Trip details for Guadalupe/Big Bend trip spring break 2024
We won't be able to restock food/water until the end of day 3 (Wednesday). Keep this in mind. Note also that I am infamous for overpacking water. I personally prefer to carry extra at the expense of my back and hips, but do your own research. You may conclude that 2L a day is sufficient for you, in which case you could get away with packing only 6-7L, especially since we will stop by the car relatively early on Wednesday.
1 or 2 tents (Luisa has a 2-person), 1 tarp (Isaac has a tarp from Walmart) (check weather: if rain is likely, 2 tents are needed)
Jetboil (Isaac)
Poop shovel
Bear canister for food, possibly require 2, will need to check
Snacks (Bell peppers, trail mix, candy)
Costco baby wipes
Backpacking backpack
Water for 3 days, aim for 9L
Clothes for Monday - Friday, possibly Saturday
Sleeping bags
Sleeping pad
Flashlight (or "torch" @Lachy), preferably a headlight (I have an extra)
Food for 3 days
Toilet paper
Monday: drive, hike 7 miles
Tuesday: hike 10-16 miles, summit 1-2 peaks
Wednesday: hike 12 miles (4 with packs), summit Guadalupe, drive to Big Bend
Thursday: Bruja Canyon
Friday: more Big Bend, potentially drive back
Saturday: drive back if haven't already
Driving, 7 miles backpacking
Drive away from Austin to Guadalupe National Park, aim to leave between 6:00 am and 7:00 am
Arrive in park no later than 3:00 pm
Summit Hunter Peak
Make it to Tejas backcountry campsite for the night, hopefully by sunset
11+ miles backpacking
Route option 1: short variation (1 peak, ~ 11 miles)
Continue on Tejas trail, have option of leaving stuff at camp
Summit Lost Peak
Choose between option 1 and 2 at the intersection of "Marcus trail" and "Bush Mountain trail".
If option 2 was chosen, choose between options 2 and 3 at the intersection of "Blue Ridge Trail" and "Bush Mountain Trail".
End day back at Tejas camp
Book it back to the car, drop bags and summit Guadalupe peak, drive to Big Bend
Pack up camp
Bring stuff back to car
Make command decision: summit or not to summit (choose summit)
Race up Guadalupe, take picture at highest point in Texas, race down
Drive 3.5 hours to Big Bend
Sleep super well in preparation for the canyon...
Do the canyon, if there is extra time perhaps we can check out some of big bend proper
Check out big bend, drive back