First lengthier trip in the Raindrop (Big Bend)

Kilometer 31

Kilometer 31

Novice
Excited for my first proper extended trip in the 560 Ultra. Houston to Big Bend for about 10 days. Probably 1400 miles when complete. Split campsites between full primitive (my preference) and the developed Chisos Basin Campground (water and showers but no electric). It'll be a hotty during the day (90-ish) but nights should be fine at 68 or 70. Will be sure to give the Raindrop some scenic portrait sessions.
 

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Kilometer 31 said:
2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness. Big Bend is my happy place. I grew up in El Paso so harsh desert mountains is my jam.
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Yep. Anza Borrego, some hills they call mtns camping and beyond to Sonoran Desert, to the Mohave - its a harsh but sublime beauty that grows on ya. I gotta get to the Bend in the fall to winter...snow I hear. Any problems in the far dirt roads in AWD?
 
I’ve been on most trails other than a couple of the worst (Black Gap, Glenn Springs Road and a couple of others). The Outback with good tires CAN do any of them but I don’t wanna tear it up to prove it.

Important to check current conditions because after rains trail conditions can change a lot. (Actually I hear a few will be closed on this trip after some bad rains in July.). But a lot of them are just rough dirt roads for the most part.
 
looks like some good photos will be coming! We don't have big natinal parks anywhere near us, and most of our trips are canopied with Oak and tuplic polar -- very very few 'vistas' and big open spaces. I"m fascinated by it -- just not ready to take Serenity into those places. This guy needs his AC until the temps are in the 60's, then I'll consider it --- 50s are better.
 
Sweeney said:
looks like some good photos will be coming! We don't have big natinal parks anywhere near us, and most of our trips are canopied with Oak and tuplic polar -- very very few 'vistas' and big open spaces. I"m fascinated by it -- just not ready to take Serenity into those places. This guy needs his AC until the temps are in the 60's, then I'll consider it --- 50s are better.
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Visiting the western National Parks one can understand the saying that the "europe has the great cathedrals of the church,

and the US has the great cathedrals of the national and state parks and (national monuments).
 
When we went in 2019 we took the boat across the river for lunch in Boquillas. I thought the food was great. Very interesting town. Take lots of small bills. We spent $80 for the boat ride across, the mule to town, lunch, and gratuities. Get guidelines from the rangers pertaining to customs.
 
I've been to Big Bend multiple times. Just a magical place. Back in 2017 I had a solo trip in January towing with my VW JSW diesel. I camped at Nugent mountain which necessitated driving a few miles on Pine Canyon road. No problem getting to the campsite but I turned around when I tried to make it all the way to the Pine Canyon trailhead. I might have made it but feet worked better.
Check out Cottonwood Campground, down near the river on the west side. No reservations but get there pretty early and you'll probably get a site.
A couple of photos attached, one of the camper at Nugent Mountain and the other of me reclining on the edge of the South Rim in the Chisos.
 

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fernlane said:
I've been to Big Bend multiple times. Just a magical place. Back in 2017 I had a solo trip in January towing with my VW JSW diesel. I camped at Nugent mountain which necessitated driving a few miles on Pine Canyon road. No problem getting to the campsite but I turned around when I tried to make it all the way to the Pine Canyon trailhead. I might have made it but feet worked better.
Check out Cottonwood Campground, down near the river on the west side. No reservations but get there pretty early and you'll probably get a site.
A couple of photos attached, one of the camper at Nugent Mountain and the other of me reclining on the edge of the South Rim in the Chisos.
Click to expand...

Wow - I'm not sure I could handle the lack of shade and trees -- but if the temperatures aren't too extreme, there's ways to deal with that.
 
A few logistical challenges to start:

1. Staying at Paint Gap Road primitive campsite first few nights. Unfortunately, that site is right next to remains of an old but large ranch stock tank. Withe the heavy rains in July it essentially has become a giant mosquito pond in the middle of the desert. Plan B in the works.

2. Then decided to check out my site in Chisos Basin campground for later in the week. Site 21 turned out to be a distinctly uphill back-in spot. No way suitable for teardrop. So quickly canceled and found better and flatter No. 42. No shade in that spot but more away from folks. And the Basin is much cooler than the desert floor.

3. Got a flat tire on the Outback leaving the basin. Panicked few minutes looking for first spot wide enough to pull off and change tire.

Photo drop later.
 

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fernlane said:
I've been to Big Bend multiple times. Just a magical place. Back in 2017 I had a solo trip in January towing with my VW JSW diesel. I camped at Nugent mountain which necessitated driving a few miles on Pine Canyon road. No problem getting to the campsite but I turned around when I tried to make it all the way to the Pine Canyon trailhead. I might have made it but feet worked better.
Check out Cottonwood Campground, down near the river on the west side. No reservations but get there pretty early and you'll probably get a site.
A couple of photos attached, one of the camper at Nugent Mountain and the other of me reclining on the edge of the South Rim in the Chisos.
Click to expand...
Nice pics!
 
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