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