Need advice for Thanksgiving itinerary

[shoongpy]

I will be taking my family and another very-new-to-hiking-camping family to BIBE this Thanksgiving!!! Hooray~
And by the way, it's my first time to BIBE as well. 

We are planning to tent camp and NO, we don't have a reservation at the campground. Without the reservation, I got the impression it's hard to get a spot, so I was about to give up on the whole idea of BIBE entirely. But man... the pics that some of you took are so inviting, I decided... WE ARE GOING... even without a reservation.

We will be taking this trip for 4 days (Nov. 26 -29) and we are travelling from Austin. Two anxious wives, two daring but cluesless husbands and 8 year old, 6 year old kids. I was thinking about arriving late in the afternoon and spending the first night at Stillwell Ranch. Early next day get down to the campgroud and hopefully get a spot. If we are not so fortunate, then maybe we will tent in Study Butte. Now that's my plan!!! 

Does this sound reckless?? 

Also, could you advise me on a good itinerary for dragging children around?? I know we will end up doing most of the touristy things on our first visit but just want my company to fall in love with this park and nag me to come back!!!!

Thank you!

[TexasAggieHiker]

If you're arriving wednesday, you probably won't have much of a problem getting a site in the Basin.  Even if all the basin sites are full, you shouldn't have of any trouble getting one of the primitive car camping site around the park.

This book is a great resource for planning hikes!
http://www.amazon.com/Hiking-Bend-National-Park-Regional/dp/0762731427/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1225732835&sr=1-2

The main thing is to have FUN!!

[dkerr24]

It should be a great time to go out there.  Be sure and post back here with your trip report. 

[riverrat]

I don't know for sure about reckless but if you can get ressies before heading out, that would be a good thing. Even at Stillwell. AFA hikes, it depends a lot on what the kiddoes are used to doing. If they're couch potatoes short hikes are better. If they are the more daring get out and run and play type then a bit longer hikes will do. We usually stick to 2 - 5 mile day hikes, allowing plenty of stop and look time (used to be for the kids to explore but now it's for us to rest!).
For short, explorative hikes:
1) a trip up and down Tornilla Creek near the Fossil Ridge Exhibit would be a good way to kill 3 or 4 hours. Lots of exploring to do.
2) Tuff Canyon - easy, short and very cool geology
3) if open, Santa Elena is a must. Not really long but could still be very muddy
4) Burro Mesa Pour off - kids will be impressed at the end

For longer hikes (start early):
1)Grapevine Hills - fairly easy with a little elevation gain at end but very cool geology
2) Dog Canyon - easy desert hike to a short canyon with wonderful vistas on the other side
3) Lost Mine Trail - a definite must do but is all uphill (take lots of "scenic stops"- kids could get really tired but it is a well worth it.)

Not a hike but a great stop for a sunset is Sotol Vista Overlook

Check at Panther Junction for Ranger led hikes. Usually  have tons of kid friendly stuff, too.

[RichardM]

As soon as you get up to the Basin, find the campground host to see what's available (unless you just happen to luck out and find an empty site first). Also, for any unoccupied sites with reservation permits posted (usually on the post with the campsite number), check the permit to see what nights the reservation is for, as sometimes the site might be open for that night. The Stillwell campground might have spots available, just be forewarned that the campsites can look pretty bleak if you're unaccustomed to desert camping. However, they have showers available to make up for it.

Grapevine Hills is a great intro hike for kids and adults as well. The kids will probably love the sand slide in Boquillas Canyon. While you're in that neighborhood, hike the Rio Grande Nature Trail for some of great views. And for the place I most would have liked to visit as a six year old, check out this topic as well as several others in the el Salуn forum. And of course, check this out, too.

[presidio]

Two anxious wives, two daring but cluesless husbands and 8 year old, 6 year old kids.
Does this sound reckless?? 

As long as you don't get in over your heads in terms of overdoing something or getting into a situation beyond your preparation, this may well be one of those trips you will look fondly back upon as one that could not have happened if it had been meticulously planned. The best trips are like that.

Also, could you advise me on a good itinerary for dragging children around?? I know we will end up doing most of the touristy things on our first visit but just want my company to fall in love with this park and nag me to come back!!!!

Let them play in the dirt, in the sand, climb the hills, run through the arroyos. If you must (shudder  ) get them junior ranger badges, but if you teach them to find their own sights, sounds, secrets and fun without relying on the canned programs and guides you will set them up for a better long-term appreciation of being able to find excitement and experience a sense of discovery nearly anywhere.

That said, there's a number of short hikes that every new tourist to the place needs to see....Windows, Lost Mine (though you don't have to go all the way to the top, there's a nice view from an intermediate ridge), Boquillas Canyon. Take them to the Nail Ranch and let them experience a naturally reclaimed piece of desert. Kids that age will tire quickly (mentally, not physically) of long hikes, unless they already are trail vets.

[shoongpy]

Thank you so much for your valuable input!! I really appreciate it. I will definitely get myself appropriately educated and prepared before I get down there!!!

Thanx.... you are all wonderful!!!