Big Bend Ranch State Park - Exploring the West Texas Desert

Our yearly tradition of making the trip to the Big Bend of Texas, continues as my friend Joey and I head to Big Bend Ranch State Park for two nights of camping and exploring the vast desert wilderness. While there, we test out the new 4-Runner's off-road capabilities, talk to the world on ham radio, hike to a scenic backcountry overlook, and enjoy the peace and solitude of being in one of the most remote areas of the country.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
01:30 - Marfa Pitstop
02:46 - Presidio (Last Gas)
04:09 - Airing Down
04:27 - Entering the Park
05:06 - Sauceda Ranger Station
05:55 - The Road to Camp
06:49 - Javelin Pens (Setting Up Camp)
07:37 - Sunset Dinner
09:33 - Old Fashioned
11:19 - Reaching out on HF
15:50 - "Balmy" Morning
17:23 - Trail to Mexicano Falls
21:45 - Hike to Crawford Smith Overlook
23:43 - Heading Back to Camp
25:48 - Chilly Wind
27:00 - Cold Morning
27:49 - Packing up Camp
28:18 - The Road Out of the Park
31:39 - Airing Up
32:52 - Scenic View Into Mexico
33:31 - Debriefing at K-Bob's
34:08 - Lunch at Cooper's
34:31 - Extro

#jeep392 #jeeprubicon #texasoutdoors #bigbend #toyota4runner #overlanding #camping #hamradio

[Umbrarian]

Brad/Marco was funny. An alternate route out of Marfa is 2810, which turns into Pinto Canyon Road, and takes you to Ruidosa. Then take 170 to the park. The view coming down PCR is spectacular. Been on that hill climb/descent, it is steeper in real life. Chorro Vista is also a great campsite, has great hikes from campsite, especially to Madrid Falls.

[connectingwiththeoutdoors]

You guys know how to camp. Sweet trailer set up too!

[WIRT]

Jeeping and amateur radio, my two favourite hobbies!

[SouthTXMojave]

What an awesome adventure, man. The place definitely looks very different from the national park for sure. More secluded which is a huge plus. I remembered the last vid where he say the 4runner getting out of Black Gap. Guess he did make the change. Hoping he liked it as much as the Rubicon. Really cool and very capable rig for sure.

[thewanderingpinto]

This past December I joined a Bronco Group and Explored Big Bend National Park. This year, we plan to go to the State Park as Chisos Basin will be closed for two rear renovation project. Thanks for showing what it is like.

[BryanDaniel]

For two years in a row I’ve gone tk big bend ranch for New Year’s Eve. This year I had over 800 contacts over the 3 days I was there.

[eduardooviedo]

Man that cooler that looks like a generator is sweet,

[mvferguson]

Great video - I enjoyed watching your camping adventures.

[wes]

Nice video, I camped at Chorro Vista this past December, my 2019 4Runner made it easily but did not escape pinstriping, although it wasn't as bad as a few years back when I camped at Pila de los Muchachos. BBSP is a beautiful place for sure. It sounds like Joey is fairly close to me, I'll keep an eye out for his Runner in my day to day driving.

[kfvernon]

Excellent video. I have plans to get there soon. I go back and forth on find nice route from Houston which means less time in the area or getting there as fast as possible even if it means I-10.

[TXWade]

1:36 in you pass right by my land on Hwy 90. Also, RIP K5WNR (my grandfathers old handle)

[chrisoneill]

Excellent video! You have me seriously considering adding radio comms to my Bronco, and now I am interested in HAM Radio!

[AlienSasquatch]

I did Black Gap Road last summer in Big Bend National Park. It was so much fun!

[michaelwedin]

Is that a military trailer you are pulling? Looks great!

[jessemartinez]

How do you see out that window in the jeep?

[jimmyj]

This was cool. Is there a video of joeys 4Runner setup, I would be interested in seeing that as a being fairly new to overlanding! Thanks

[TheJasonbking]

The Epic refers to the Fresno-Sauceda loop. A mountain bike trail and was (for many years) the only IMBA designated Epic trail in Texas.

[marcwiz]

Will be going to the state park in November. Will be doing PoTA and SoTA.

[Rafael-fcc]

You are aware that alcohol consumption in Texas state parks is illegal unless you are inside your tent right?

[robertsutton]

We take for granted how we can just park our stuff out in west Texas and not have anything get stolen