Friday, February 24, 2023

Big Bend - Lost Mine Trail









Thursday Feb 23 - Today we stopped to hike the Lost Mine Trail on our way to Cottonwood Campground. The parking lot has spots for 30 cars, so you have to get there early in the morning to snag a spot(we were the first ones there at 6:00. We headed up the mountain at 7:00, and made it to the first viewpoint right as the sun was rising.  We hiked the 2.4 miles to the top without seeing anyone else and it was a really wonderful hike, with lots of views.  The 1100 ft elevation, was relatively gradual with lots of switch backs at the top. On the way down we saw people, but with the small parking lot, it really kept the crowds down (even though there aren't many people here at Big Bend, which makes this park especially great).  The entire hike (4.8 miles) took a little over 3 hours, with a nice long break at the top.  Then it was a 1 hour drive on the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive to Cottonwood Campground where we will be staying two nights.  The drive was really pretty with lots of desert,  buttes and mountain peaks everywhere.  The campground doesn't have any services, and doesn't allow generators.  It seems the people who camp here love that about this campground. There are only 35 sites and it is right up our alley.  




An early morning view of the mountains just before sunrise









made it to the first viewpoint just before sunrise




Emory Peak with the morning sun hitting it




more early morning views








we're getting close...




stopped for some breakfast with a view




the final push to the top




We made it!






View from the top (with scary edges I didn't want to get too close to)





LOTS of switchbacks





Cottonwood Campground-we we’re happy to find that there weren’t any bugs here either. So glad we didn’t cancel our reservations here. 




another nice sunset






1 comment:

  1. Hi guys! I have been enjoying your blog this morning. Your pictures are great and it looks like you're having a great time. Texas looks beautiful.

    ReplyDelete

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