Big Bend Camping Trip – Day 1

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/8, 1/2400 sec, ISO640
“Big Bend Sign” Texas, 2023

Today is day one of a camping trip to Big Bend National Park. My buddy and I have camped out here a few times before so the itinerary was a mix of our favorite trails and a couple of new ones.

We took my friend’s Jeep which meant we could visit a remote trails and stay any of the backcountry campsites. It really opens up the park to more activities!

Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 4.2mm, f/1.6, 1/6900 sec, ISO32
“Jeep” Big Bend, 2023

Our first trail was the Grapevine Hills Trail to Balanced Rock. It was my third time hiking this one, and every time has been great. It’s a short trail, but the rock formations at the end are super cool!

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/7.1, 1/2000 sec, ISO640
“Balanced Rock” Big Bend, 2023

Next up was a drive to Ernst Tinaja. On the way we stopped at an old cowboy gravesite. I’d love to know the story behind this person. Or perhaps it’s better left to the imagination. 😃

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 18mm, f/7.1, 1/1900 sec, ISO640
“Grave” Big Bend, 2023

The tinaja was really interesting, with layered canyon walls and plenty of fossils in the exposed limestone. Another short hike with a big payoff. Recommended if you have a high-clearance vehicle.

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 26.5mm, f/6.4, 1/1400 sec, ISO640
“Ernst Tinaja” Big Bend, 2023

We were treated to some awesome skies and storm clouds on the drive to our campsite. Luckily we didn’t get any rain. But the photos were much better because of the clouds.

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 30.2mm, f/9, 1/2200 sec, ISO640
“Distant Chisos” Big Bend, 2023
Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 42.5mm, f/5.6, 1/320 sec, ISO640
“Winding Road” Big Bend, 2023

When we reached the Rio Grande Village campsite we were greeted by a pack of friendly javelina. And by friendly, I mean they weren’t aggressive. The pack of 13 javelina just slowly moved their way through the campground, looking for grubs and other goodies. So cute! 🐗

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 55mm, f/4, 1/170 sec, ISO320
“Javelina” Big Bend, 2023
Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 18mm, f/3.6, 1/140 sec, ISO320
“Camp Sky” Big Bend, 2023

We set up our tents, had dinner and then settled in for the evening. It was a long day on the road, a couple of nice, short hikes, and wildlife in the campground. Oh, there were also a few wild horses walking around the campground. So funny and unexpected! 🏕

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 21mm, f/1, 1/100 sec, ISO800
“Sunset Clouds” Big Bend, 2023

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