Big Bend in Late January or Early Feb (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter meatloaf
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I'm a tentative yes. I'll need to re-read the reservation requirements though.
I also ride ADV bikes, and got this guide a year or so ago for Big Bend. While it is motorcycle specific, it has a ton of great info on trails in both the national and state parks, as well as Terlingua Ranch. Comes with maps of each. It's a good guide for planning and execution of a trip to the region.
Details here, including how to order (disclaimer- I don't know the author, and have no stake in the guide)
www.twtex.com
Details here, including how to order (disclaimer- I don't know the author, and have no stake in the guide)
Big Bend - a guide for all motorcyclists
The Big Bend region is great place to ride a motorcycle. It contains some of the finest paved and non-paved roads in Texas. Those roads combined with the unique characteristics that make the Big Bend region such a different and exciting place to visit helps to explain its continued popularity...
I was in just both parks for a few days before the latest snowstorm. In BBSP we had a reservation at a campsite called La Mota 1. It's not too far from the Sauceda ranger station. It was 30 miles of dirt road to get to that site. I highly recommed that whole area. Literally 2 hours from the pavement. Nothing too crazy, a few rocky sections but nothing I'd consider rock crawling. My stock AHC LX470 was right at home.
Stayed another night at a private camp outside Terlingua because we couldn't get a reservation that night.
I believe all sites in BBRSP are reservable and there was zero walk-up sites available the days I was there.
In BBNP all sites are now reservable except the primitive roadside sites along Old Maverick Rd, Glenn Springs Rd, and River Rd (not to be confused with the other River Rd in the state park.) Those 3 roads are always 1st come, 1st serve but you still need to get the permit for them at Panther Junction no earlier than the day prior. They were all full when I was there. If you guys go without reservations I'd have a few private campgrounds near Terlingua in mind for a bbackup plan.
I prefer the state park in the cold months because fires are allowed. No fires in the NP.
Stayed another night at a private camp outside Terlingua because we couldn't get a reservation that night.
I believe all sites in BBRSP are reservable and there was zero walk-up sites available the days I was there.
In BBNP all sites are now reservable except the primitive roadside sites along Old Maverick Rd, Glenn Springs Rd, and River Rd (not to be confused with the other River Rd in the state park.) Those 3 roads are always 1st come, 1st serve but you still need to get the permit for them at Panther Junction no earlier than the day prior. They were all full when I was there. If you guys go without reservations I'd have a few private campgrounds near Terlingua in mind for a bbackup plan.
I prefer the state park in the cold months because fires are allowed. No fires in the NP.
I would 100% agree we should make reservations. Lots to do in State Park- if the Solitario area is open (was not in Oct when I tried to go), there are more than a few trails and an honor bar in one of the out holdings. State Park is also far less traveled (and patrolled) than National Park.
Pinto Canyon Road is a spectacular drive. All day excursion from in the State Park, but really great- you drive right through the heart of the Chinati Mountains.
Pinto Canyon Road is a spectacular drive. All day excursion from in the State Park, but really great- you drive right through the heart of the Chinati Mountains.
Thanks for putting this to together. I don’t think I can make the whole week, but should be able to make the last half. Excited to see Big Bend for the first time.
JohnnyFish
GOLD Star
I've been hoping to join y'all on this trip but my kid's birthday is on the 12th, and they're not the type to camp.
- Thread starter
- #48
@MrBaconjr, so the solitario (tres papalotes) area is available 2/8-2/12, I am about to reserve but I have a question for you? shall we book the same spot for the whole time we are there? in the past when I have been to either state or national, we try to take a different site every night just to experience a different site.
Damn this sounds like fun. Been wanting to make a trip out there. Unfortunately I've got a prior engagement that week. Y'all have fun and take pictures!
I would agree we should move around- the State Park is really big. Bigger than the NP, with far fewer visitors. Start in the Solitario, and then head west across the park.
when whoever books first will you post here the spots/dates so we can reserve as well?
- Thread starter
- #52
@bobcatag2006, @bottombracket @davegonz[/USER] ,@TexFJ, @MrBaconjr and everyone else that wants to go, I am booking the Tres Papalotes site, 5 vehicles allowed.... I can add the different vehicles to reservation, please pm me your truck's info and I will add it to the reservation(s)
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Looks like I can make it for the second half of the week as well. Will head that way Wend Afternoon and head back to Austin on Saturday AM. @meatloaf are you booking Tres P for the week? Or is the plan to stay in multiple places in the park? for Wend/Thurs the adjacent spot is available. Would have to book farther away for Friday.
- Thread starter
- #54
I call
@PearlLX470, glad to hear you are going... The plan is to camp at multiple sites. I already booked Tres Papalotes for two nights starting 02/08
@PearlLX470, glad to hear you are going... The plan is to camp at multiple sites. I already booked Tres Papalotes for two nights starting 02/08
Sweet. Have you picked the location for the 10-12th?
- Thread starter
- #56
Not yet, @MrBaconjr seems to know his way around the park pretty good. Hopefully he will chime in...
Really depends on what everyone wants to do. We could base out of the Sauceda area (SP HQ) 10-12th, or be based in Terlingua Ranch. Lots to drive in TR, and it's a good deal closer to BBNP.
@MrBaconjr where is sauceda in relation to terlingua and bbsp? I just want to drive some dirt and see the sights. No agenda. Just happy to get out into the open.
Sauceda is the middle of BBRSP. Ranger HQ, store, etc. West of the Solitario. Terlingua is east of the Solitario. If we do Terlingua Ranch, we can also do some driving in BBNP is my thought. I have friends who have a couple places in Terlingua Ranch we could camp and have toilet/shower.
Along for the ride so that works for me. Just let me know if i need to book a place or pitch in somehow. Everyone else please share ur feedback.
