think I can top that!

I don't have time now to tell the whole sad tale, but just this last June I drove 2443 miles total, just to camp one night in the Basin campground. And I live in the DFW area. (obviously things did not go as planned)

But for that very reason, I am leaving this afternoon for another try, planning to stay until Wednesday this time!
I hope to be able to post a good report after that.

[RichardM]

I think I can top that!

I don't have time now to tell the whole sad tale, but just this last June I drove 2443 miles total, just to camp one night in the Basin campground. And I live in the DFW area. (obviously things did not go as planned)

But for that very reason, I am leaving this afternoon for another try, planning to stay until Wednesday this time!
I hope to be able to post a good report after that.

You've got me beat on the mileage, but last October my wife and I took a Big Bend road trip where we drove about 1350 miles round trip and never even made it into the park.