Thanksgiving 2024 at Big Bend: Group Camping and Day Hikes

*** SPOTS STILL AVAILABLE! RSVP ON MEETUP ALONE DOES NOT RESERVE A SPOT ON THE TRIP***

Camping and hiking at Big Bend on Thanksgiving is a Sierra Club tradition!

We have the group campsite reserved at Rio Grande Village Campground from Wednesday through Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend. This is a green, scenic area along the Rio Grande and has the most amenities in Big Bend, with hot showers and camp store.

What's Included
We'll camp together, and Austin Sierra Club Outings is providing leadership for moderate to strenuous hikes each day. Everyone should bring their own camping equipment and food for the full duration of the trip. Sierra Club is not providing transportation, but carpooling will be encouraged among individuals.

Activities
Rough itinerary:

• Nov 27, Wed – Travel day, arrive at park, set up camp, maybe short pre-dinner hike
• Nov 28, Thu – Moderate to Strenuous hike. Group Thanksgiving dinner - details TBD
• Nov 29, Fri – Again moderate to strenuous hike.
• Nov 30, Sat – Strenuous hike around Chisos Basin. Option of evening hot springs.
• Dec 1, Sun – Travel day, break & clean up camp, return home

The group hikes will be moderate to strenuous on rugged terrain up to 7,000 ft elevation and will involve driving your own, or carpool, vehicle on park roads to trailheads, some of which are dirt roads.
Example hikes:

• Marufo Vega: 13.5 miles, 2,700 ft elevation gain, with possible shorter options
• Window Trail: 5.2 miles, 950 ft gain
• Lost Mine Trail: 4.8 miles, 1,100 ft gain
• South Rim Trail: 12.5 miles, 2,600 ft gain, with or without Emory Peak option

It will also be possible to "sign out" and hike on your own.

For Thanksgiving dinner Sierra Club may organize a potluck - TBD.

Costs

• Sierra Club’s cost for campsite sharing, hike leaders, trip organization, is $95 per person. Income which exceeds expenses will be donated to the local club to support our environmental causes.
• Contact the leaders if you would like to apply for need-based financial aid.
• Budget additional funds for park entry: $30 for 7 days per vehicle, unless somebody in your car has a national park pass.
• Incidentals: Showers ($2 in quarters), any restaurant meals, and camp store purchases.

Refund policy:

• 100% if cancelled before Nov 1
• 50% if cancelled after Nov 1 but before Nov 15
• No refunds for cancellations made on or after Nov 15

Signup Details
Hiking can be a demanding activity, and camping in wilderness areas takes extraordinary preparation, so we strive to make sure that this trip is one you will enjoy. Because of this, we have a few steps in our signup process.

To sign up:

1. RSVP on Meetup: The Meetup will initially show as Full, and you will be placed on the Wait List while we process your application.
2. Provide info: Send us your name, cell number, email address and a few sentences about your physical condition and experience to: [email protected]
3. Wait for discussion with Trip Leaders.
4. Complete the Medical Form: https://tinyurl.com/SCMedicalForm2021 . Scan and email the form also to [email protected] (preferred) , or mailing address can be provided.
5. Wait for approval from Trip Leaders, 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.
6. Pay $95 via PayPal on the Sierra Club Donation website: http://www.sierraclub.org/texas/austin/donate , or mailing address for checks can be provided.

You will then be approved for the trip!

In early to mid November participants are encouraged to attend the Pre-Trip Meeting, either in-person or remotely, and there is typically a Pre-Trip Training Hike.

Precautions and Waivers

• Participants must sign a Liability Waiver before the trip. You may view the waiver document here.
• Precautions must be taken to prevent interactions with wildlife!!
• We will follow all health and safety guidelines issued by the National Park Service.