Finding America: Desert Phase- Backpacking Big Bend
DECEMBER 2022
Starting out Season 2 after a family visit in Texas, I made my way out to Big Bend National Park again. Not the first time. Not the last. I knew there was more to explore, that and fairer weather guides me.
Shortly after I arrived in the park, I headed out for a beautiful morning hike on the Lost Mine trail before a little rain came in. I used the rest of the day to plan my next trip out in the park.
Outer Mountain Loop
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/texas/outer-mountain-loop
Length: 24.1 mi +
Elevation gain: 5,715 ft
Route type: Loop
I found a backpacking trip of interest that would take me into the desert starting from Chisos basin. The trip would be for two nights out over three days. The total distance would be just over 30 miles. This would include having to cache a supply of water to be able to complete the trip. The weather was warm nights in the 50s and in the day time through the desert high 80s.
I started each Day around 6 AM by headlamp and a full moon with clouds moving by to keep me company. I would have a big elevation gain, through beautiful wooded area near Chisos basin and then up and back down into the desert later in the day.
The 80s in the desert, for a full day is no joke. I easily could have started with more water, which is a balance of carrying more weight vs. staying hydrated. After a long day in the warm, open desert it was a grind to make it to the water cache on the second day.
Water cache storage boxes. Dropping off water ahead of time is critical for desert backpacking.
Night 2
Early morning day 3
For the most part I had the trail to myself and I enjoyed the physical effort and solitude. After a few days rest, I followed this up with a long day hike on the Marufu Vega Trail that loops out along the Rio Grande.
Along the Rio Grande. Mexico, left.
Wild Burros
It’s hard to sum up how fulfilling it is for me to plan, photography and experience these park, places, etc. I always enjoy my “desert phase”.
Next stop will be a quick visit to the town of Terilingua, just outside of the park. Then it will be time to settle in and explore Tucson again. The weather and routine will hopefully set me up to move north again as temps, snow and rain make safer travel as well as being more comfortable.