Unregistered

I am going to Big Bend and want to camp. My husband is worried it might be dangerous if I am alone.

Also, how is cell phone reception in the Big Bend/Davis mtns? If I am hiking alone and need to make a call, I am concerned about reception.

Thanks!

Shannon

Cell reception is slim to none. I recall us driving to the Panther Junction ranger station before we got decent reception to let family know we'd arrived safe and were enjoying our trip.

I'd recommend going with a friend, for peace of mind and in case one of you gets hurt, dehydrated or whatnot. If you've done solo camping and hiking or backpacking before, then your mileage may vary, but for the typical weekend warrior I'd recommend not going solo.

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Unregistered

Unfortunately, either I go myself or have to take my husband and 8, 6 and 2 year old.

I read an article today about the renewed alert for kidnappings around border towns, so my main concern is camping in an area where there may be drug traffickers, etc.

ploddinTod

Plus if you're a small woman, the big cat (cougar) might be giving you the eye as you hike up the trail. Something to consider! :eek:

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PloddinTod

01ACRViper

i called a friend from Vernon Bailey Peak, but i couldn;t get any reception on Emory i doubt the desert floor or any other place would be any better this time of year you would only have to worry about the heat, snakes, and the small chance of a mountain lion encounter if you are a smaller person

Alchemist2000

Are mountain lions really much of a risk at Big Bend? Admittedly, even ONE attack is one too many if I am on the receiving end, but I personally never worried about it. However, since two of you mentioned it, I got concerned and starting digging for more info.

The webpage is probably out of date, but the National Park's site says the area has about 150 sightings per year. There have only been four moutain lion attacks since 1984, apparently none fatal (at least to the people). I think the most recent moutain lion attack was several years ago and was an old lion not able to catch normal prey. I still don't know how to assess the real risk to a solo hiker, even if they are small, but at least the attacks have been few and far between so far.

P.S. I would be much more worried about dehydration or an injury than mountain lions or bears. Even injuries or other such problems need not be disasterous if you are on a major trail. Although it never felt "crowded", we encountered numerous people on the trail on a backpacking trip to South Rim last August, certainly not the most crowded time of the year at Big Bend.

ploddinTod

How did you handle the heat and address your water needs at that point of the summer?

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PloddinTod

Unregistered

True, true...

I found a fellow photographer friend tonight who is also off that week and might be able to come with me. Seems like a safer alternative.

Thanks everyone!

Unregistered

I have gotten cell reception at sw 3 with an external antennae. I have cingular.
I have hiked in August and felt the weather was fine. I would check and see if Boot Spring is running. It is the pits hauling tons of water. They can usually tell you if you check around.

As far as the cats.... The drive there is much more likely to kill you! Just go and enjoy the peace and quiet. I solo hike it often and take a good Western and sit on the rim and read..Seems like your there!!