I was in Big Bend week before last ( I know since retiring I don't post as quickly as I did when I worked full-time). It was an amazing trip and I really enjoyed it. I took it a bit easier this year and didn't pack my days with activities and took some time to relax at my campsite. I'm glad I did as I've been so busy since returning home starting preparations for my upcoming trip to Peru.
I hiked close to 30 miles over four days. The longest was 13 miles on the South Rim Trail. 1650 feet in elevation gain (1200 in the first 4 miles). I also hiked the Grapevine Hills trail to the Balanced Rock, Lost Mines Trail (my favorite) and then a few shorter trails.
The South Rim trail was on my bucket list. Last year I just did not feel confident to attempt it. I knew though that I would do my best to get back and do it. The first four miles is the Pinnacles Trail up to the base of Emory Peak (I hiked just this part last year). It was so much easier this year. I have really become much stronger and faster on my hikes. I started at 5:45 am and hiked the first two miles in the dark with my headlamp. I then enjoyed the sunrise for the next two. After the first four miles uphill, it has more gentle ups and downs for the next 2 miles. It goes through a canyon and then goes up to the East Rim of the Chisos Mountains. It then continues on around to the South Rim with views well across the miles into Mexico. The trail then heads downhill thought Laguna Meadows for about five miles before reconnecting with the main trail back to the trail head. The final two miles were the hardest as I was hot (temps were in the low 80's) the weight of my backpack was also taking a toll on my shoulders. I completed the hike within my targeted time (7.5 hours hiking and 1.5 hours snack breaks and lunch). The early start put me on the trail alone. I only ever passed the occasional hiker going in the opposite direction. I found the solitude so healing. To be alone looking out across the miles with only the sound of nature. Magnificent!
Day two was a new moon so the stars would be glorious. So I arose at 4:00 am and drove out to the Sotol Overlook and just took in the beauty of the star filled sky. I stayed and watched the sky brighten and saw the most amazing sunrise. It has to be the most beautiful one I have ever experienced. The cloud formation was perfect for the sky to blaze with color. I was in awe.
Day three I left my campsite while it was still dark. I had a 7 mile drive down a rough and rocky road to get to Grapevine Trail and the Balanced Rock. It was a slow drive, rarely getting above 15 mph and at times preceding at a crawl. The hike itself is only a 2 mile out and back trek. I managed to turn it into a 3 mile hike as I missed a turn on what looked like a trail but was just a wash down the hillside. I did get back on the trail and made it to the wonderful view at the Balanced Rock.
I saved my favorite trail for my final day - the Lost Mine Trail. I started early so I would be at the 3/4 mile overlook for the sunrise. It was another stunning one. The summit was very windy so I didn't venture out to the rocky peak. But the views were still wonderful.
I love Big Bend National Park. It is a truly amazing wilderness area with mountains, deserts, canyons and the Rio Grande River. The scenic vistas just take my breathe away. It is a place that heals my soul and recharges my energy. The vast open space and dark night skies are a gift, but just days after returning home the Trump administration announced plans to build a border wall right through the park. My heart broke. I am angry, sad, and ready to fight. I cannot imagine the idiocy that is driving this decision. It will be an ecological and environmental disaster. It will destroy huge areas of the park. It will negatively impact the movement of wildlife as they search for food and water. I find myself at times fighting back the tears.
Please click this link for more information and a link to sign a petition to stop the Wall. https://nobigbendwall.org/
Pictures from my trip...
South Rim
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