I'd love to get some input on where to wheel out at Big Bend. I want to take the family out there next year for spring break.
I’ve been there over half a dozen times and went to the university out in Alpine, TX for a short time so I explored around there quite a bit. There aren’t many places dedicated to off-roading in the normal sense, but most trails that require high clearance or 4x4 are hours long and have sections that can certainly be a bit technical, especially after a heavy rainfall.
The best bit of advice I could offer would be to make sure your Jeep is in good working order and reliable. Make sure your fluids are in good condition, your tires are good and you’re confident your belts and hoses won’t break or leak when you’re several hours from the closest person that might help you.
The terrain in big bend isn’t technically difficult but it is unforgiving and rough. The last time I took my Jeep there I had a lower control arm bolt loosen and fall out from all the vibration after 3 days on the trails. Me and my gf at the time had to walk about half a mile back down the trail to find the bolt, washer and nut and then get it reinstalled to continue back to our camp after going down black gap to Mariscal mine.
In the National park, the most technical trail would definitely be black gap but it isn’t difficult rock crawling or anything like that. Just a long section of unmaintained rocky trails. Old ore road is another rougher trail. Glenn springs and sections of river road are decently similar. Most trails have lots of cool places to pull off and explore or see some spectacular views.
Some good views and hiking trails can be found at Santa Elena and in the Chisos mountains.
In the state park, most trails are fairly similar in difficulty. I’d have to recommend you try and reserve or stay at las burras 2 campground. Nice trail on the way there and the campground is beautiful. If you can also make it to Gaule 2 I’d always recommend that site. Definitely has the most spectacular views in the whole park, just be prepared for some windy camping.
The state park is much rougher than the National park since there are no paved roads in the interior of the park and have less maintenance. That being said it’s pretty rare to see other people unless you’re at the ranger station or on the main road.
There’s a small oasis with a year round creek and small waterfall in the state park but I can’t remember the name of it. If you google it you should be able to find it. Just be careful, I’ve seen some pretty large prints (mountain lions and bears) in the area.
Be sure to bring plenty of spare gas and water cause you’ll go through a lot.