Big Bend, TX Weekend | Rancherias Loop | Cattail Falls

Rancherias Loop, Big Bend, Texas

I recently took a hiking/camping trip to Big Bend, TX.  Upon my return, I had many clients ask me about my trip, so I figured it was blog worthy.  If you have never been to Big Bend, it's definitely worth checking out.  It's a long drive, but once you're out there, you will experience nature at it's finest.  Because Wifi and cell coverage is spotty, you are forced to enjoy the views and solitude. Some background information about Big Bend:

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• It's one of the least visited National Parks in the US
  
• Over 800,000 acres       
  
• Lowest elevation 1,715 ft      

• Highest elevation 7,832
  
• More than 450 species of birds
  
• Over 1,000 species of plants
  

Our first hike was Rancherias Loop.  We started on the east trail and worked our way west through the mountains. Rancherias Loop has a couple different springs to get water.  We each packed about a gallon and a half of water, so we didn't need to pull from either.  Had it been any warmer, we probably would have needed more.  They recommend 1.5 gallons of water per day, which sounds about right, especially during warmer seasons.  They also recommend doing this hike in 3 days.  We did it in 2 days and if I were to do it again, I would do it in the recommended 3 days.  It is very strenuous and there is so much to take in, as far views go. Other than the views all we saw were some birds, jack rabbits and a couple javelina (didn't even see any fellow hikers).  

Cattail Falls was our next hike and it was an easy out and back hike.  Not much to say about this hike except when you get to the falls, you forget you are in the desert.  The water was flowing and there were trees, yes trees, in the desert. Its a shame you can't camp there, because it would be a great place to hammock camp.  

Below are pictures of each hike.  Rancherias photos were taken with a GoPro 3 and Cattail pics were taken with my Canon 60D and Tammy lens.  

Rancherias Loop Photos

Cattail Falls Photos