Event logo

2024 Bronco Drive @ Big Bend National Park

Big Bend National Park, TX, USA

By Aloha (Rank V, 101970)

START DATE Thursday Dec 26, 2024 at 3:00 PM UTC-05:00

END DATE Monday Dec 30, 2024 at 6:00 AM UTC-05:00

Event Type

trip

Region

South West

Terrain Type
dirt_road

Length

51 miles

Difficulty

easy

About the event

Drive and hike trails at Big Bend National Park with Randall Brown from Meraki Hammocks.

Event details

2024 Bronco Drive @
Big Bend National Park


Aloha!

Mark your calendar for December 26th - 30th, 2024 to explore Big Bend National Park with other Broncos.

The basic plan is to:
1) Use the Chisos Basin campground as basecamp.
2) Drive and hike remote sections of Big Bend National Park.
3) Fellowship with other Bronco owners.

Experience is not required to participate. This event is open to ALL Broncos. Bronco Sport owners are encouraged to attend! Yes, there are trails that are suitable for the Bronco Sport.

(Attendees are responsible for their own transportation, lodging, meals, expenses, etc.)

https://www.nps.gov/bibe/index.htm

The Park controls campsite reservations by releasing some inventory in June and the rest about 14 days in advance. If you snag a campsite and are traveling solo, you are encouraged to offer your extra parking space to another Bronco owner. There is plenty of space in campsites for two tents. (Many Bronco owners sleep in their rigs.)

If you are unable to make a reservation in the Chisos Basin campground, other alternatives include the Rio Grande Village campground, the Cottonwood campground, back country campsites, and private campgrounds near Terlingua.

Fuel is available near the Panther Junction Visitors Center, the Rio Grande Village Campground, and in Terlingua.

Arrival: December 26th and 27th

Big Bend is remote. Arrival times will vary, so nothing formal is planned for December 26th or the 27th. Informal drives and hikes will take place on December 27th.

You are encouraged to coordinate travel with Broncos from your area. Stop and take in the sites along the way. After you set up camp, walk around and meet other Bronco owners.

If you do not already have an annual or lifetime park pass, you will need to purchase a park permit for the duration of your stay. These are sold at all Visitor's Centers.

December 28th and 29th

These are the main trail days. The Park is so vast that you will not be able to see it all in one trip. Itineraries will be suggested and groups will follow tread lightly principles. More details will be provided in May 2024.

All Broncos Are Welcome

All Bronco owners are encouraged to attend. If you are new to off-roading or camping, this is an easy point of entry for you to get outside and enjoy your Bronco with other Bronco enthusiasts.

The Bronco Drive @ Big Bend National Park is in its 3rd year. In 2022, 4 Broncos showed up. In 2023, 45 Broncos attended. Bronco owners from Northern California and Arizona joined Texans from all over the Republic.

This end of year event is a great time for Bronco friends to get together for one last adventure, and to make new Bronco friends for future adventures.

Put this event on your calendar and check back for updates in May 2024.

-Randall

Tickets

Price: $0.00

Media

Attendees

Aloha (Rank V)

Member number: 101970

Published events: 7

Member since Oct 07, 2021

Attending (0)

No users found

Not Attending (0)

No users found

Comments

Cybero

May 23, 2024

#1
I can't wait for our upcoming adventure at Big Bend National Park! We'll be taking the Bronco out for some thrilling off-road drives & hiking some of the most beautiful trails. The scenery is going to be breathtaking! Highly anticipate this event since we love the great outdoors! #BigBendNationalPark #OffRoadAdventures #HikingTrails #MerakiHammock #BroncoLife
Laters~
Cybero
Aloha, TexasTea44

Gladesmen

May 23, 2024

#2
Man Last year was a blast! Darryl made a few of the pictures I see. Took Zeus out for his maiden voyage, was a tad cold but did well other wise. but looks like this year we will be staying in Rio Grande Village in the Big trailer.
Bronco Nation 1100. Everglades, Desert Sand
Res: 7/30/20 ordered 1/22/21 reorder 10/15/21 changed to Everglades 3/9/22 schedule 8/29/22 bumped to 9/5; 9/7/22 blend, 9/9 Mods, 9/26/22 completed, 10/7 shipped, 11/3/22 delivery
Aloha, TexasTea44

Rank 0

May 30, 2024

#3
Me and @Luna_the_Bronco will be attending this year. We hope that more Bronco Sport owners will come out to join us! We look forward to connecting with everyone! 😀 🙌
Wandering Pinto, thorny66

Rank 0

Jun 01, 2024

#4
Hey everyone, looks like I’ll be able to make this trip to BB! Excited to meet & hangout with you all in December. Sorry if I missed this, but where is everyone camping so I can attempt to make a reservation?

If not I’ll find a place out of the park & meet you all each morning.

Thanks for the help!
ΑΩ
Aloha

Rank 0

Jun 02, 2024

#5
Me and @Luna_the_Bronco will be attending this year. We hope that more Bronco Sport owners will come out to join us! We look forward to connecting with everyone! 😀 🙌

I will be attending for the first time in my Bronco Sport Badlands, looking forward to the event!
Aloha, Stephb81

Rank 0

Jun 02, 2024

#6
Hey everyone, looks like I’ll be able to make this trip to BB! Excited to meet & hangout with you all in December. Sorry if I missed this, but where is everyone camping so I can attempt to make a reservation?

If not I’ll find a place out of the park & meet you all each morning.

Thanks for the help!

We are hoping to get a camping spot at Chicos Basin Campground.
Aloha, TexasTea44

Rank 0

Jun 02, 2024

#7
We are hoping to get a camping spot at Chicos Basin Campground.

Awesome…I’ll start looking tonight & right before as I hear they sometimes have openings 14 days prior. Should be a good time….thanks again!
ΑΩ
Aloha

Rank 0

Jun 02, 2024

#8
Hey everyone, looks like I’ll be able to make this trip to BB! Excited to meet & hangout with you all in December. Sorry if I missed this, but where is everyone camping so I can attempt to make a reservation?

If not I’ll find a place out of the park & meet you all each morning.

Thanks for the help!

Hi there! There's a member of Broncos of a Texas who's offered up her 5 acres of land in Terlingua to use as our Basecamp. It's a 25 min drive to the park. I'm sure more details will be posted. Stay tuned!
curtmcgirt, thorny66

Rank V

Jun 02, 2024

#9
2024 Bronco Drive @ Big Bend National Park

Mark your calendar for December 26th - 30th, 2024 to explore Big Bend National Park with other Broncos.

This will be the 3rd year of the Bronco Drive @ Big Bend National Park. Word from the trail is that the Park Rangers love to see our group.

The basic plan is to explore sections of the park in Broncos and on foot.

All Broncos are welcome to join in on the commaraderie. Most of the trails are old ranch or mining roads and suitable for the Bronco Sport.

(Attendees are responsible for their own transportation, lodging and meals.)

WHAT TO EXPECT

Arrival: December 26th
Big Bend is remote. Arrival times will vary, so nothing is planned for this day. Enjoy exploring Texas as you make your way to the Park.

Upon arrival to the Park, you will need to get a park permit for the duration of your stay. (If you arrive after hours, or are staying outside of the Park, you can get a permit on December 27th.)

After you setup your campsite, walk around the campground and meet other Bronco owners.

December 27th - December 29th

We will drive and hike trails with other Bronco enthusiasts. Some people may want to cross the border to visit Boquillas. Don't forget your Passport!

We will meet each morning (7:00am) in the Chisos Basin Amphitheater. Trail Leaders and Tail Gunners will meet their groups and head out to the trails.

December 28th: Dinner @ La Kiva
Please plan to meet up with the entire group at 6:00pm at La Kiva in Terlingua for dinner. The theme for dinner will be "The Great Outdoors". (Think 1980's hiking attire!) Pull those waffle stoppers out of the garage, grab some flannel, and don't forget your crew socks! You may also want to brush up on the lyrics to your favorite ballad since La Kiva has karaoke. (lakiva.com)

December 30th: Departure

VOLUNTEERS

Message me directly if you would like to volunteer to lead a group, or support a trail leader.

If you have joined in on a previous Bronco Drive, you should be comfortable leading small groups (5 to 7 Broncos) on familiar trails. If you want to volunteer to lead a group, or support a leader as a tail gunner, please raise your hand.

I will compile the list of trails and leaders for attendees to select from.

COMMUNICATIONS

We will use GMRS radios.

Midland, Rugged and Baofeng are popular brands that play nice together.

TRAIL ETHICS

To enhance the experience please familiarize yourself with off-roading principles.

https://treadlightly.org/learn/recreation-tips/4x4/

National Park Service (.gov)
https://www.nps.gov › uploadPDF
Off-Road Driving

CAMPING

Many people who joined me last year had either never camped, or had not camped recently. Some were prepared and some gained valuable experience. Just know that it can get cold at night. Plan accordingly.

I will be camping in the Chisos Basin campground. This campground is centrally located and has bathrooms, but no showers. You can make a reservation 6 months in advance of your arrival date. That is encouraged as the campsites will fill up quickly. Other campgrounds include the Rio Grande Village Campground and the Cottonwood Campground.

If established campgrounds are too formal for you, you do have the option of reserving a backcountry campsite within the Park. In addition, Gloria Recio has some land within 25 minutes of the park. You can camp on her property for $10 per night.

If you are not up for spending the night in a tent, or sleeping in your Bronco, there are AirBnB options near Terlingua.

FOOD/WATER

Big Bend National Park is remote. It is best to bring all of your provisions with you. If you do need something while in the Park, there is a small convenience type store in the Chisos Basin next to the Welcome Center.

The Chisos Mountain Lodge Restaurant does offer breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is recommended that you call the week prior to confirm the hours of operation. https://www.chisosmountainslodge.com/dining/chisos-mountains-lodge-dining-room/

FUEL

Within the park, fuel is available near the Panther Junction Visitors Center, and the Rio Grande Village Campground. Fuel is also available in Terlingua.

HELPFUL LINKS

https://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/basin_campground.htm

https://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/secyn.htm

https://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/river-road.htm

https://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/soakinthesprings.htm

https://www.nps.gov/places/balanced-rock-trail.htm

https://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/old-ore-road.htm

https://www.nps.gov/places/rio-grande-overlook.htm

https://www.nps.gov/places/boquillas-overlook.htm
If you can't get comfortable in a hammock because of the terrain...I need to adventure with you. #thebroncohang
TexasTea44

Rank 0

Jun 03, 2024

#10
Hi there! There's a member of Broncos of a Texas who's offered up her 5 acres of land in Terlingua to use as our Basecamp. It's a 25 min drive to the park. I'm sure more details will be posted. Stay tuned!

Now we are talking! More fun as a group in the evenings. I’ll keep an eye out…thanks!
ΑΩ
Aloha, Stephb81

Rank 0

Jun 03, 2024

#11
2024 Bronco Drive @ Big Bend National Park

Mark your calendar for December 26th - 30th, 2024 to explore Big Bend National Park with other Broncos.

This will be the 3rd year of the Bronco Drive @ Big Bend National Park. Word from the trail is that the Park Rangers love to see our group.

The basic plan is to explore sections of the park in Broncos and on foot.

All Broncos are welcome to join in on the commaraderie. Most of the trails are old ranch or mining roads and suitable for the Bronco Sport.

(Attendees are responsible for their own transportation, lodging and meals.)

WHAT TO EXPECT

Arrival: December 26th
Big Bend is remote. Arrival times will vary, so nothing is planned for this day. Enjoy exploring Texas as you make your way to the Park.

Upon arrival to the Park, you will need to get a park permit for the duration of your stay. (If you arrive after hours, or are staying outside of the Park, you can get a permit on December 27th.)

After you setup your campsite, walk around the campground and meet other Bronco owners.

December 27th - December 29th

We will drive and hike trails with other Bronco enthusiasts. Some people may want to cross the border to visit Boquillas. Don't forget your Passport!

We will meet each morning (7:00am) in the Chisos Basin Amphitheater. Trail Leaders and Tail Gunners will meet their groups and head out to the trails.

December 28th: Dinner @ La Kiva
Please plan to meet up with the entire group at 6:00pm at La Kiva in Terlingua for dinner. The theme for dinner will be "The Great Outdoors". (Think 1980's hiking attire!) Pull those waffle stoppers out of the garage, grab some flannel, and don't forget your crew socks! You may also want to brush up on the lyrics to your favorite ballad since La Kiva has karaoke. (lakiva.com)

December 30th: Departure

VOLUNTEERS

Message me directly if you would like to volunteer to lead a group, or support a trail leader.

If you have joined in on a previous Bronco Drive, you should be comfortable leading small groups (5 to 7 Broncos) on familiar trails. If you want to volunteer to lead a group, or support a leader as a tail gunner, please raise your hand.

I will compile the list of trails and leaders for attendees to select from.

COMMUNICATIONS

We will use GMRS radios.

Midland, Rugged and Baofeng are popular brands that play nice together.

TRAIL ETHICS

To enhance the experience please familiarize yourself with off-roading principles.

https://treadlightly.org/learn/recreation-tips/4x4/

National Park Service (.gov)
https://www.nps.gov › uploadPDF
Off-Road Driving

CAMPING

Many people who joined me last year had either never camped, or had not camped recently. Some were prepared and some gained valuable experience. Just know that it can get cold at night. Plan accordingly.

I will be camping in the Chisos Basin campground. This campground is centrally located and has bathrooms, but no showers. You can make a reservation 6 months in advance of your arrival date. That is encouraged as the campsites will fill up quickly. Other campgrounds include the Rio Grande Village Campground and the Cottonwood Campground.

If established campgrounds are too formal for you, you do have the option of reserving a backcountry campsite within the Park. In addition, Gloria Recio has some land within 25 minutes of the park. You can camp on her property for $10 per night.

If you are not up for spending the night in a tent, or sleeping in your Bronco, there are AirBnB options near Terlingua.

FOOD/WATER

Big Bend National Park is remote. It is best to bring all of your provisions with you. If you do need something while in the Park, there is a small convenience type store in the Chisos Basin next to the Welcome Center.

The Chisos Mountain Lodge Restaurant does offer breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is recommended that you call the week prior to confirm the hours of operation. https://www.chisosmountainslodge.com/dining/chisos-mountains-lodge-dining-room/

FUEL

Within the park, fuel is available near the Panther Junction Visitors Center, and the Rio Grande Village Campground. Fuel is also available in Terlingua.

HELPFUL LINKS

https://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/basin_campground.htm

https://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/secyn.htm

https://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/river-road.htm

https://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/soakinthesprings.htm

https://www.nps.gov/places/balanced-rock-trail.htm

https://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/old-ore-road.htm

https://www.nps.gov/places/rio-grande-overlook.htm

https://www.nps.gov/places/boquillas-overlook.htm

Thanks for all the intel. Can’t wait!
ΑΩ
Aloha

BroncoBlerd

Jun 08, 2024

#12
Hi there! There's a member of Broncos of a Texas who's offered up her 5 acres of land in Terlingua to use as our Basecamp. It's a 25 min drive to the park. I'm sure more details will be posted. Stay tuned!

I've heard the same. I'm looking to see what SA peeps are planning.
2023 Cactus Grey 2-door Sas Mid package 2.3L Big Bend
Insta - BroncoBlerd
Stephb81, Aloha

BroncoBlerd

Jun 08, 2024

#13
Me and @Luna_the_Bronco will be attending this year. We hope that more Bronco Sport owners will come out to join us! We look forward to connecting with everyone! 😀 🙌

YES!! we need the Sports. If you can handle Hidden Falls you can handle Big Bend.
2023 Cactus Grey 2-door Sas Mid package 2.3L Big Bend
Insta - BroncoBlerd
Stephb81, Aloha

Rank V

Jun 08, 2024

#14
I've heard the same. I'm looking to see what SA peeps are planning.

Gloria Recio is the member who has offered people to camp on her land. She will charge campers $10 per day. There are no amenities. She will be happy to provide you with the details.
If you can't get comfortable in a hammock because of the terrain...I need to adventure with you. #thebroncohang
TexasTea44, SnakeDoctor357

Rank V

Jun 08, 2024

#15
YES!! we need the Sports. If you can handle Hidden Falls you can handle Big Bend.

Pleas le feel free to promote this event to the Sport groups.

While I have not been to Hidden Falls, I can tell you that most of the trails are suitable for the Bronco Sport.
If you can't get comfortable in a hammock because of the terrain...I need to adventure with you. #thebroncohang
SnakeDoctor357

Rank 0

Jun 08, 2024

#16
Pleas le feel free to promote this event to the Sport groups.

While I have not been to Hidden Falls, I can tell you that most of the trails are suitable for the Bronco Sport.

Yes, I shared it on the Texas Bronco Sports page. A few of us are planning to go. 😁🙌🤙
Wandering Pinto

BroncoBlerd

Jun 08, 2024

#17
Yes, I shared it on the Texas Bronco Sports page. A few of us are planning to go. 😁🙌🤙

Shout out to you for leading the charge in getting the Sports out with the full size. I don't have a sport but I know they are more capable than what people think.
2023 Cactus Grey 2-door Sas Mid package 2.3L Big Bend
Insta - BroncoBlerd
Aloha, Stephb81

Rank 0

Jun 10, 2024

#18
I wanted to know if anyone would be interested in taking the drive to the Christmas Mountains overlook on December 31st at 12:00pm to 4:00pm. Its and hour and a half drive north of Chisos Basin campground. The trail is behind a locked gate, which we will be given the key. No other group besides us will be on the trail. Its run by the Texas State University System and there is no charge for use of the trail. There is a lodge and campground there, I would be camping the 30th and 31st. Let me know if there is interest so I can reserve the time slot.
TexasTea44, Stephb81

Rank 0

Jun 11, 2024

#19
I wanted to know if anyone would be interested in taking the drive to the Christmas Mountains overlook on December 31st at 12:00pm to 4:00pm. Its and hour and a half drive north of Chisos Basin campground. The trail is behind a locked gate, which we will be given the key. No other group besides us will be on the trail. Its run by the Texas State University System and there is no charge for use of the trail. There is a lodge and campground there, I would be camping the 30th and 31st. Let me know if there is interest so I can reserve the time slot.

Hello, I am 90% sure I’ll join your crew on this trail. Depends on how things go out in BB…but you can count me in. Thanks for the invite!
ΑΩ
Wandering Pinto

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