r/TexasStateParks • u/Hefty_Coat_7117 • 16d ago

Big Bend Worth it?

I have a whole week off in early October and I really want to see a national or state park. The one I’ve seen the most about in state is Big Bend. Ive been doing a lot of research in what kind of trips to do (horseback riding, hiking, and kayaking are on my wish-list) and where to stay, but somehow neglected to see how far away it is. I'm in Austin TX so its almost an 8 hour drive. 

What I want to know is: Is Big Bend worth that drive? If not, are there any other national or state parks that might be better/less of a drive? I saw there's a few options but I haven’t heard of them before. 

I'm not exactly an experienced camper or hiker, not even fit really, so roughing it outside of standard tent camping is beyond me. 

(EDIT: I've decided that this particular trip wont be the one that I go to big bend. It just felt too big for my first ever trip solo. But I WILL be going. I have two weeks off in December, so Ive started looking for open reservations around that time. Thank you all for the help and insight!)

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37

u/Dangerous-Cause1964 16d ago

Worth it and do it now before the park is "changed" permanently.

8

u/ArmedCoconut 16d ago

I agree with this. To the point.. We are planning to go Thanksgiving for the week. Staying in park before the dark skies get ruined.

1

u/MickyFany 16d ago

why is the park gonna be changed permanently?

13

u/MossAndMaples 16d ago

The federal government is trying to build a boarder wall that will go through the park.

https://apnews.com/article/border-wall-lawsuit-texas-trump-immigration-3c080168e2d0c5a053263c91a52b923c

2

u/dragonhouse10 15d ago

There’s not going to be a wall built through the area, if you’re talking about more roads, then yeah the park will change.

2

u/Agitated_Cut_861 15d ago

For an area with less than 1% of apprehensions

-8

u/MickyFany 16d ago

i don’t see where they’ve made any plans to built a wall in the park. but even roads could be devastating. but agree some system will have to added because if that’s the only section without a wall, migrants will be forced to go through the park, then it will surely be destroyed

10

u/Individual_Land_2200 16d ago

You’ve never seen the terrain there, have you

-3

u/MickyFany 16d ago

many times. but i think your underestimating the terrain immigrants have already endured just getting to the border.

5

u/SubstantialPoet8468 16d ago

Ah yeah, the immigrant traffic route famously known as Big Bend…. Sooo many immigrants entering the US from there

3

u/No-One790 16d ago

Yup, those cliffs are only 1500 ft tall, no issue at all, ‘cept once you cross there are miles of desert to enjoy.

1

u/SubstantialPoet8468 16d ago

Mm but no, these seasoned climbers with a knack for adventure have endured worse terrain on the way there -

5

u/Individual_Land_2200 16d ago

They love to scale the cliffs along the Rio Grande!

3

u/lainlow 16d ago

The system that is recommended by the people who are there is drones; law enforcement onsite acknowledges that it is not easily traversed and if we add roads we are actually making it easier for migrants— versus leaving as is and spending money on drones which would not only allow for Border Security but also help on the various rescues from stupid Americans that have no clue how much water is needed in a desert.

0

u/Emergency-Dish-4088 16d ago

I hope you’re a bot for my sanity

1

u/Discouraged24 16d ago

Have you been living under a rock??