So! This was my big bend trip last feb! I know it’s late but here we are! It was definitely an experience.
It was pretty cold but the hikes were amazing! I stayed in chisos area in the lodges. We managed to book one that someone had canceled last minute. If we hadn’t we would’ve camped out. The lodgings were okay, we cooked everything in a slow cooker haha!
So for hikes we managed to do Emory peak which is about 7,825ft of elevation and about 3.5 miles. But really it’s all uphill. I remember climbing so many stairs. They said it would take 6-8 hours so if you don’t start early don’t go because once it’s dark it is dark! It took up about 4.5 hours, we really gunned it but I was barely able to walk the next day.
DO check out the natural hot springs, it is very nice. Seriously. We didn’t get to do very many big trails after that but if you’re looking for a long one Emory peak is worth it!
Also, they have some interesting lectures and lots of information about local wildlife and plants!
ps anyone who says you’re almost there is a liar. LMAO
