riverrat's Logbook

Stats
Total Log Entries: 5 (Rank: 111st)  [List Them]  [Map Them]
Total Distance: 18.75 Miles (Rank: 184th)
Average Distance: 3.75 Miles

Average Rating: 3point5stars (3.71)
Average Difficulty: 2stars (2.30)
Average Solitude: 3stars (3.01)

Earliest Log Entry: 9/24/2004
Latest Log Entry: 1/2/2008

Average ratings are based on the published values and not the values entered in your own log entries.

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Log Entries
Interesting but not a do-over
Big Bend - Basin Loop - 1/2/2008  [View Log Page]
Rating: 3stars Difficulty: 3stars Solitude: 3stars
Distance: 1.75 Miles Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Had a few nice views of the surrounding mountains. Interesting changes in plants. No wildlife seen but ddefinitely heard something in a canyon area. Kept walking since it sounded big! Most traffic was hikers either going on up or coming back down from Emory. Admired their stamina to go the pace they were going with the loads they were carrying.

Very easy desert hike
Big Bend - Dog Canyon - 1/1/2008  [View Log Page]
Rating: 4stars Difficulty: 1star Solitude: 4stars
Distance: 5.00 Miles Duration: 3 hours, 30 minutes

Just head out across the desert following the cairns. Bring plenty of water especially in hot weather. Watch for tracks once you get into the wash., We saw mountain lion tracks in dried mud so no telling how long it had been. Shady once in canyon and the view on the other side is amazing! Look for resurrection plants dotting the hillside on your far right once through the canyon. Just below the small cave was what we termed a litter box - lots of scat, mostly old but some fresh. All in all a great hike. 

Wonderful dayhike with very interesting geology
Big Bend - Grapevine Hills - 12/29/2007  [View Log Page]
Rating: 4stars Difficulty: 2stars Solitude: 3stars
Distance: 2.50 Miles Duration: 3 hours, 30 minutes

Very nice, easy hike with a bit of scrambling just before famous balanced rock. Watch for deposits of quartz streaking through the rocks. Explore all around the balcanced rock for some interesting erosion. Not much shade so bring plenty of water in the summer. We hked it in late December and the weather was perfect. Of course that is always subject to change!

start from Maple trail for easiest uphill
Lost Maples - 11/25/2004  [View Log Page]
Rating: 5stars Difficulty: 4stars Solitude: 4stars
Distance: 5.00 Miles Duration: 6 hours

First trip there with kids ages 6 and 4 which is why our time is a bit longer than some. First hike ever for us in LM was the East Trail, going in from the far east side (Maple Trail). First mile or so is easy hiking with a few stream crossings . After primitive campsite A you will be facing a very steep climb up what we call the "stairs". This can be tough on your knees. Take your time. Some shade can be found. The main overlook should not be missed. You will be overlooking The Ponds and will be able to see the trail that you will be following down. From this vantage point it looks fairly level. NOT. It is known as the "killer mile of boulders" in some circles. One step then slide a little. One more step, slide a little more. Much easier going down than up in my opinion. Once at the Ponds spend time walking up stream aways. Just downstream from the Ponds  is a waterfall, sometimes big sometimes not so much. From there back to the overflow parking lot is an easy mostly level hike with a few more stream crossings. Finish out the hike by heading back to the day use area and where you started this hike. The majority of the people we saw were either at the Ponds or at the beginning of the trail. Leaves are usually mostly gone by thanksgiving.

A must do!
Big Bend - Lost Mine Trail - 9/24/2004  [View Log Page]
Rating: 5stars Difficulty: 4stars Solitude: 2stars
Distance: 4.50 Miles Duration: 5 hours

Going up (literally!) took quite a bit longer than coming down but once at the summit, you will witness a spectacular view! There was quite a bit of traffic on the trail but with everyone going at their own pace you can feel "alone" at times. Everyone that goes to Big Bend should do this hike preferably as one of your first hikes!