***** RSVP ON MEETUP ALONE DOES NOT RESERVE A SPOT ON THE TRIP*** See instructions below.**
Join us the week of Thanksgiving for a Beginner-To-Intermediate backpacking trip at Big Bend Ranch State Park.
– We will cover the Rancherias Loop, 23 miles in 3 days
– It is rated as challenging and has about 3,000 feet elevation gain
– They call it a loop, but it is a horseshoe with east and west trailheads, that are 3.5 miles apart. We will park vehicles at both trailheads to save us a road walk.
– If you are an experienced hiker that knows how to use a navigation app we could double the group size from 5 people to 10 people.
**TENTATIVE ITINERARY:**
(Fri, Nov 22 – Bill Johns, trip leader, will travel one day early to obtain the permits for the group at Big Bend Ranch State Park)
*Sat, Nov 23 -*
– Trip participants drive to, and meet at, a campground near Big Bend Ranch State Park
– Stargazing
*Sun, Nov 24 –*
– Break camp, fill up on water, and drive to Rancherias Loop East Trailhead (coordinates: 29.3220400, -104.0061290)
– Hike about 8 miles, water source along way
– Highlights: Casa Reza, Panther Springs, old ranch house, narrow canyon, several vistas
– Stargazing
*Mon, Nov 25 -*
– Hike about 7 miles, water source along way
– Highlights: Diverse eco-systems and a couple of vistas into Mexico
– Stargazing
*Tue, Nov 26 -*
– If possible, hike out to cars this day, about 7 miles, or spend one more night backcountry, depending on group capacity
– Highlights: Mesa that is looking into Mexico
– Finish at Rancherias Loop West Trailhead, use pre-positioned vehicle(s) to shuttle participants to their cars
– Probably car camp overnight at nearby campground
– Stargazing
*Wed, Nov 27 – (Day before Thanksgiving)*
– Drive from Big Bend Ranch State Park back home **OR** continue on the [Big Bend Camping and Hiking Trip](https://www.meetup.com/austin-sierra-club-outings/events/304025065/)
**NOTES:**
– The trail is minimally marked, largely using rock cairns, so navigation app can be useful
– Trail surface includes sand, rocks, dirt service road, and well-groomed trails, and at least one steep descent with loose footing.
– There are two reliable water sources on the trail that are nicely spaced.
– Desert plants have sharp spines, long pants and long-sleeved shirts are recommended.
**REQUIREMENTS – Participants should:**
– See “How To Sign Up” below.
– Have experience hiking six to ten miles per day, carrying about 25 – 45 lb packs, including ascending hills with 800 feet elevation gain.
– Bring own backpacking equipment & food; prepare for cold, hot, and wet weather. If you need gear, we will see what we can do.
– Pack as light as possible. Recommended base weight, before food, water and fuel, is 16 pounds.
– Participants are responsible for their own transportation, and are encouraged to coordinate with each other for carpooling. (Details not arranged by Sierra Club.)
– Participate in the Pre-Trip Warmup Hike in early November. Everyone will be expected to bring and carry the gear that they plan to use for the trip.
– Read the Participation Agreement and fill out Page 1: [https://tinyurl.com/SCSignUpSheet2020](https://tinyurl.com/SCSignUpSheet2020)
– Reimburse the trip leader, Bill Johns for any park fees, permits, and/or camping costs
**HOW TO SIGN UP:**
**1.** RSVP on Meetup to get on the Waitlist
**2.** Email the following info to Bill Johns, [email protected]: Your name, phone number, email, and a few sentences about your experience, and why you’d like to go on this trip. You will not be accepted for the trip if you do not provide contact information.
**3.** Wait for discussion with Trip Leader.
**4.** Complete the Medical Form: [https://tinyurl.com/SCMedicalForm2021](https://tinyurl.com/SCMedicalForm2021). Scan and email the form also to [email protected] (preferred), or post mailing address can be provided.
**5.** Wait for final approval from Trip Leader, who might reach out for more details.
Hiking and camping in rugged wilderness areas takes extraordinary preparation, so we strive to make sure that this trip is right for you.
