Big Bend National Park South Rim Backpacking

Big Bend is a park I still haven't grown tired of visiting.  At the end of the Fall 2016 semester, I guided what is most likely my last UT RecSports trip to Big Bend National Park.  It was a great long weekend, with a wonderful group of participants as well as two excellent co-guides (Cade and Sara).

Thursday: Left Austin at 5am.  Had an early lunch at Mi Casita in Fort Stockton. Obtained permits at Panther Junction ranger station.  Set up camp at La Noria 4.9 miles down primitive Old Ore Road. Went to Hot Springs.  Back to La Noria to cook dinner.

Welcome to Big Bend!

My 1-person tent at La Noria

Trail to the hot springs

The hot springs were popular!

Friday: Short hike in nearby Ernst Tinaja. Drive to Chisos Basin. Divide group gear and load packs.  Eat lunch.  Backpack to Laguna Meadow 2.  Sunset hike before couscous and pita dinner.

View back towards La Noria at breakfast

View away from La Noria at breakfast

Walking towards Ernst Tinaja

George pretending to slide down Ernst Tinaja

Ernst Tinaja

We met the guy behind Hotel Prius

We saw three men crossing illegally at the Boquillas Overlook

Watching sunset near Laguna Meadow

Looking towards the south rim from Laguna Meadow

Saturday: Backpack from Laguna Meadow 2 to Southwest Rim 3 via the South Rim and Southeast Rim. Set-up camp, watch sunset over southeast rim.

3-person tent at Laguna Meadow 2

The South Rim views never get old

I could enjoy these views forever

Justin at sunset

Sunday: Split into two groups: Emory Peak & sunrise.  I stayed with two participants to watch the sunrise over the Southwest Rim and causally hike out. Lunch at cars.  Drive back to Austin. Pretty epic day - starting out with an awesome sunrise right by Southwest Rim 3 and ending with the temperature getting consistently colder throughout the day.

Sun rise near Southwest Rim 3 - first shot

Sun rise near Southwest Rim 3 - second shot

Sun rise near Southwest Rim 3 - final shot

Hiking out with the 'sunrise' group