Question:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – BBNP is overflowing throughout March. Might try Guadalupe Mts. NP on Tx/NM border. Great Desert hiking and nice mix of deciduous and desert biomes. Also close to Carlsbad Caverns NP in Carlsbad, NM. Guad. Mts. NP (915) 828-3251 Also, Big Bend Area Travel Association puts out a great guide/brochure for $1. P.O. Box 401, Alpine, Tx 79831 (915) 837-3638 Yes, but you also need to know that GMNP has no water sources in the backcountry. The map shows a *few* water sources in the backcountry, but it is not too encouraging. For example, Pine Springs (and another one) are located only 2600 trailless feet north-northwest of Pine Springs Campground-on- the-highway. Dayhiking is limited; the campground on the highway has been full everytime I have been there and there is no overflow camping. I was there Dec 23rd 1985 and had it almost to myself. Hopefully the Park Service hasn’t (yet) blown away the small store/restaurant 1/2 mile east of the campground. (lots of useful text on the problems and restrictions at GMNP deleted, DWO) So, while in general it is not as crowded as BBNP, GMNP is not as accessible and one’s options are more limited. If I were going there I would definitely have backup plans for other destinations (like Hueco Tanks, Carlsbad, Living Desert). Of course this all depends on what you want to do and how long you will be there. Other possible destinations would include Lincoln National Forest (Guadalupe Mtn unit), White Sands National Monument, Franklin Mtns State Park, Cumbres de Majalca National Park, Sierra del Carmen National Park and other national parks in Northern Mexico. DW Olson, my posting Another possibility is Big Bend Ranch State Natural Area. Maybe it’s a State Park now, I’m not sure. It’s just outside of Lajitas, over 200,000 acres of solitude.
Amazing. Texas finally has a decent-sized park. It has always pissed me off, being a native-born Texan (but now happily an ex-patriate forever in New Mexico), that such a big state doesn’t do squat for public recreation.
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – BBNP is overflowing throughout March. Might try Guadalupe Mts. NP on Tx/NM border. Great Desert hiking and nice mix of deciduous and desert biomes. Also close to Carlsbad Caverns NP in Carlsbad, NM. Guad. Mts. NP (915) 828-3251 Also, Big Bend Area Travel Association puts out a great guide/brochure for $1. P.O. Box 401, Alpine, Tx 79831 (915) 837-3638 Yes, but you also need to know that GMNP has no water sources in the backcountry. The map shows a *few* water sources in the backcountry, but it is not too encouraging. For example, Pine Springs (and another one) are located only 2600 trailless feet north-northwest of Pine Springs Campground-on- the-highway. Dayhiking is limited; the campground on the highway has been full everytime I have been there and there is no overflow camping. I was there Dec 23rd 1985 and had it almost to myself. Hopefully the Park Service hasn’t (yet) blown away the small store/restaurant 1/2 mile east of the campground. (lots of useful text on the problems and restrictions at GMNP deleted, DWO) So, while in general it is not as crowded as BBNP, GMNP is not as accessible and one’s options are more limited. If I were going there I would definitely have backup plans for other destinations (like Hueco Tanks, Carlsbad, Living Desert). Of course this all depends on what you want to do and how long you will be there. Other possible destinations would include Lincoln National Forest (Guadalupe Mtn unit), White Sands National Monument, Franklin Mtns State Park, Cumbres de Majalca National Park, Sierra del Carmen National Park and other national parks in Northern Mexico. DW Olson, my posting
Another possibility is Big Bend Ranch State Natural Area. Maybe it’s a State Park now, I’m not sure. It’s just outside of Lajitas, over 200,000 acres of solitude.
Response:
[info about Guadalupe Mountains NP deleted] Yes, but you also need to know that GMNP has no water sources in the backcountry. The map shows a *few* water sources in the backcountry, but it is not too encouraging. For example, Pine Springs (and another one) are located only 2600 trailless feet north-northwest of Pine Springs Campground-on- the-highway.
It’s a **really** bad idea to trust topos for water source info. The spring you mentioned is dry. As I recall it stopped running in the 30’s after an earthquake. And it’s not really in a usable spot. Believe me, there are *no* water sources in the backcountry. (Yes, I know McKittrick Canyon has some water, but that is down off the escarpment and on the way to the parking lot, already – not of use to backpackers.) Dayhiking is limited; the campground on the highway has been full everytime I have been there and there is no overflow camping. I was there Dec 23rd 1985 and had it almost to myself.
My remarks apply to the main hiking seasons. From mid-November on you should be prepared for winter conditions. Plus the Guads (particularly Guadalupe Pass) have a reputation as being one of the windiest places around. Not my idea of fun. Hopefully the Park Service hasn’t (yet) blown away the small store/restaurant 1/2 mile east of the campground.
It is closed. In fact the last time I was there (1993) there were no – and I do mean **no** – places open from the New Mexico border to the US hwy intersection south of the Park. (This applies to gas, food, lodging, everything!) Rich
Response:
BBNP is overflowing throughout March. Might try Guadalupe Mts. NP on Tx/NM border. Great Desert hiking and nice mix of deciduous and desert biomes. Also close to Carlsbad Caverns NP in Carlsbad, NM. Guad. Mts. NP (915) 828-3251 Also, Big Bend Area Travel Association puts out a great guide/brochure for $1. P.O. Box 401, Alpine, Tx 79831 (915) 837-3638
I second Guadalupes Mtns. There is also wilderness camping in Carlsbad Canyons NP.
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – BBNP is overflowing throughout March. Might try Guadalupe Mts. NP on Tx/NM border. Great Desert hiking and nice mix of deciduous and desert biomes. Also close to Carlsbad Caverns NP in Carlsbad, NM. Guad. Mts. NP (915) 828-3251 Also, Big Bend Area Travel Association puts out a great guide/brochure for $1. P.O. Box 401, Alpine, Tx 79831 (915) 837-3638 Yes, but you also need to know that GMNP has no water sources in the backcountry. The map shows a *few* water sources in the backcountry, but it is not too encouraging. For example, Pine Springs (and another one) are located only 2600 trailless feet north-northwest of Pine Springs Campground-on- the-highway. Dayhiking is limited; the campground on the highway has been full everytime I have been there and there is no overflow camping. I was there Dec 23rd 1985 and had it almost to myself. Hopefully the Park Service hasn’t (yet) blown away the small store/restaurant 1/2 mile east of the campground. (lots of useful text on the problems and restrictions at GMNP deleted, DWO) So, while in general it is not as crowded as BBNP, GMNP is not as accessible and one’s options are more limited. If I were going there I would definitely have backup plans for other destinations (like Hueco Tanks, Carlsbad, Living Desert). Of course this all depends on what you want to do and how long you will be there. Other possible destinations would include Lincoln National Forest (Guadalupe Mtn unit), White Sands National Monument, Franklin Mtns State Park, Cumbres de Majalca National Park, Sierra del Carmen National Park and other national parks in Northern Mexico. DW Olson, my posting
The Lincoln NF has the White Mountain Wilderness near the Three Rivers Petroglyph site, definitely worth a visit. There is one small area in White Sands where overnighting is allowed; try to go on a full moon night. The parks of northern Mexico are great, but are for the more adventurous.
Response:
BBNP is overflowing throughout March. Might try Guadalupe Mts. NP on Tx/NM border. Great Desert hiking and nice mix of deciduous and desert biomes. Also close to Carlsbad Caverns NP in Carlsbad, NM. Guad. Mts. NP (915) 828-3251 Also, Big Bend Area Travel Association puts out a great guide/brochure for $1. P.O. Box 401, Alpine, Tx 79831 (915) 837-3638 Yes, but you also need to know that GMNP has no water sources in the backcountry.
The map shows a *few* water sources in the backcountry, but it is not too encouraging. For example, Pine Springs (and another one) are located only 2600 trailless feet north-northwest of Pine Springs Campground-on- the-highway. Dayhiking is limited; the campground on the highway has been full everytime I have been there and there is no overflow camping.
I was there Dec 23rd 1985 and had it almost to myself. Hopefully the Park Service hasn’t (yet) blown away the small store/restaurant 1/2 mile east of the campground. (lots of useful text on the problems and restrictions at GMNP deleted, DWO) So, while in general it is not as crowded as BBNP, GMNP is not as accessible and one’s options are more limited. If I were going there I would definitely have backup plans for other destinations (like Hueco Tanks, Carlsbad, Living Desert). Of course this all depends on what you want to do and how long you will be there.
Other possible destinations would include Lincoln National Forest (Guadalupe Mtn unit), White Sands National Monument, Franklin Mtns State Park, Cumbres de Majalca National Park, Sierra del Carmen National Park and other national parks in Northern Mexico. DW Olson, my posting
Response:
I am considering a trip to west Texas in late March. Big Bend looks attractive. Any information I need to know? Also, if you know of other attractions in the area, please tell me about them. Thanks.
Response:
I am considering a trip to west Texas in late March. Big Bend looks attractive. Any information I need to know?
Check with the Big Bend rangers about your dates (915-477-2251). March is a nice month there … but it attracts *thousands* of college students on spring break. If you’d like some solitude, or would even like to be able to find a campsite, then avoid this time! The rangers can tell you whether your dates fall within spring break.
Response:
BBNP is overflowing throughout March. Might try Guadalupe Mts. NP on Tx/NM border. Great Desert hiking and nice mix of deciduous and desert biomes. Also close to Carlsbad Caverns NP in Carlsbad, NM. Guad. Mts. NP (915) 828-3251 Also, Big Bend Area Travel Association puts out a great guide/brochure for $1. P.O. Box 401, Alpine, Tx 79831 (915) 837-3638
Response:
BBNP is overflowing throughout March. Might try Guadalupe Mts. NP on Tx/NM border. Great Desert hiking and nice mix of deciduous and desert biomes. Also close to Carlsbad Caverns NP in Carlsbad, NM. Guad. Mts. NP (915) 828-3251 Also, Big Bend Area Travel Association puts out a great guide/brochure for $1. P.O. Box 401, Alpine, Tx 79831 (915) 837-3638
Yes, but you also need to know that GMNP has no water sources in the backcountry. Almost any backpack starts with a 1000+ ft. climb carrying all water for the entire hike. OK for experienced hikers, but nonetheless a grind. The only trailhead that is an exception to this Dog Canyon, but it is remote (= add hours for driving) and not close to the "high points" of the park. While it may not be as crowded as BBNP, backcounmtry permits are ALL site-specific (not zone as for most of BBNP), and it does not take many people to use them up. Dayhiking is limited; the campground on the highway has been full everytime I have been there and there is no overflow camping. McKittrick Canyon – one of the really beautiful spots in the Park – may be closed due to peregrine falcon nesting – check ahead. So, while in general it is not as crowded as BBNP, GMNP is not as accessible and one’s options are more limited. If I were going there I would definitely have backup plans for other destinations (like Hueco Tanks, Carlsbad, Living Desert). Of course this all depends on what you want to do and how long you will be there. Hope this helps. Rich
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