Big Bend national park

[jdp]

Hi everyone, I live out east in the Jungle between Baltimore and Washington but I'm making a trip to Big Bend in Texas and wanted to know some do's and dont's and can I get to a lot of the places without hiking too much, thanks, jim

[Serk]

It's been WAY too many years since we've been down there, but if you're riding in that area, a jaunt west out of the park on 170 to Presidio and back is a must ride. The road follows the Rio Grande river, and is quite beautiful and fun riding as well.

Of course, that area isn't quite as safe as it used to be, so keep your head on a swivel, but where is anymore?

[Red Diamond]

While you are in the park, do take all the roads that take you to all the scenic areas. See the Chisos Mountain Lodge from which you can view The Window, a scenic beauty, this road is a must see. See Santa Elena Canyon, you will feel like you are in another world, at this time the Rio grande may be at a high level but during Summer months you can walk right up to the mouth of the canyon. Outside of the Park take FM2627 to the Stillwell Ranch and Museum. Follow that road until you approach a blockade where once you could just drive into Mexico. And as Serk mentioned State Highway 170 from Study Butte to Presidio. Do take advantage of the many turnouts for viewing the Rio Grande and Mexico. If running over a ground squirrel scares you, then it is a very unsafe place to visit, ride safely and enjoy your trip.

[jdp]

Thanks for the info that's what I was looking for, can't wait to get out of this area, we are stopping by Cowboys stadium or should I say city then work our way to San Antonio then the park, trying to go north from there maybe Utah,thanks

[Red Diamond]

When heading out of San Antonio, take Hwy90 west to Del Rio where you will cross Lake Amistad, a joint venture between the US and Mexico. Miles up 90 there is a viewing lookout for the Pecos River bridge, this bridge is said to be the highest bridge in the State of Texas even though you couldn't tell as you ride across it, I think it is somewhere around 273 ft above water. From the lookout you can see to the point where the Pecos joins the Rio Grande over to Mexico. Make a stop in Langtry where Judge Roy Bean ruled everything west of the Pecos, neat museum to his heritage there. Before heading into Big Bend you might want to spend a night or two at the Gage Hotel in Marathon, pricey but a beautiful and historic place.

[jdp]

Thanks again for all the info

[Serk]

...once you get west of Del Rio, don't pass a gas station. It might have gotten better since I was last out there, but I can remember floating in on fumes and a prayer to the next gas station west of Del Rio last time I was out there.

Also, the Marathon Motel and RV park is just west of Marathon, a little less expensive and still quite nice...

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

If you ride 170 right after Terlingua creek there is a camp ground on the south side of the road with a cafe-bar called   Lakiva (the cave) that has good grub plus washers and dryers and showers if you need anything of that order. The Big Bend Motor Inn is a good place to stay. I have not been down there since 2000 but back then cell phones didn't work at all. satillite phones or land lines were the only things that worked. WE used prepaid phone cards during our trips for pay phones.

[john]

Balmorhea State Park — Texas Parks & Wildlife Department

tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/balmorhea

From 22 to 28 million gallons of water flow through the San Solomon Spring-fed swimming pool each day. Features CCC-built structures.

[MarcusS]

I have camped at Balmarhea in the summer and the pool is neat.  I'm looking at renting a dual sport when I am in Big Bend next. Found out last week that the bike rental places close for the winter so I could not rent one next week.  looking at the park maps most of the roads are two track trails that would be perfect for off road bike or 4x4. The dual sport bikes are about 140$ a day.  We may have a spring ride to Big bend and I want to go.

We took the kids there about 10 years ago for a week and just drove and hiked around. We did a horse ride and sneaked over to mexico for lunch one day. I want to go back with a motorcycle or two.

[iliveforcurves]

I went to Big Bend in August.  I used a motel in Alpine as a base camp and took day trips in the area.  There are places around there where you can look around as far as the eye can see and not see any man-made objects, other than the road.  When I went to Big Bend Park I took 90 to Marfa and 67 to Presidio.  It was cool to see mountains in the distance and realize I was looking at Mexico.  From Presidio I followed the Rio Grande on 170 to where it meets 118 and goes into the park.  I did just about everything Red Diamond said to do.  That day was about 360 miles round trip back to Alpine.
You should check out the Davis mountains and the McDonald Observatory if you have the time.  Fort Davis is the highest town in Texas, 5,000 feet IIRC.  The mountains northwest of there where the observatory is located are definitely worth seeing.  Have a good trip.

[MarcusS]

The gulf coast ride to Biloxi got canceled and I need somewhere to go next week where it is not raining.  Any one want to make a trip to big bend leaving Monday AM from Houston?
Please send me a PM if you want to ride. It will be cold but dry.