Outer - Outer Mountain Loop; 2 Days Possible?

[Arcwe]

Hi everyone,

This is my first time posting, so thanks for any feedback.

I am planning a single backcountry hike along the outer - outer mountain trail.  I have visited BIBE many times, and would cosider myself a strong hiker.

Day 1
Start: Homer Wilson Ranch
Go up the Blue Creek Trail (Do not go down into the basin)
Cross over to the Juniper Canyon Trail
Zone camp at the junction of Juniper and Dodson Trails.

Day 2
Start: Juniper and Dodson Trail junction   
End: Homer Wilson Ranch

I would like to know if any of you all have made this shorter version of the OML in two days, or have any 'words of advice'.  I plan on starting 11/25. 

I am a little concered about the distance, but I have done the South Rim in one day (Laguna, SW Rim, SE Rim, NE Rim, Boot Canyon, Pinnacles).

I am also concered about the visibility of the Dodson Trail.  Will I need a TOPO map, or is it decently marked?

Thanks for any help!

[mule ears]

I would like to know if any of you all have made this shorter version of the OML in two days, or have any 'words of advice'.  I plan on starting 11/25. 

Here are two speed hikes, each with one night

http://www.bigbendchat.com/portal/forum/your-trip-reports/oml
and
http://www.bigbendchat.com/portal/forum/your-trip-reports/january-trip-report

I am a little concered about the distance, but I have done the South Rim in one day (Laguna, SW Rim, SE Rim, NE Rim, Boot Canyon, Pinnacles).

Well your shortest possible first day would be nearly 14 miles (Blue Creek>Colima cut over>Juniper) with a 3000' elevation gain.  You could certainly do it but might end up camping somewhere short of the Juniper canyon/Dodson jct. and you wouldn't get any South Rim (that would add 2 miles).

The Dodson is 10 miles

I am also concered about the visibility of the Dodson Trail.  Will I need a TOPO map, or is it decently marked?

It is well marked and in this drought year it should not be over grown at all.  The only tricky spot is where it leaves Smoky creek and heads west to Homer Wilson.  Just look for the sign and big cairns.

Why so fast?  Not much time to enjoy.

[Ray52]

Arcwe I did the same version of the OML that you have planned over the New Year's weekend a few years ago.  The climb up Blue Creek Canyon took a lot out of me and it was getting dark as I crossed via the Colima Trail to my first night's camp at JC1.  My second camp was about an hour east of Dodson Spring and I was back at Homer Wilson well before dark on day 3.  I'm an experienced hiker, but am also pretty old and not always in the best physical condition.  I could have pushed things a bit harder, but my style is slow and steady, yet I believe if you're reasonably fit and determined to complete the loop in 2 days it's very possible.  Good luck and I'll be eager to read your account when you return.

[Arcwe]

Thanks for the reply.  Yes, I would like to spend more time on the OOML, but I need to get back to Houston.  I figue two days at BIBE is better than being stuck in the 'concrete slab' of HOU.

Ray, I'll have to pace going up Blue Creek.  I'll post some photos once I return.

[Ray52]

Start as early as possible on day 1.  I wasted an hour or more of daylight fine tuning my pack and even though it was late Dec, the hike up to the Chisos is fully exposed and got very warm.   

[dkerr24]

Ditto what Ray said about upper Blue Creek getting warm... my climb up Blue Creek was in early February.  My starting point that day on the OML was at the Smoky Creek/Dodson intersection to give you an idea of how much daylight I already burned thru before I got to Homer Wilson Ranch.  The last 1/3 of Blue Creek trail is fully exposed with little/no shade and can get toasty even on a sunny winter day.

I ended up camping at LW1 that night.  A 2 day trip is certainly doable, but will make for 2 very long, exhausting days.  If you starting off and ending the trip with a long drive to/from Houston, that is REALLY going to be a tough trip!

Darin

[Verduretiger]

It is doable but the trip up Blue Creek can certainly take a lot out of you.  If you can leave at first light I think you can make it.  I remember leaving Boot Springs early one morning and pulling into the Dodson Ranch House just short of Fresno Creek a short time before dark and I was much younger.  That was a long day so I think you will really need to be humping it. 

[jeffblaylock]

It's doable but doesn't sound like much fun to me, especially if you're driving a full day on either side. Keep in mind that you'll need a permit, which has to be gotten in person, so your first day may get off to a late start. Personally, I'd pick either two nights in the Chisos OR two nights in the desert (Dodson, Smoky Creek, Fresno Creek) and not be consumed by the need to trek all those miles in limited daylight.