San Antonio Hill Country Hikers

We meet at 6:15 and will take off promptly at 6:30. Set your own pace and mileage on this hike. If you go at a slower pace, I suggest you hike down to Pecan St. and back - that will give you 3 miles. Want a little more distance at a faster pace? Go down to Houston St and back, 3.5 miles. Everyone will meet up back at the start.

There is free parking for the first two hours at the Koehler garage & the Pearl Brewery West Parking Lot. Street parking on Grayson that’s metered is free after 6pm.

https://www.nps.gov/bibe/index.htm

Lets spend a few days exploring one of my very favorite places in the world Big Bend National Park!!

There will be a $5 fee to attend - once I receive your payment via Paypal, Venmo, or Zelle at 210 843-1667 you will be moved to 'going'.

Park Fees
https://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/fees.htm
If you opt for the basic entrance pass it is good for 7 days

Trip Plan:
Fri 14 March:
6am Drive to BBNP, arrive around 2pm - settle in, freshen up and hike The Window Trail
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/texas/the-window-trail
Option for dinner after at the Chisos Lodge Dining Room
https://www.chisosmountainslodge.com/dining/chisos-mountains-lodge-dining-room/

Sat 15 March: Early hike (about 7:30am) at the Lost Mine Trail
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/texas/lost-mine-trail
Head over the border to Boquillas for lunch and shopping
Afternoon hikes and exploring at the Hot Springs, and Ernst Ridge River Trail
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/texas/big-bend-hot-springs-trail
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/texas/hot-springs-canyon-trail

Sunday 16 March:
Hike The Chimneys Trail
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/texas/chimneys-trail
Explore Santa Elena Canyon
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/texas/santa-elena-canyon-trail

Monday 17 March:
South Rim Loop Hike from Laguna Meadows to the Pinnacles
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/texas/south-rim-trail-loop

Tuesday 18 March:
Early Hikes at Grapevine Hills and Dog Canyon before we head home
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/texas/balanced-rock-via-grapevine-hills-trail
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/texas/dog-canyon-trail?mobileMap=false&ref=sidebar-static-map

We can coordinate carpooling. You are responsible for arranging your own lodging and meals.

Ideally I would like to camp in the Chisos Basin. Currently all the campsites are booked but they have several that can only be reserved 2 weeks out. I am hoping to snag one of those. As a back-up I have an Airbnb reserved in Terlingua.

Lodging Options:
In the park
https://www.chisosmountainslodge.com/
All of the rooms in the lodge at Chisos are booked but
there is currently availability at Big Bend Station in Terlingua
I have gotten lucky with getting a reservation at the Chisos lodge after someone cancelled, if that is where you want to stay keep checking for open reservations!
Camping:
There are 3 campgrounds in the park but I am not seeing any availability for our timeframe.

Airbnb has many options for lodging in the area from basic campsites to more upscale accommodations.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g56758-Terlingua_Texas-Hotels.html

This will be limited to 12 attendees

This itinerary is just an outline, we can figure out meals, hike meeting times, etc. at the park. I do plan to eat dinner out each night either at the Chisos Lodge or in Terlingua.

We'll meet at the parking area of the Bauer Unit - please proceed through the gate off of Acker Road, use the gate code on the gate code box and go to the parking area.

>>>There are no restrooms or porta potties<<<

We will hit the trail by 10:10 am and do a MODERATELY paced hike (around 3miles/hr) for about 8 miles.

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/texas/guadalupe-river-state-park-loop-bauer-unit?mobileMap=false&ref=sidebar-static-map

Directions: From I10W - take exit 550 Ralph Fair Rd (FM3351), go about 15 miles and turn right on Edge Falls Road. Continue for 2.4 miles and turn right on Acker Road. Go another 2.2 miles to the park entrance. Entrance is gated - open gate using code on keypad and drive to parking area.

From 281 take 46W from 281 towards Boerne. Turn right on 3351, go 3.7 miles on 3351 and turn right on Edge Falls Road. Continue for 2.4 miles and turn right on Acker Road. Go another 2.2 miles to the park entrance. Entrance is gated - open gate using code on keypad and drive to parking area.

You can book a day pass here https://texasstateparks.reserveamerica.com/unifSearchResults.do
The fee is $6 if you do not have a State Parks Pass
The Bauer Unit is part of Guadalupe River State Park but has it's own entrance on the north side of the river.

• YOU are responsible for assessing your own fitness level and to have an exit plan if you cannot keep up with the group
• This is NOT a beginner hike, there is some rough and sometimes slippery terrain.