Big Bend Texas Hiking Adventure

Thursday to Sunday 24-27 October 2024 

Whose invited: Single Adults Ages 30s 40s 

Location: Big Bend National Park Texas - our campsite location will be shared privately closer to start of event

Trip duration: 3 days

Group size: 12

Physical level: Beginner to Moderate - you should be able to hike 4-6 miles per day

I am looking for some fun singles who are ready to mingle and have some fun! You do not have to live in Texas to attend this event. Everyone is welcome as long as you are single, an adult and aged 30s and 40s. 

Day 1:  Sunset at Santa Elena Canyon 

Check in between 2:00-4:00 pm and get settled in and set up your tents. Shortly after around 5:00 pm, we will start off with a scenic drive to the Rio Grande area of the park where we will start our first hike to catch the sunset consisting of 1.4 miles with an elevation gain of 350' and is rated easy. It is highly possible you will be crossing through water to get to this trailhead so expect it to be an adventure even though this hike is short and sweet. We will spend some time taking in the views and getting to know each other while on this adventure. We will then make our way back to camp where we will build a campfire and cook our first dinner together. This will be a late dinner. We will stargaze, and play games. 

Day 2: Hiking Lost Mine in Texas 

Our first morning will consist of taking time to get ready for the day, cook our breakfast and plan to start our drive to our hiking adventure at 9:00 am. Drive over to the Chisos Mountains for a half day hike consisting of 4.8 miles with an elevation gain of 1500' and is rated moderate. This hike has incredible views so you will want to bring your lunch and drinks with us so we can enjoy it at the summit. After we complete this hike, we will head back to camp where we will plan to spend time hanging out in the river, before it is time for dinner. After dinner, we will play some games to help us get to know each other on a deeper level. 

Day 3: Hiking the Window Trail and off to the Hot Springs 

Start your morning out by making sure you eat breakfast and drink plenty of water so we can get ready for another day of hiking. We will make the trek to the park and will leave by 8:00 am. Day hike consisting of 5.6 miles with a total elevation gain of 1290' and is rated moderate. Make the drive to the Hot Springs Trail to relax in the hot springs before heading back to our campsite for our nightly group dinner and games. We will end the night by sharing something personal that might be weighing on us. You decide to share with the group and then burn it in the fire or just burn it. 

Day 4: Until we meet again Big Bend  

Check out as early as you want but you must leave our campsite by 12:00 pm. Our adventure ends, until we see each other next time! 

The park is more than 1200 square miles so there will be a lot of driving involved getting to and from our campsite and to the various trailheads. What this means is, you are responsible to get to our campsite. From our campsite to inside the park, a friend and I will drive the group to our hiking trails. The only driving you will be doing is driving from wherever you live to our campsite and then back to your home. I want you to be prepared on how spread out this park is. We will spend a lot of time in the car just getting to and from the trails and back to our site. It is your responsibility to drive or arrange flights for yourself to our campsite location. The closest airports include El Paso International and Midland/Odessa. 

Location of our site will be shared closer to the event and only to the participants. This event does not include your flights or gas to the event.

What is included:

• Three group dinners covered- there will be vegetarian and vegan options
• Our campsite location which has outdoor showers and bathrooms 
• Our campsite has access to a river on the property and it is open for swimming and hanging out
• Activities - guided day hikes
• Wood for our campfire 
• S'mores supplies 

Required:

• sleeping bag, camp pillow, sleeping pad, tent (roof top tent is allowed) 
• camp chair
• hiking gear
• water (a gallon of water per person per day) 
• breakfast, snacks and lunches for yourself for the duration of the event
• your own utensils, plates
• propane, cooking stove
• swimsuit, towel, shower supplies

Recommendations: 

• Portable charger
• Camp shoes - crocs or sandals 
• Ear plugs
• Trekking poles
• POSITIVE attitude and mindset
• Any games you want to bring 
• Your passport -If you want to cross the border to Mexico you will need this - we do not have this planned but if you decided to adventure before or after the event 
• Hat, sunscreen, headlight, electrolytes, bandana (wet it to keep you cool) or a kool tie (cooling tie) https://www.rei.com/product/691097 

Thinking about going on this trip AND you are new to hiking and camping? Read below: 

For sleeping bags, it is recommended that you get a bag rated 10 degrees lower than the actual outside temperature. For instance, the temperature can be 50 degrees at night, so you should have a bag rated at 40. If you are normally cold, I would recommend a bag rated lower. You can also look into getting a sleeping bag liner that is rated 10 degrees lower so that it helps to keep you warm if you cannot afford to get a lower rated bag or you are renting. You must bring a sleeping bag. A regular blanket is not sufficient for this event unless it is a "camping quilt that is rated at a certain temperature." Although I do not anticipate temperatures going below 55 degrees Fahrenheit at the park for this even in October, it can and has happened especially if its overcast and windy. 

I will send an updated weather forcast closer to the event so everyone is prepared. I will also send the exact location of our site closer to the event. 

The sleeping pad is what helps keep you insulated from the ground which can steal your body heat. Pads are rated with a R-value. A lower R-value means that the pad provides less insulation against the cold. A value of five or higher will keep you warmer. 

If you do not own a sleeping bag or other gear, you can rent some items at rei. 

Click on this link to find a rental location at your local rei: Rent Gear at Rei 

If you do not own your own tent, please let me know. I have limited tents available but they will be shared same sex two to four person if you choose to do that option. 

Weather can be unpredictable. It is important to plan for alternate temperatures or changes in the itinerary. Texas is not like other states that have normal seasons. We still can get temperatures in the 90s in the Fall. Mosquitoes are rare. 

When hiking, how much water should you drink? Carry 1 liter of water per person per hour that you plan to hike. 

Frequently Asked Questions: 

1. Are there showers at our site? Yes, we will all have the option to shower daily!
2. Are there bathroom facilities? Yes.
3. Are all your events just for people aged 30s and 40s? No. I would like to keep the ages close so there is not a huge range happening. I plan on making more events for all ages. 
4. What to do if I see a snake? Slowly back away. It is very common to see snakes on trails. 
5. When is the payment due? The full amount is due when you buy the ticket for the event. 
6. Can I borrow gear if I don’t own all or some of the gear required? Your local Rei offers rentals for some things such as sleeping bags. Come talk to me if there is something you need. I will do my best to help you. 
7. Is there drinkable water available? No, you need to bring water for yourself for the duration of the event. 
8. Is there a sink to wash our dishes near our site? No.
9. Is there any additional fees to get into the park? Yes, there is an entrance park fee per vehicle. 
10. Are there bears at the park? Yes, black bears frequent the area. I will have bear spray and a horn. 
11. Is there Wi-Fi or how is the cell service? No, it’s super spotty service. Be prepared to take a nice break from mindless scrolling and enjoy some peace outdoors. 
12. Is there electrical outlets? Not at our site. Bring your portable charging devices. 
13. Is there valet? No, not at this time.
14. Are there porters for my luggage? No, you must carry your own bags.
15. Can I bring my dog? No, please leave Fluffles at home. Big Bend has strict rules for dogs and it’s best to leave them at home.
16. Can I bring kids? No, this event is not for little humans. Adults only.
17. Can I bring my gun? Not at this event.
18. What is the dress code? Casual.
19. Can I bring games? Yes!
20. Do I need supplemental oxygen to attempt the summit? No the highest peak is Emory at 7,825 feet.
21. What if I can not attend due to an emergency or work situation? Please notify me immediately. Please make sure you can commit to this event before sending payment. Please review the cancalation policy on the actual ticket before checking out. 
22. I have a roof top tent on my vehicle, can I use that instead of tent camping? Yes you can! 
23. If I have a service dog, can I bring my dog? No, if you can not travel without your dog, please do not attend this event.
24. Can we have a campfire? Yes.
25. What creatures are found at Big Bend? Coyotes, mountain lions, black bears, roadrunners, tarantulas, and Javelinas.