Photo trip

[bmcdougald]

And friend and I are planning a photo trip to Big Bend in late April.

This our first ever trip to the park and we will have about 2 1/2 days for shooting pics.  Can anyone suggest some "must photograph" locations in BB, and where some key places to take sunrise/sunset photos?

Thanks.

[tjavery]

Firstly, the park is enormous. You're not going to even come close to seeing all the great stuff it has to offer in 2.5 days. Just spend quality time in the areas you do visit, and plan subsequent visits to explore more new areas.

Secondly, don't confine yourself to a set list of places that offer the "best" views. Pretty much any place in the park offers great scenery if you take the time to explore it and enjoy it.

I'm often amazed at some people's photos - they're amazing views taken in sometimes "out of the way" spots.

Now that being said, some of the well known, iconic, and touristy places in the park include:

- Santa Elena Canyon: direct sunlight hits the cliffs at sunrise, and late afternoon light pours through the canyon from behind
- The Window (from inside The Basin): direct sunlight hits the Window just after sunrise, and sunset is pretty nice viewed through the notch
- Sotol Vista Overlook: big sky views good for sunset
- Boquillas Canyon (the overlook is just okay; I'd drive on further to the trailhead and hike into the canyon) - the canyon will probably be in heavy shade for both sunrise and set (someone can correct me on this?)
- Rio Grande Village nature trail and overlook - definitely a good place to see the sunset
- Ernst Tinaja - very good for late afternoon and sunset - a little more difficult to get to vs. these other places

If you want a good taste of the Chisos but do not want to hike a lot, then try the Lost Mine Trail. It's relatively short (2.4 miles one-way) and only ascends 900 or 1000 feet. The view from the top is spectacular. It's great for sunrise (have to hike up in the dark) and also nice in the late afternoon.

[jeffblaylock]

Secondly, don't confine yourself to a set list of places that offer the "best" views. Pretty much any place in the park offers great scenery if you take the time to explore it and enjoy it.

I'm often amazed at some people's photos - they're amazing views taken in sometimes "out of the way" spots.

Great advice, TJ. Some of my best sunset photos have been taken no place in particular. There are many dramatic landscapes and grand vistas, many more than any or all of us could ever visit, so don't focus too much on specific destinations. You might find yourself driving too much and exploring/seeing too little.

Of the spots TJ mentioned, I'd consider the iconic sunset spots to be Sotol Vista and the Window View Trail. Another good spot is the Old Ore Road just north of the junction with the Rio Grande Village road. It offers a great look at the Sierra del Carmen turning pink and purple in the fading light.

As for sunrise, nothing beats being out in the desert, waiting for the sun to rise over the Sierra del Carmen.

[Roy]

I agree with the others, there's great stuff everywhere, but here's a few others I like.

Walk into Grapevine Hills for a shot of the rock window at the end of the trail.

Susnset from the north end of Maverick Road.

If they've had any rain, then either Pine Canyon Pouroff or Cattail Falls.

Ernst Tinaja.

Morning around the two big hoodoos just west of the road from Persimmon Gap to Panther Junction.  No trail, etc., you'll know what I mean when you see them.

[RichardM]

For an extra treat, take the Oak Spring Trail which veers off near the end of the Window Trail. Take this side trail for 1/4 mile to a point above the actual window. The panoramic view from this high vantage point is spectacular.

That's one of my favorite sunset spots. And as a bonus, you get to hike back to the Basin in the dark.

[sleepy]

That's one of my favorite sunset spots. And as a bonus, you get to hike back to the Basin in the dark.

watch out for dem lions sneakin through the thicks

[RedBuffalo]

Here is link; http://www.duprephotography.com/big_bend/bbhome.htm, to a detailed photographic trip report I took a few years ago.  You'll want to plan "east" days and "west" days - you just can't do it all.  Starting with Day Two on that site you'll find both Sunrise and Sunset locations.  Plan for macro photography at mid day if you can find some shady areas.  Or, explore a few short hikes (Tuff Canyon, Burro Mesa Pour Off) while you are waiting on the sunset.  Hopefully you'll get some cactus blooms, but it's not something you can plan on (I've really only caught it once and it was in April).  Best of luck to you.  If you're only planning a few days - you'll be back.

skd