My 23 year old son and I visited Big Bend National Park a week ago with my '17 JKURHR with (at the time) 1500 miles on the odometer. Never been to Big Bend. Never drove a Jeep overland. I am hooked!
We arrived late in the day, selected our campsites at the ranger station, and drove Old Ore Road to our campsite at the Willow Tank; didn't arrive till after dark. Finished Old Ore the next morning including a hike at Ernest Tinaja and then visited Rio Grande Village for fuel and a few supplies we forgot. The northern section of Old Ore was much rougher than the southern section. We were rushing to get to camp, so we didn't enjoy the northern section as much as we would have liked. Willow Tank was a fine campsite but we'd go for Roy's Peak next time if available.
Looking south on Old Ore Road
The day ended with us moving on to our next campsite, Rice Tank on Glenn Springs road. Another nice campsite with shelter from the north wind that arrived with a cold front, frequent lightning and heavy but brief rain.
The next morning, we made our way south on Glenn Springs to travel Juniper Canyon. We sure want to stay at Twisted Shoe campsite next time . . . beautiful! Rained a bit on the road but the washes were pretty firm.
Juniper Canyon Road looking NW
Next up, Black Gap Road. A little nervous with a brand new Jeep and first time on Black Gap and ALONE! We had seen only two other vehicles so far on the backroads. Crossing Glenn Spring was fine. Water wasn't very deep . . . bottom was firm. The northern section that drops to the valley in the south was my biggest concern. It took us some time to navigate mainly because I wasn't sure of this stock vehicle's clearance. My son was directing me from outside the vehicle at many points during the descent. The Jeep was squatting in the rear due to the weight of our supplies and the hitch rack we used to carry two 5 gallons jerry cans of fuel, HiLift jack and shovel. Still, we didn't bottom out once.
Black Gap Road looking SW
The pinch was sort of uneventful. The remainder of the trip south on Black Gap was sort of boring; hot (for January) and a ferocious southwest wind. The northern section was the fun part. Finished up the day by visiting Mariscal Mine and traveling east on River Road and then back north on Glenn Springs to our next campsite: Glenn Springs 1 (I believe). This site is back on Black Gap Road just across from the springs/water crossing. Another great site!
The next morning, we traveled Pine Canyon Road to check out the campsites. Great views. Finally, we visited the Chisos Basin. Too many people!
The coyotes were out in force in BBNP. They were certainly not fearful of humans. While taking photos on one remote stretch, a coyote walked within five feet of me. Curious more than anything else. The coyote on the park road, however, seemed to have his game on. Cars stopped numerous times to feed him.
We had hoped to travel River Road the entire distance from east to west; same for Old Maverick Road south to north. There is just not enough time in two full/two half days for this much travel. Next time!
All in all, a great trip for us and now we are anxious to find overland opportunities closer to Austin. Except for friend's ranches, I don't think there are any. Airing down from 40 psi to 22 psi sure made the backroads comfortable. We aired back up with the SmittyBuilt compressor before traveling on the paved roads. Did this twice.
Lots of photos that I will share when I'm on the proper computer.
We arrived late in the day, selected our campsites at the ranger station, and drove Old Ore Road to our campsite at the Willow Tank; didn't arrive till after dark. Finished Old Ore the next morning including a hike at Ernest Tinaja and then visited Rio Grande Village for fuel and a few supplies we forgot. The northern section of Old Ore was much rougher than the southern section. We were rushing to get to camp, so we didn't enjoy the northern section as much as we would have liked. Willow Tank was a fine campsite but we'd go for Roy's Peak next time if available.
Looking south on Old Ore Road
The day ended with us moving on to our next campsite, Rice Tank on Glenn Springs road. Another nice campsite with shelter from the north wind that arrived with a cold front, frequent lightning and heavy but brief rain.
The next morning, we made our way south on Glenn Springs to travel Juniper Canyon. We sure want to stay at Twisted Shoe campsite next time . . . beautiful! Rained a bit on the road but the washes were pretty firm.
Juniper Canyon Road looking NW
Next up, Black Gap Road. A little nervous with a brand new Jeep and first time on Black Gap and ALONE! We had seen only two other vehicles so far on the backroads. Crossing Glenn Spring was fine. Water wasn't very deep . . . bottom was firm. The northern section that drops to the valley in the south was my biggest concern. It took us some time to navigate mainly because I wasn't sure of this stock vehicle's clearance. My son was directing me from outside the vehicle at many points during the descent. The Jeep was squatting in the rear due to the weight of our supplies and the hitch rack we used to carry two 5 gallons jerry cans of fuel, HiLift jack and shovel. Still, we didn't bottom out once.
Black Gap Road looking SW
The pinch was sort of uneventful. The remainder of the trip south on Black Gap was sort of boring; hot (for January) and a ferocious southwest wind. The northern section was the fun part. Finished up the day by visiting Mariscal Mine and traveling east on River Road and then back north on Glenn Springs to our next campsite: Glenn Springs 1 (I believe). This site is back on Black Gap Road just across from the springs/water crossing. Another great site!
The next morning, we traveled Pine Canyon Road to check out the campsites. Great views. Finally, we visited the Chisos Basin. Too many people!
The coyotes were out in force in BBNP. They were certainly not fearful of humans. While taking photos on one remote stretch, a coyote walked within five feet of me. Curious more than anything else. The coyote on the park road, however, seemed to have his game on. Cars stopped numerous times to feed him.
We had hoped to travel River Road the entire distance from east to west; same for Old Maverick Road south to north. There is just not enough time in two full/two half days for this much travel. Next time!
All in all, a great trip for us and now we are anxious to find overland opportunities closer to Austin. Except for friend's ranches, I don't think there are any. Airing down from 40 psi to 22 psi sure made the backroads comfortable. We aired back up with the SmittyBuilt compressor before traveling on the paved roads. Did this twice.
Lots of photos that I will share when I'm on the proper computer.