Dodson Trail (Outer Mountain Loop) - Wild Texas Forums: Parks, Travel & Recreation

12-04-2003, 11:25 PM

Hey Y'all,

I am wondering if anyone has ever backpacked the Outer Mountain Loop at Big Bend National Park? I plan on heading there for a little over a week around Christmas. I'm curious if there are any particularly scenic spots, sites to camp, or any other useful information? Any feedback will be greatly appreciated.

I hope everyone is having happy holidays!

Steve

copuswalker · 12-05-2003, 12:34 PM

The Dobson loop is my next Big Bend hike. I am told it is a rugged 3 day hike? I have been told it is a beautiful trail with the majority running through the foothills. There are two spots to store water. One is the Homer Wilson ranch the other is a road crossing. I think they have the trail listed on the web site. They request a solo hiking form be filled out if you do the trail (in case you go missing). if I get a chance to sneak out there before xmas i will let you know.

12-05-2003, 10:32 PM

How cold does it get in big bend at this time of the year?

copuswalker · 12-05-2003, 10:49 PM

Depends on whether you are in the mountains or the desert areas. Their web site has all the info. Check out the site it is great. http://www.nps.gov/bibe/dailyreport/dailyreport.htm

{Edited by Wild Texas to fix broken URL.}

12-07-2003, 01:16 AM

Hey Copus,

Sorry it took so long for me to respond. I went through graduation ceremonies at UT yesterday, and today was my party.

Thanks for the information. I plan on caching some water near the Homer Wilson Ranch. I may be meeting up with a guy from Austin, who I meet on backpacker.com, named plockey. He's going there the same time I am. So, we'll probably hike together, that is, as long as my son can keep up. This will be his first big hike. He's done short ones in the hill country like Lake Georgetown, Pedernales, Enchanted Rock, and others. But never anything as long or strenous as this.

Take care, happy holidays.

copuswalker · 12-07-2003, 08:30 AM

Oceanus, I have two boys at U.T. graduating this year. I have hiked with both of them and had a great time. The younger one did a 4 day hike on the Appalachian trail with me.
I am sure the son will be fine for you. I saw your correspondence in the backpacker forums. I hiked the Ouchita and 4 c trails with folks off the internet. The 4 c guy was great the Ouchita guy ended up being a weirdo. Was a cop in Ok. and made a point of not telling people because they would not hike with him. waited till we were on the trail. I was rolling my eyes within 10 minutes and walked ahead on day two and finished the hike alone. I drove my truck back to pick him up at a trailhead (he was parked 30 miles away) Told me he didn't have time to talk to me. I told him my truck was parked here or I can pick him up 6 miles away?
He got in the truck. A lesser man would have left him. Perhaps a smarter man? The guy I met on the 4c has become a good friend and we hike often.
I thought I read you were going to just meet for lunch. Either way I hope you have a good experience. Most are!

wrongturn · 12-07-2003, 09:26 PM

Hey Copus!

Is this me you're talking about: "The guy I met on the 4c has become a good friend and we hike often."

I lost the url for this site and had to do a search on backpacker for your posts to find it.

Remember I'm in for April for Dobson in BB. Will email you separately to tell you about my most recent purchase and to catch up.

See ya
wrongturn

copuswalker · 12-07-2003, 10:40 PM

Yeh it's you Dave. One of my softer moments. Good to hear from you and have answered your e-mail. Talk to you later.

12-07-2003, 10:55 PM

Copus,

Sorry to hear about the horrible experience in Oklahoma, but the other turned out good ... so 1 out of 2 isn't bad.

As for me, Plockey sounds like a good guy. We were going to do Lake Georgetown a couple of months back, but a professor dropped a paper on me right before we were supposed to go. As far as now, because of our starting dates, I initially told him I'd hike from one way to meet him coming from the other; for lunch or something. But, we exchanged emails and are considering doing the whole thing together. My only concern is that my son won't be able to keep up such a brisk pace, and I may have to slow down for him. But, barring that we'll do the hike together.

It's getting closer all the time and I can't wait.

Take care.

copuswalker · 12-08-2003, 07:19 AM

Hey Oceanus, I think I had the wrong picture. Is it you that is in college? How old is your son? I thought he was college age.

12-08-2003, 01:53 PM

Copus,

It's me that's in college, I've been going slowly over the last 6 years. I am 30 and my son is 12; I started early. I have custody of him, and I consider myself a blessed man. There's nothing better than watching them grow. Well, take care.

copuswalker · 12-08-2003, 05:26 PM

I have a 12 year old that shows no interest. I have 3 kids from my first marriage that I got custody of (15 years ago). My wife and I have had two more since. It was hard to get custody back then. I hed to buy her a new used car.
I would think if you do not over hike it should not be a problem. If you can drop at two spots leave some special treats. I would suggest keeping it fun for him. The chisos are an easier hike and require less walking??

12-08-2003, 08:18 PM

This talk of the BB is getting me all excited. How is the weather over there at this time of the year? My friends and I are planning a spring break trip but we can go earlier (late Dec.) if the temps dont go very low.

copuswalker · 12-09-2003, 06:47 AM

up above you will see an address for the weather in Big Bend. The site is fantastic if you have not seen it. It even has photos of the campsites in the Chisos.

12-09-2003, 10:59 AM

Copus,

The only thing about being up in the Chisos this time of year is that it gets really cold at night. I see us probably staying our first and last nights in the mountains, but the others will be in the desert. Also, that's a good suggestion about the treats.