There are so many different viewpoints in Big Bend Ranch State Park but it’s tough to get to all off them because of the remoteness of everything. For our last ride we hopped on our bikes and rode all the way out to Guale Overlook. Again, this is marked on maps as a 4X4 road but it’s barely that, more like rough, loose doubletrack. The trail is rocky and steep with cats claw, sotol, and ocotillo overhanging the trail everywhere just waiting to rip into your arms and/or legs. On our way out we passed Oso Mountain which is the highest mountain in the park at around 5100’. It was a lot of work to get out to the Guale Overlook, but once again it was worth it. This time we could see Tapado Canyon and down towards the Rio Grande and Mexico. We did a time check and decided to add on the Rancherias Loop to get back instead of retracing our steps. This section of trail was even less traveled and like most days, we didn’t see anyone during our whole ride. The entire loop was 27 miles with 2400’ climbing.
We’re packing up and moving to the other side of the park down along the Rio Grande tomorrow and we’ll be sad to leave. This spot was so peaceful and quiet and the remoteness of this park keeps most people away. It’s been odd not having ANY cell signal or internet in that it makes researching activities impossible. But if there was internet out here then everyone would visit.
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