stingrey

The wife and I are going to hit Big Bend during the week of June 4... We COULD be there for as many as six days... But how long really would be a good amount of time to be there? I'm going to get us there early, would like to get an early hike in before checking in, have lunch, maybe get a horse ride in, watch the stars come up, that is day one... I want to get some good nature viewing mornings in there, the starlight theater for dinner, and the lost mine & window trails in... But I'm trying to figure out whether three days is adequate or if it comes up a day short... I'm sure you guys will say that is exactly the case, but I don't want to spend too long there to where my wife hates the idea of getting in some more nature type vacations... Know what I mean? ANY insight would be appreciated.

Rey :)

happybooker1

What about the rafting down the Rio Grande? Also touring Terlingua where the Starlight restaurant is..... Neat self-walking tour. Also visit the Hot Springs/old hotel & see the petroglyphs. Easy 1/4 mile walk down to the hot springs area (if it isn't flooded out like it was when my son & I went !)

stingrey

I'll have to see if the wife is down for some tubing... I am, just didn't think she would be... But you are right, that sounds like something she might enjoy! I'm definitely taking her to Starlight, but that is a surprise... Shhhh! Keep that one between us!

Petroglyphs? Hot springs??? J/k, I knew about the springs, but not the 'glyphs... Tell me more! I'm easily looking at 4 days worth of adventure so far... 4 nights worth of staying in the park, anyhow.

BigBendHiker

We (my wife, son and I) visit Big Bend each summer. We have found the ideal length of time is 3 nights. We have stayed 2 nights (too short) and 4 nights (too long) so 3 is what we have settled upon.

The petroglyphs are along the trail to the Hot Springs. There are some other petroglyphs at the terminus of the Chimneys Trail. Is this your first trip to Big Bend? Some of the trails I would recommend, if your first trip are:
1. Lost Mine Trail (you do not have to go to the end of it; the view from the saddle (after ~ 1 mile on the trail) is great.
2. Window Trail.
3. Chimneys Trail (but do that early, early in the morning if you are going in June as it will be blazing hot by 11AM or so).
4. Santa Elena Canyon Trail (and along the way to it, stop off at Tuff Canyon Overlook).
5. Burro Mesa Pour-Off
6. If up to a long one, hike to Emory Peak (9 mile round trip); the view from the peak is incredible, although the scramble to the top can be a bit un-nerving.

Other things to see: Homer Wilson Ranch Overlook, Sam Nail Ranch, Hot Springs Historic District and Castolon.

Starlight Theatre is a cool place to eat. We celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary there last year (on a Monday, where they have two for one hamburgers!). La Kiva is supposed to be a neat place; we plan on eating there during our trip this year in August. For good food, also try the Big Bend Motor Inn Restaurant in Study Butte.

Be sure to also checkout www.bigbendchat.com which is where you can find all the answers from avid Benders.

BigBendHiker

campermom

La Kiva is a really neat place. I did a horseback camping trip eons ago during a college spring break. It's partially underground, live music, food, and running water. (A huge bonus after 3 days in the desert dust). The fiddle player, a local woman, turned out to be our assistant trail guide. I remember the sink in the ladies room was pretty cool, a bucket on a barrel instead of a sink in a countertop. I don't remember much more ( sun burn, exhaustion, and beer). The trip was amazing and the landscapes unique. We'll return to Big Bend soon.