Big Bend National Park-Tejas

[Guzzistajohn]

Planning a trip to Big Bend in April, any suggestions? 'sperience camping in "roadside primitive" campsites?

[jrt]

It's been a few decades since I've been, but I enjoyed the hot springs, the big sand dune that you can run down. If you are on the river, then the canyons are very cool- Santa Elena and Mariscal.  Even more than a few decades ago, I went with my parents and we walked across the Rio Grande to a small town- Buquies?   I don't know the spelling.  My mom and dad (that's how long ago it was) got a cold beer.  I remember how the houses were all simple sheet metal shacks, adobe and cardboard.  That was eye-opening. 
If you can, you should stay in the CCC-built Indian Lodge in Fort Davis.  Well, I thought it was neat.  I don't recall it being real comfortable, though.  It has probably had a renovation since then (1983?).  Fort Davis also has the UT-run telescope and it used to be open to visitors on some particular day of the month or year.  If I recall, Fort Davis also had a library in the old jail.  All the books were behind bars, lol. 

[Motormike]

If there is any way you can do it, ride Texas Highway FM170 between Big Bend NP and Presidio.  It is an amazing road.  A real roller-coaster with almost no traffic (and no gas stations, or much else) just you and the road.  One of the best I've ever ridden.  Lots of Youtube videos to give you the idea.

[Guzzistajohn]

If there is any way you can do it, ride Texas Highway FM170 between Big Bend NP and Presidio.  It is an amazing road.  A real roller-coaster with almost no traffic (and no gas stations, or much else) just you and the road.  One of the best I've ever ridden.  Lots of Youtube videos to give you the idea.

Yep, I’ve been watching the video. I was contemplating staying at a “primitive campsite” in the park. It’s a whoppin’ $10.00 a night   (Guzzi rider content)

[leroysch]

The Reata restaurant in Alpine. Followed the scent of steak as I was putting thru its neighborhood and wasn't disappointed.
https://reata.net/alpine/

[Tkelly]

Always wanted to go there,post some photos.

[MGrego]

Check out the La Kiva Bar in Terlingua and don't speed in the Park !

[SmithSwede]

These are not like cute orange kittens.

[blackcat]

The Reata restaurant in Alpine. Followed the scent of steak as I was putting thru its neighborhood and wasn't disappointed.
https://reata.net/alpine/

A high school friend of mine was flooded out of Houston from one of those hurricanes and has been living in Alpine for at least ten years and I need to take a trip down there some day. It’s an awful three day trip from my house but one of these days I’d like to go and stop at the restaurant you posted.

[travelingbyguzzi]

Kathy and I spent 3 days there in very early April last year. My takeaway is that it is a very big place. Don't leave Terlingua without a full tank.
We stayed in a cabin North of Terlingua and spent 1 day going to Boquilla and then hiking down river on the US side. Another day going up the Santa Elena Canyon trail and the 3rd day going up Chisos Mountain trail.
There is a lot of hiking involved and some gravel roads.
West of Terlingua, Texas 170 was a fun road. Fort Layton near Presidio was also a fun stop.

[Boj1]

I have spent most winters down here for the last 15 years. Recently got 40 acres just outside of Terlingua and have built an off grid RV spot.

Some things to keep in mind:
April will be HOT. Highs close to100 degrees. We usually vacate the area in March.

Chisos Basin, Ross Maxwell scenic drive and Santa Elena canyon are must dos in the National Park. Can be done in one long day.

Terlingua is probably where you want to stay. Tons of Airbnbs. A few bars/restaurants. Recommend Starlight for food and Boathouse for local flavor. La Kiva is closed as of now.

170 to Presidio is another must. Stop at Warnock ranger station to get a day pass and go to Closed Canyon and Hoodoos along the way.

If you had an off-road bike, or even a Jeep, I could keep entertained for weeks. Same if you are a hiker.

The BDR folks just released a Big Bend BDR. Short video that highlights some of the best views here:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XX1ou4dcYgc

Long version here:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=kgU9p6s4AJ0

Let me know if you have any other questions

Chris

[Guzzistajohn]

These are not like cute orange kittens.

I hear tell those a good with collard greens Prescott

[Guzzistajohn]

Well, I made my master plan.

This will be the shake down cruise for my new home away from home in the bed of the F150.





And here’s my $10.00/a night spot.









This will be my steed 

I’ll be cookin on the Coleman. It gonna be an adventure 

[blackcat]

"Recently got 40 acres just outside of Terlingua and have built an off grid RV spot"

Took a look at a real estate page, amazingly cheap down there for 40 acres.