Wednesday, February 7 – The morning here in Big Bend National Park brought us very windy and cold conditions, 44 degrees. We had a couple hikes in Chisos (CHEE-sos) Basin planned but no way were we going to hike in these conditions. We decided instead to go ahead and drive the 30 miles to Chisos Basin, visit the lodge and maybe do a couple short hikes.
The drive to Chisos Basin.
Wouldn't you know that weather conditions at Chisos Basin were very different. We found out that this is not an uncommon phenomena. There is a 3,000 feet difference in altitude between the Rio Grande River and Chisos Basin and thus very different weather conditions. Guess we could hike after all.
We visited the lodge which is quite nice. Nightly rooms go for about $165/night and there is a very nice restaurant, a wonderful outdoor patio/deck and a quaint lounge. Too bad it is so far to drive home, or we might have planned a night out.
Don’t see this much any more. 
With the improved weather conditions, we reverted back to original hiking plans. Unfortunately, we did not bring our backpacks or hiking poles, but we have water bottles and a fanny pack carrier. We started with a very brief hike of .3 miles on the Window View Trail. Very short but a great view of the surrounding mountains and the “window” which is the low area between two large mountains.
Casa Grande…7,325 ft.
Far left…Emory Peak, 7,825 ft.; Crater Peak, 5.668 ft.; (the opening) the Window, 4,600 ft.;
Vernon Bailey Mt., 6,670 ft.
We then headed out on the Window Trail which is a 4.4 miles hike round trip out to the window area. Little did we know that it was downhill the entire way over 100's of trail steps, elevation change from 5,200 ft. to 4,400 ft., and connecting paths. That means it will be UPHILL the entire way home. Remember, we didn't have our backpacks, poles, adequate water, or energy bars for a snack. OPPS! We definitely will live to regret our decision to go ahead and hike this trail.
The trail was very rugged but beautiful landscape.
To add insult to injury, when we finally reached the bottom of the canyon, we discovered in order to view the “pour-off” which is the spot where the canyon waters spill over the mountain to eventually reach the Rio Grande River, it required some pretty difficult mountain climbing and rock scrambling. The end was in sight and only a hundred feet or so away. We both gave it a go, but decided it was more dangerous than these too old hikers wanted to risk. We certainly didn't want to suffer an injury way down there! Dang!
Here is where we draw the line.
The End. We just fell short.
We still had a difficult uphill climb ahead of us so, we reluctantly headed back up the trail. We were both pretty tired by the time we reached the trail head. Paul was especially shot with his replaced knees and hip. Of course, his other hip has been bothering him recently and this only assured him it was getting worse.
It was a very beautiful canyon for hiking, so at least we were able to enjoy some fantastic scenery. The hike is rated moderate, and we totally agree. Even if we had our backpack, it would have not made it any easier. Be sure to have your poles with you!
Once back on level ground, we took those last couple steps and climbed into the truck and returned to the campground. Paul had a few chores to do around the RV, and Marsha went up to the camp store to use the WiFi. We have several more hikes planned if Marsha can get Paul back on the trail.
Thanks for stopping by. Hope to see y’all back real soon. Have a great day!
I have had many very good lunches at that restaurant in the Chisos Basin.
ReplyDeleteThe problem with setting out in your toad is deciding which things to bring with you. I finally decided it was better to bring too much than not enough.
ReplyDeleteWe've learned the hard way, as well. Bring all the gear and jackets just in case! Watching Paul doing all this climbing and steps without poles makes me nervous. The poles take so, so much pressure off the knees especially coming down. Sure was beautiful. Love the color of the rocks. Those clouds surrounding the mountains are so cool.
ReplyDeleteHearing about your experience on the trail, I am glad we didn’tdo it. In our case, it was timing if I recall that caused us to change our minds about that particular hike. We did enjoy a very nice meal at the lodge, though.
ReplyDeleteYou sure did have an interesting hike, too bad you were not properly prepared.
ReplyDeleteI've seen those hikes on TV! Obviously, you found your way back. Be careful out there.
ReplyDeleteWe've learned the hard way to take everything with us in our truck when we head out for a hike (layers, rain jacket, hiking poles, and plenty of food!). But it sure does make for a lot of preparation in the morning. So glad you did that beautiful hike, it was one of our favorites in Big Bend. Poles definitely helped a lot on those steep sections and stairs. The colors in your photos are fantastic!
ReplyDeleteYou could have made it to the end but I certainly understand why you chose not to... a great hike none the less
ReplyDeleteThis time the saying is....What goes down, must come up"
ReplyDeleteI agree with your other commenters that more is better in this situation. That hike was one of our favorites in Big Bend. The views are just stunning! LuAnn
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