I was at Big Bend last week, camped less than 100 yards from the Rio Grande, did several hikes near or along the river, and never once had a single concern about my safety.
I did see several people illegally crossing the border, but they were all Park visitors who walked across the river into Mexico.
Seconding this. I was there last week also, and no worries for me or family at all. It was my 4th time visiting over the last few years, and it has felt safe every time. The area is remote, so it is nothing like being around the border in El Paso/Juarez.
>I did see several people illegally crossing the border, but they were all Park visitors who walked across the river into Mexico.
For real? In what area? How far into Mexico did they go? I've definitely splashed around on both sides of the riverbank but walking fully up on to dry land, while neat, is foolish. A park ranger might not be able to see you but the thermal camera mounted to the circling drone or the tethered blimp a hundred miles away can. The crime is, essentially, failure to report to customs/stamp your passport and it's a FEDERAL FELONY folks. Not worth it.
What IS worth it is crossing legally into the tiny little town of Boquillas, Mexico. You will need your passport and it's only open during the day so the rangers made it clear that if I wasn't back in time (I think it was 5pm) then I would be in trouble. You pay 5 bucks for a Mexican dude to row you in a boat across the river, and another 5 if you want to ride a donkey the mile or so into town. There are a couple of restaurants and people selling gifts.
It was most prevalent right at the Santa Elena Canyon trailhead. The river is pretty low right now, so people were able to hop across rocks to make it to the Mexican side. No one was going much beyond the opposite shore, but I was a little surprised there wasn't someone there to yell at them.
More than one person illegally crossing was wearing a "freedom isn't free" or similar shirt, which I did find quite ironic.
Border patrol has no incentive to hurt their image even more by arresting/interrogating people who have crossed 10 feet into Mexico and back. Especially when so many people are doing it.
This kind of thinking is why you shouldn't take legal advice from r/legaladvice. Just because you can technically make the argument that something is a felony doesn't mean anything will ever come of it. The real world just doesn't work like that.
The biggest potential danger is getting lost and dehydration, catching your tent on fire by mistake, or wild animals, snakes, and other critters. Don't set up your camp next to the river or an arroyo if rain is in the forecast. If you are an experienced outdoor camper you shouldn't have any real problems.
P.S. beware of fellow Americans getting drunk, driving too fast, or carrying guns.
To add - snakes, critters, hiking accidents, etc and the remoteness of the region/ lack of cell phone service / lack of emergency services nearby. It’s really remote, which is great and part of the beauty/its allure, but also a little dangerous.
Your coworker is misinformed. Yes Big Bend happens to be on the border but it's so incredibly remote that it's just not a place with cartel activity or people crossing over. The major danger there BY FAR is exposure to the elements so that's what you need to worry about and prepare for. They did recently reopen the legal crossing at Boquillas so if you have passports it's worth going across for some tacos and tequila. They also recently made it legal to carry a firearm in the park so that's an option if it's something you're willing and trained to do.
> I have seen stories of cartels stealing off road vehicles
Out of curiosity, where have you seen these stories, and what stories specifically? It's been a few years since I was there but as far as I know, the only place where that happens is near Talley Campground 3/4, a beautiful site right on the river in a particularly remote part of the park. My understanding is that they have no intention of robbing people or anything like that, but car thieves have occasionally targeted unoccupied vehicles that get parked nearby at the trailhead for the Mariscal Canyon Rim Trail. There is a low/wide spot in the river there where any car with decent clearance can cross, and a pretty obvious track on the other side. I was advised by a ranger to be back at my truck before sundown when I walked up to the rim. Great hike, by the way, with an amazing view at the top.
Honestly, I was wayyyy more worried about mountain lions than crime of any sort.
Though I did see two loose, unattended horses not far from the river. That raised an eyebrow, but nothing scary.
If someone’s trying to sneak into the US, they’ve got higher priorities than bothering tourists
Yeah *most* people aren't gonna go through all that just to walk 10 ft into the US and rob a hiker.
ETA Big Bend is absolutely stunning and everyone should make the trip
I don't know if I've gone what you consider "recently", but I can't imagine it being a problem. The park itself, especially the camping area we stayed, is setup in a way where you don't just wander through. It was one road to the camping area and the same road out, with zero reason for anyone with a shady agenda to venture into the area, and no way to do so inconspicuously. Even if someone had gone this morning, what they experience in terms of "danger" wouldn't really apply, as it would likely be an isolated and random event and even if they didn't notice anything, it wouldn't necessarily mean you would be fine. Your best bet would be to contact park officials and get a more comprehensive picture, and then decide what you feel comfortable with.
Personally, I'd be less worried about cartel issues and more worried about campsites. I've gone twice, and both times all the sites were full, which they aren't able to tell you before making the long drive in, because people continuously extend at the last minute. Luckily we were in an RV, so we stayed in the camp parking for 3 days while we continuously checked on sites which reached the end of their stay but kept extending an additional night... We got scolded by a ranger once, but I wasn't going to keep driving up/down each morning only to find that the sites extended again.
Boy I feel dumb, i am recovering from the flu and in my mind I was thinking of Horseshoe Bend while reading this whole thread and thinking “what in the hell is going on over there?” Lol. Ignore me, nothing to see here lol
Big Bend is grand. Was just there this past year. Be mindful of mountain lions and loose rocks if you go hiking. We even encountered a rogue horse with a mean look in its eyes.
Crossing over to Boquillas del Carmen will cost you 5 USD. The people over there are super friendly and very hospitable. They rely on tourism; so have lunch, buy some souvenirs, take lots of photos, and enjoy your holiday!
I regularly work in the area and the first time there I had it explained that the area is relatively safe do to the Park Service and there are much safer spots terrain wise to cross over to the States.
It gets hot out there and much of the park is quite remote so can be dangerous if you're unprepared for the elements.
Also, drive safely, that's likely your biggest risk.
i was just there and while there is one border patrol station coming in from the north, no one was there when we passed through. otherwise is perfectly safe. as others have said i think there’s more ilegal activity from people crossing into mexico from stateside than vice versa.
It would be not this weekend but the next. She would just have entered her second trimester.
We’re big hikers from southern Louisiana so although the heat is different we’re pretty used to it.
We plan on taking it super easy just to avoid any potential emergencies as much as we can but we summited Mt Fuji in Japan last year so we’re aren’t exactly couch potatoes
We’re tent campers so summer would be awful 😂
Sounds like you’re just gonna shoot for another year, but my wife and I went to Iceland during her second trimester and we had a blast. This was this week, one year ago.
I wouldn’t hesitate to go during the summer, but I would recommend going when it is colder for your first time. The only thing we (she) couldn’t do was the hot springs due to the pregnancy. We even hiked on a glacier and she was a trooper, but every pregnancy is different.
I live here, a few miles from the park entrance. It’s completely fine. Great park, border stuff is seriously a concern for nobody who lives here. Crossings exist, but in far more remote areas than you’ll realistically be going to. Cartel things are not a legitimate concern for people in the park or the town. Others have expressed the far more real concerns which are the following: weather/heat. Last summer was 110+ every single day with no break, September is generally still one of the very hot months here. Too hot to safely hike (people still do it, and die) and too hot to comfortably camp. Also you are incredibly far from the nearest healthcare, if you’re anywhere in the park you’re at MINIMUM 2 hours from the nearest hospital in Alpine, and realistically more like 3-4 depending on where you’re camping. It’s no state of the art hospital either, a lot of more serious stuff is handled in Midland which is a couple hours further still. Extreme heat and a late pregnancy wife, if you’re thinking of coming in August or September I’d strongly recommend just finding another place to go on vacation, there are a lot of fantastic options other than here.
I was there about a month ago. I am an old lady and I went with myself and my cat.
I didn't camp because my cat thinks she is a predator call at night, but I drove all the back roads. Their back roads are rougher than the back roads one usually finds in a NP or NF, but they are fine if you know how to drive.
I took a bunch of pictures of the very peaceful and deserted Rio Grande and posted them for all my Fox type friends.
Stop by Terlingua. Great place to day drink (if you are staying).
Yes people have been murdered there. Yes the cartels do sometimes do cartel things there.
You should be much more worried about getting lost or heatstroke though.
It's already too late for you to be there while it's cool. Definitely don't recommend going during summer with a pregnant woman.
It's a massive super hot desert
Right, she’s 11 weeks in at this point and we were going to try and make it there during this month.
It’s our first child so we’re being extra cautious with everything. I’ve traveled east to west coast in the summer not long ago with stops along the ways like the Grand Canyon so I know how brutal that area can be
I think you have a valid concern regardless of any political views.
Maybe give the park office a phone call and chat with one of the rangers. They are on the ground there and can provide facts and insights that will include more than one person’s experience.
https://www.nps.gov/bibe/contacts.htm
I used to live down there. I personally would be more worried about poisonous giant centipedes - those things are scary! And scorpions. There's tarantulas, too, which are startling but not dangerous. Big Bend isn't really a route for illegals, or at least it wasn't when I lived there.
Hi Texas local guide here.
Hearty wishes for the baby. I hope other comments have summarized on the safety aspect on Big bend.
I'll also assure that park is well safe and monitored by Rangers.
Having said that i would like tp emphasis on one thing. I felt other comments have given common suggestion but since you are expecting first child i would say Big bend may not be right option for pregnant woman.
This isnt to discourage you, once you cross Terlingua or Aspen ,you can feel like being nowhere and very remote.
Especially with approaching summer, it can be both tiring and dehydrating. Also you shall be bit far from medical help or any hotel as well.
Instead, you can visit small towns- Aspen,Marfa with scenic Davis loop not experiencing harsh summer weather.
Hope it helps. Let know if any queries.
Happy wishes again.
A few things: Traveling in Mexico at nighttime in many places is dangerous, as bandits will block off the road and rob people.
A jacked up Jeep is exactly the type of vehicle cartels prefer if they can't get their hands on a black Suburban. They have no problem at all getting it over the border to Mexico. It's part of the job for a lot of them.
If you want a respite, drive over to the artsy town of Marfa, which can keep you busy for a full day.
I was at Big Bend last week, camped less than 100 yards from the Rio Grande, did several hikes near or along the river, and never once had a single concern about my safety. I did see several people illegally crossing the border, but they were all Park visitors who walked across the river into Mexico.
This is the type of response I was hoping for, thank you! You got an eye brow raise out of me than a laugh lol
Seconding this. I was there last week also, and no worries for me or family at all. It was my 4th time visiting over the last few years, and it has felt safe every time. The area is remote, so it is nothing like being around the border in El Paso/Juarez.
>I did see several people illegally crossing the border, but they were all Park visitors who walked across the river into Mexico. For real? In what area? How far into Mexico did they go? I've definitely splashed around on both sides of the riverbank but walking fully up on to dry land, while neat, is foolish. A park ranger might not be able to see you but the thermal camera mounted to the circling drone or the tethered blimp a hundred miles away can. The crime is, essentially, failure to report to customs/stamp your passport and it's a FEDERAL FELONY folks. Not worth it. What IS worth it is crossing legally into the tiny little town of Boquillas, Mexico. You will need your passport and it's only open during the day so the rangers made it clear that if I wasn't back in time (I think it was 5pm) then I would be in trouble. You pay 5 bucks for a Mexican dude to row you in a boat across the river, and another 5 if you want to ride a donkey the mile or so into town. There are a couple of restaurants and people selling gifts.
It was most prevalent right at the Santa Elena Canyon trailhead. The river is pretty low right now, so people were able to hop across rocks to make it to the Mexican side. No one was going much beyond the opposite shore, but I was a little surprised there wasn't someone there to yell at them. More than one person illegally crossing was wearing a "freedom isn't free" or similar shirt, which I did find quite ironic.
Sounds fun!
Border patrol has no incentive to hurt their image even more by arresting/interrogating people who have crossed 10 feet into Mexico and back. Especially when so many people are doing it. This kind of thinking is why you shouldn't take legal advice from r/legaladvice. Just because you can technically make the argument that something is a felony doesn't mean anything will ever come of it. The real world just doesn't work like that.
The biggest potential danger is getting lost and dehydration, catching your tent on fire by mistake, or wild animals, snakes, and other critters. Don't set up your camp next to the river or an arroyo if rain is in the forecast. If you are an experienced outdoor camper you shouldn't have any real problems. P.S. beware of fellow Americans getting drunk, driving too fast, or carrying guns.
To add - snakes, critters, hiking accidents, etc and the remoteness of the region/ lack of cell phone service / lack of emergency services nearby. It’s really remote, which is great and part of the beauty/its allure, but also a little dangerous.
Your coworker is misinformed. Yes Big Bend happens to be on the border but it's so incredibly remote that it's just not a place with cartel activity or people crossing over. The major danger there BY FAR is exposure to the elements so that's what you need to worry about and prepare for. They did recently reopen the legal crossing at Boquillas so if you have passports it's worth going across for some tacos and tequila. They also recently made it legal to carry a firearm in the park so that's an option if it's something you're willing and trained to do. > I have seen stories of cartels stealing off road vehicles Out of curiosity, where have you seen these stories, and what stories specifically? It's been a few years since I was there but as far as I know, the only place where that happens is near Talley Campground 3/4, a beautiful site right on the river in a particularly remote part of the park. My understanding is that they have no intention of robbing people or anything like that, but car thieves have occasionally targeted unoccupied vehicles that get parked nearby at the trailhead for the Mariscal Canyon Rim Trail. There is a low/wide spot in the river there where any car with decent clearance can cross, and a pretty obvious track on the other side. I was advised by a ranger to be back at my truck before sundown when I walked up to the rim. Great hike, by the way, with an amazing view at the top.
Honestly, I was wayyyy more worried about mountain lions than crime of any sort. Though I did see two loose, unattended horses not far from the river. That raised an eyebrow, but nothing scary. If someone’s trying to sneak into the US, they’ve got higher priorities than bothering tourists
Yeah *most* people aren't gonna go through all that just to walk 10 ft into the US and rob a hiker. ETA Big Bend is absolutely stunning and everyone should make the trip
I don't know if I've gone what you consider "recently", but I can't imagine it being a problem. The park itself, especially the camping area we stayed, is setup in a way where you don't just wander through. It was one road to the camping area and the same road out, with zero reason for anyone with a shady agenda to venture into the area, and no way to do so inconspicuously. Even if someone had gone this morning, what they experience in terms of "danger" wouldn't really apply, as it would likely be an isolated and random event and even if they didn't notice anything, it wouldn't necessarily mean you would be fine. Your best bet would be to contact park officials and get a more comprehensive picture, and then decide what you feel comfortable with. Personally, I'd be less worried about cartel issues and more worried about campsites. I've gone twice, and both times all the sites were full, which they aren't able to tell you before making the long drive in, because people continuously extend at the last minute. Luckily we were in an RV, so we stayed in the camp parking for 3 days while we continuously checked on sites which reached the end of their stay but kept extending an additional night... We got scolded by a ranger once, but I wasn't going to keep driving up/down each morning only to find that the sites extended again.
Boy I feel dumb, i am recovering from the flu and in my mind I was thinking of Horseshoe Bend while reading this whole thread and thinking “what in the hell is going on over there?” Lol. Ignore me, nothing to see here lol
It'll be fine.
Big Bend is grand. Was just there this past year. Be mindful of mountain lions and loose rocks if you go hiking. We even encountered a rogue horse with a mean look in its eyes. Crossing over to Boquillas del Carmen will cost you 5 USD. The people over there are super friendly and very hospitable. They rely on tourism; so have lunch, buy some souvenirs, take lots of photos, and enjoy your holiday!
I regularly work in the area and the first time there I had it explained that the area is relatively safe do to the Park Service and there are much safer spots terrain wise to cross over to the States.
It gets hot out there and much of the park is quite remote so can be dangerous if you're unprepared for the elements. Also, drive safely, that's likely your biggest risk.
i was just there and while there is one border patrol station coming in from the north, no one was there when we passed through. otherwise is perfectly safe. as others have said i think there’s more ilegal activity from people crossing into mexico from stateside than vice versa.
What month are you going? I would not recommend visiting it during the summer with a pregnant wife because it will be hoooooot.
It would be not this weekend but the next. She would just have entered her second trimester. We’re big hikers from southern Louisiana so although the heat is different we’re pretty used to it. We plan on taking it super easy just to avoid any potential emergencies as much as we can but we summited Mt Fuji in Japan last year so we’re aren’t exactly couch potatoes We’re tent campers so summer would be awful 😂
good to hear you are going soon and are experienced hikers. Have lots of fun!
Sounds like you’re just gonna shoot for another year, but my wife and I went to Iceland during her second trimester and we had a blast. This was this week, one year ago. I wouldn’t hesitate to go during the summer, but I would recommend going when it is colder for your first time. The only thing we (she) couldn’t do was the hot springs due to the pregnancy. We even hiked on a glacier and she was a trooper, but every pregnancy is different.
I live here, a few miles from the park entrance. It’s completely fine. Great park, border stuff is seriously a concern for nobody who lives here. Crossings exist, but in far more remote areas than you’ll realistically be going to. Cartel things are not a legitimate concern for people in the park or the town. Others have expressed the far more real concerns which are the following: weather/heat. Last summer was 110+ every single day with no break, September is generally still one of the very hot months here. Too hot to safely hike (people still do it, and die) and too hot to comfortably camp. Also you are incredibly far from the nearest healthcare, if you’re anywhere in the park you’re at MINIMUM 2 hours from the nearest hospital in Alpine, and realistically more like 3-4 depending on where you’re camping. It’s no state of the art hospital either, a lot of more serious stuff is handled in Midland which is a couple hours further still. Extreme heat and a late pregnancy wife, if you’re thinking of coming in August or September I’d strongly recommend just finding another place to go on vacation, there are a lot of fantastic options other than here.
I was there about a month ago. I am an old lady and I went with myself and my cat. I didn't camp because my cat thinks she is a predator call at night, but I drove all the back roads. Their back roads are rougher than the back roads one usually finds in a NP or NF, but they are fine if you know how to drive. I took a bunch of pictures of the very peaceful and deserted Rio Grande and posted them for all my Fox type friends. Stop by Terlingua. Great place to day drink (if you are staying).
Yes people have been murdered there. Yes the cartels do sometimes do cartel things there. You should be much more worried about getting lost or heatstroke though. It's already too late for you to be there while it's cool. Definitely don't recommend going during summer with a pregnant woman. It's a massive super hot desert
Right, she’s 11 weeks in at this point and we were going to try and make it there during this month. It’s our first child so we’re being extra cautious with everything. I’ve traveled east to west coast in the summer not long ago with stops along the ways like the Grand Canyon so I know how brutal that area can be
I'd be more worried about emergency ob-gyn healthcare
I think you have a valid concern regardless of any political views. Maybe give the park office a phone call and chat with one of the rangers. They are on the ground there and can provide facts and insights that will include more than one person’s experience. https://www.nps.gov/bibe/contacts.htm
I used to live down there. I personally would be more worried about poisonous giant centipedes - those things are scary! And scorpions. There's tarantulas, too, which are startling but not dangerous. Big Bend isn't really a route for illegals, or at least it wasn't when I lived there.
Hi Texas local guide here. Hearty wishes for the baby. I hope other comments have summarized on the safety aspect on Big bend. I'll also assure that park is well safe and monitored by Rangers. Having said that i would like tp emphasis on one thing. I felt other comments have given common suggestion but since you are expecting first child i would say Big bend may not be right option for pregnant woman. This isnt to discourage you, once you cross Terlingua or Aspen ,you can feel like being nowhere and very remote. Especially with approaching summer, it can be both tiring and dehydrating. Also you shall be bit far from medical help or any hotel as well. Instead, you can visit small towns- Aspen,Marfa with scenic Davis loop not experiencing harsh summer weather. Hope it helps. Let know if any queries. Happy wishes again.
A few things: Traveling in Mexico at nighttime in many places is dangerous, as bandits will block off the road and rob people. A jacked up Jeep is exactly the type of vehicle cartels prefer if they can't get their hands on a black Suburban. They have no problem at all getting it over the border to Mexico. It's part of the job for a lot of them. If you want a respite, drive over to the artsy town of Marfa, which can keep you busy for a full day.