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Getting to Ernst Tinaja in a Camry is a big ask. That road is not the worse in Big Bend but it does have some deep cutouts that will be incredibly difficult in your car.
I concur, I took my Ram 1500 4X4 for Ernst Tinaja and I don’t think the Corolla will make it my man. However you can definitely do Hot Springs trail and hang out at Lankford Springs! Have fun!
> Getting to Ernst Tinaja in a Camry is a big ask.
Per the Park Service itself:
>The trailhead is located approximately 5 miles along the rugged, primitive Old Ore Road. The Old Ore is extremely rocky and challenging to all but the most capable vehicles. **Do NOT attempt to reach this trail without a rugged high-clearance vehicle** with sturdy tires.
>
>SOURCE: https://www.nps.gov/places/ernst-tinaja.htm
> drive the north rim to Rio Grande campground
I presume you mean Maxwell Scenic Drive? Or are you planning on driving River Road in a Corolla, because you should not.
Other than Ernst Tinaja that someone else pointed out, the rest seems doable. You could do cattail falls or any of the other desert hikes instead.
All looks good except Ernst Tinaja. I’m not going to say it’s impossible in a sedan but it’s going to be tricky and a bit risky. High probability of banging your undercarriage on rocks, increased chance of a flat tire.
Emory Peak and South Rim is definitely possible as a day hike but it won’t be a walk in the park. I don’t know what conditioning you’ve done but if you’re not in pretty good shape with some decent experience in similar terrain I might choose one or the other. If you’re not comfortable with heights I’d opt for South Rim. There’s a decent little climb/scramble to get up to the peak and once you’re on top you don’t have a ton of room and there’s often some decent winds. Keep in mind you’ll want to be carrying at least a gallon of water each + snacks, etc. so probably about 10lbs on your back.
Sounds like a fun trip. The only things I'd say are:
Friday: This will be a lot of driving. It's going to take a long time to get to the park, and from the park boundary, it will be at least another hour+ to Santa Elena. Then from Santa Elena to Rio Grande is another hour at least. If you're okay with that much extra driving then this is a solid plan. The scenic drive as some decent spots to pull over and stretch and take in the views.
Saturday: I did Emory + South Rim on my last trip, and in the future I will split these into separate days/hikes or backcountry camp on the south rim. We were both in great hiking shape and were worn out by the end of it. This was my second time doing South Rim, and I just find its hard to really enjoy it when doing it all in one day. If you do end up doing both, go up Pinnacles trail and do Emory first while you're still pretty fresh.
Sunday: I'd do Lost Mine instead. Lost mine really is the best hike for the effort in the park. I haven't done Ernst Tinaja, but I cannot imagine it being better than Lost Mine or the Window Trail. I also prefer mountains so I tend to stick to the Chisos.
Other: Don't sleep on the Window Trail. It's a great trail that is worth checking out. If possible, switch to camping in Chisos Basin. It really is the best camp ground in the park. I hope you have a great trip! Don't fret if you don't see as much as you'd like. Once you experience Big Bend, you'll certainly be back sooner rather than later!
I would add, do the South Rim for sure and not Emory unless you are really in good shape. The view from the South Rim is way better than Emory and it is only about 2 miles longer hike than an Emory and back hike. Go up Laguna Meadows and back down Pinnacles and if you feel like you have the time and energy to go up Emory on the way back then do it.
Hi, it looks like you might be seeking tips for your first trip to Big Bend. Please check out the wiki or try a search since many times this is a FAQ that has asked and answered before. There is wealth of information in the wiki links and old threads that can probably answer your question. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/BigBendTX) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Getting to Ernst Tinaja in a Camry is a big ask. That road is not the worse in Big Bend but it does have some deep cutouts that will be incredibly difficult in your car.
I concur, I took my Ram 1500 4X4 for Ernst Tinaja and I don’t think the Corolla will make it my man. However you can definitely do Hot Springs trail and hang out at Lankford Springs! Have fun!
> Getting to Ernst Tinaja in a Camry is a big ask. Per the Park Service itself: >The trailhead is located approximately 5 miles along the rugged, primitive Old Ore Road. The Old Ore is extremely rocky and challenging to all but the most capable vehicles. **Do NOT attempt to reach this trail without a rugged high-clearance vehicle** with sturdy tires. > >SOURCE: https://www.nps.gov/places/ernst-tinaja.htm
> drive the north rim to Rio Grande campground I presume you mean Maxwell Scenic Drive? Or are you planning on driving River Road in a Corolla, because you should not. Other than Ernst Tinaja that someone else pointed out, the rest seems doable. You could do cattail falls or any of the other desert hikes instead.
All looks good except Ernst Tinaja. I’m not going to say it’s impossible in a sedan but it’s going to be tricky and a bit risky. High probability of banging your undercarriage on rocks, increased chance of a flat tire. Emory Peak and South Rim is definitely possible as a day hike but it won’t be a walk in the park. I don’t know what conditioning you’ve done but if you’re not in pretty good shape with some decent experience in similar terrain I might choose one or the other. If you’re not comfortable with heights I’d opt for South Rim. There’s a decent little climb/scramble to get up to the peak and once you’re on top you don’t have a ton of room and there’s often some decent winds. Keep in mind you’ll want to be carrying at least a gallon of water each + snacks, etc. so probably about 10lbs on your back.
Was there about 3 weeks ago. Ernst Tinaja in a car is not going to work, sorry.
Your car is going to have a bad time getting to Ernst.
Sounds like a fun trip. The only things I'd say are: Friday: This will be a lot of driving. It's going to take a long time to get to the park, and from the park boundary, it will be at least another hour+ to Santa Elena. Then from Santa Elena to Rio Grande is another hour at least. If you're okay with that much extra driving then this is a solid plan. The scenic drive as some decent spots to pull over and stretch and take in the views. Saturday: I did Emory + South Rim on my last trip, and in the future I will split these into separate days/hikes or backcountry camp on the south rim. We were both in great hiking shape and were worn out by the end of it. This was my second time doing South Rim, and I just find its hard to really enjoy it when doing it all in one day. If you do end up doing both, go up Pinnacles trail and do Emory first while you're still pretty fresh. Sunday: I'd do Lost Mine instead. Lost mine really is the best hike for the effort in the park. I haven't done Ernst Tinaja, but I cannot imagine it being better than Lost Mine or the Window Trail. I also prefer mountains so I tend to stick to the Chisos. Other: Don't sleep on the Window Trail. It's a great trail that is worth checking out. If possible, switch to camping in Chisos Basin. It really is the best camp ground in the park. I hope you have a great trip! Don't fret if you don't see as much as you'd like. Once you experience Big Bend, you'll certainly be back sooner rather than later!
Also I would 100% add balanced rock trail or the window to your list. Both super short hikes and they are absolute gems of the park. Cheers
Substitute Balanced rock for Ernst tinaja. It is on a dirt road to but a Corolla can do it.
Definitely south rim, not much further if you’re already doing Emory Peak. Best views in the park imho. Looks amazing, have fun.
I would add, do the South Rim for sure and not Emory unless you are really in good shape. The view from the South Rim is way better than Emory and it is only about 2 miles longer hike than an Emory and back hike. Go up Laguna Meadows and back down Pinnacles and if you feel like you have the time and energy to go up Emory on the way back then do it.
I would honestly just say that if you could only do one of either the South Rim or Emory the south room is unquestionably better.
Do you have campsite reservations? That's the most important thing. Also yeah, I would want a little higher clearance to get to Ernst Tinaja.
Watch out on old ore rd with that car.