S_Wallace

My friends and I are planning to go hiking this summer. We don't want to be near civilization so most parks (not a big fan of parks) are out of the question. Does anyone have any ideas on a good place to hike, camp, or mountain bike that isn't near civlization? Also, I'm a novice camper, so I also need help with the equipment I would possibly need. Thank You.

Shannon

Hmm... with your criteria, your best bet are National Forest/BLM lands, though you will see plenty of signs of civization -- logging roads, at the very least, and power lines. Texas is near the bottom of the nation in terms of land that's set aside for parks and recreation vs. being held in private use (farms, ranches, etc.) or commercial development.

I think you're being a little short-sighted to rule out ALL parks -- that dismisses Big Bend National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park as though they're akin to a 33 acre suburban park. Take a look at a road map and topo map for both parks... plenty of ways to plan a route that keeps you in the heart of nature with minimum exposure to 'civilization' (but bear in mind, if YOU can get there, so can the rest of civilization -- at least, all the other members of it that have similar means).

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CyberCelt

Other than land owned by state, national and quasi-public entities like river authorities, Texas is all private property. If you ever saw a western movie, where someone came out on the front porch with a shotgun and told the sherrif to "get off my property," that was Texas.

There are miles and miles of Texas preserves and wildlife management areas that you may hike and not see another soul. Big Bend National or State Ranch are bigger than most states. Guadalupe Mountains are best seen by foot. However, you will register so that someone will know where you went. Its a safety measure.

Be save and have fun in Texas.

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copuswalker

I see you are talikng this summer???? That rules out most places anyhow.. You may brave a few water areas such as the frio but they will be packed.

The only place I have been in the summer in Texas that is relatively bearable has been the Chisos in Big Bend.. Water can be in short supply so beware.

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dwalsdorf

Nepal is nice in the summer. Bring sherpas, O2, tubes and morphine.

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2xHorn

Not to be overly preachy, but inasmuch as you admit to being a novice camper to the point of having to ask what to take, you really probably shouldn't venture too far from civilization at this point.

It can be nice to have a water hydrant a few hundred yards away, especially in summer. Park rangers and other folks come in handy too in the event of a sprained ankle or anaphylactic shock from a bee sting, etc.

It's pretty easy to achieve solitude even at a state park.

01ACRViper

novice camper and far from civilization don't mix, if you want, venture into the interior of BBRSP for a week. though good luck doing that in the summer. you might want to travel to Colorado/New Mexico/Cali/Utah

Cube

Yepper.. rookie camper, not understanding private property.. :eek:

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