January MLK weekend trip

[sasbender]

Hello, I'm a long time lurker and fan of the site. I took my first trip last year in January and spent four days with my jaw on the floor. We didn't get half of the things accomplished that we wanted to do but it was great and we were already planning this year's trip before we had finished the first.

Anyhow, I'm heading out again this January and would like some feedback for our three night, three and a half day visit. We spent the entire weekend in the Chisos campground last year and would like to try some primitive roadside camping in the desert this year. We did mostly big picture driving stuff last year (part of Mules Ears, Santa Elena Canyon, Hot Springs, part of Tuff canyon, The Window trail, Emory Peak, Sam Nail Ranch) and would like to narrow the scope this time.

NOTE: my car is not high clearance aka Ford Focus hatchback, our fitness level is not expert but we were able to do Emory Peak last year with some huff and puff. A few backpacking trips have been done in Texas but this would be my first South Rim trip.

This is my plan with a lot of room for suggestion:

Thursday: Drive from Austin- get in about 2pm
Check in at Panther Junction and get our permits
Camping would ideally be centrally located (Paint Gap 1,2 or 3, Croton Springs or the lower Grapevine Hills) for the first two nights and moving camp is also a possibility.
Hike Boquillas Canyon after check in
Hot Springs
Set up camp

Friday: Blue Creek Canyon (or Lost Mine Trail) in early a.m.
Lunch at Mule Ears
relaxation time at Sotol Vista Overlook
Upper Burro pour-off
Starlight for dinner

Saturday:
Late start backpack up to South Rim via Laguna Meadows--also not sure on campsites here, SW4 seems hard to come by--will likely ask ranger for what is available and closest to rim. Suggestions appreciated.

Sunday:
Hike down after sunrise and breakfast via Pinnacles. Lunch at lodge, maybe a quick dip in hot springs and perhaps Dog Canyon on the way out if we are feeling ambitious.
Drive back to Austin in the dark and sleep it off Monday.

Any advice on the camping situations and maybe some alternate hikes in case weather interferes with the South Rim? A short trip, I know, but hoping to see a few more pieces of Big Bend.

[mule ears]

Welcome to the board sasbender!

Good to have a back up for the Chisos in case the weather is dicey.  If you do make it up into the Chisos, SW3 is the only campsite with a view from the rim.  SW4 has the outhouse nearby if that is an issue.

An alternative would be to hike out and camp near Mule Ears springs or further out near Smoky Creek.

[sasbender]

Welcome to the board sasbender!

An alternative would be to hike out and camp near Mule Ears springs or further out near Smoky Creek.

Thanks for the idea, would have never come up with it but I think it will work!

[fartymarty]

What mule ears said is here seconded, and....

Of course weather conditions can change the order of things, but I think you might consider rearranging Friday.

Friday: early AM- Upper Burro Mesa pour-off or Lost Mine Trail
                        Lunch at Mule Ears
                        Blue Creek Canyon
                        Relax at Sotol Vista (sunset?)
                        Starlight for Dinner

This suggestion is based totally on the angle of sunlight. I find Sotol Vista to be enjoyable at anytime of day if the winds aren't
too high, but just before and after sunset it can be magical. I also think the light is best for Blue Creek Canyon in the afternoon.

Have a great trip!
           

[sasbender]

What mule ears said is here seconded, and....

Of course weather conditions can change the order of things, but I think you might consider rearranging Friday.

Friday: early AM- Upper Burro Mesa pour-off or Lost Mine Trail
                        Lunch at Mule Ears
                        Blue Creek Canyon
                        Relax at Sotol Vista (sunset?)
                        Starlight for Dinner

This suggestion is based totally on the angle of sunlight. I find Sotol Vista to be enjoyable at anytime of day if the winds aren't
too high, but just before and after sunset it can be magical. I also think the light is best for Blue Creek Canyon in the afternoon.

Have a great trip!
           

Great, I think I'll take you up on that suggestion. This is why so many of us want advice from the experts!