Hacker News Reader

Comment by randycupertino | Hacker News Reader

Big Bend National Park in Texas is on my wish-list. I had a work trip to Austin and thought I could add it on staying over through the weekend, but turns out Texas is REALLY BIG and Big Bend is about a 7 hour drive from Austin. Also after researching it a bit more the park sounds enormous and to really do it right you need a couple days at least to explore. So, I will be going back when I have more time!

Bisbee, Arizona is also somewhere I'd like to stay for a month or so. I've heard it's a fun artists town with funky bohemian vibes.

Finally, my partner has never seen Maine so I'd love to take them to Acadia and then take the ferry over to Newfoundland.

View on HN

If you go to Big Bend, I recommend a side trip driving Texas FM170 along the Rio Grande between Terlingua and Presidio. It's stunning and takes you through Big Bend Ranch State Park. At Presidio US 67 runs north to Marfa. From Terlingua Texas 118 goes north to Alpine.

Someone told me once that National Park rangers had voted Big Bend as their favorite overall National Park. I’ve never been able to verify that statement, but I’ve really wanted to go ever since I heard it.

Big Bend to me is kind of dangerous. Just don't bring an expensive car or lots of valuables or go alone.

It does feel like it has creepy vibes. Would you say the dangers are more environmental (scorpions, rattlesnakes, black widow spiders, etc), or climate/hiking remotely, or criminal?

I'm in my 20s female traveler and would probably be traveling alone, most likely sleeping in the back of my SUV- which I've done all over the country and generally in sketchy areas I'll get a hotel room or rent a real campsite.

In Big Bend National Park, you'll need a campsite at least officially. Your experience boondocking in National Parks should guide you.

In terms of safety, it's not a place where anyone "looking for action" is going to hang out. It's a long way from anywhere and even at peak capacity mostly empty. That's my take on most wilderness areas in the US and the only locals at Big Bend are in Boquillas and dependent on a good tourist experience.

All with the caveat that I'm an old man not a young female.

Anyway, the biggest dangers are the usual suspects: exposure, dehydration, and falls. It's remote and dry with temperature extremes. The average worst event is a flat tire from taking Old Maverick Road without truck tires on your vehicle.

There is a border crossing in the park. It is basically a dirt road. If you drive your $100k car down there it could disappear over the border very quickly. You may encounter Mexicans selling geodes most likely. They might be watching for potential marks as well. There may also be Mexicans on foot that want a ride up the road. They may be pushy and mob your car, sometimes in large groups.

If you stick to camping, motel, or car camping in Chisos basin then you're probably good. There are wild havalinas which are mini-pigs that will root around at night, not dangerous.

You cannot drive across the border at Boquillos. The Rio Grande is in the way and there is no bridge. Big Bend is in the middle of four hundred miles without a road across the border between Del Rio and Presidio.

The river this time of year is under 200 cfs which is knee deep in some areas. If it wasn't a problem there would not be signs all over warning of car theft.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com