5th gen 4Runners in scenic locations

Big Bend NP, River Road West

 

Ozark Nat'l Forest. We did 27-ish water crossings over 4 days.

 

I'm doing two weeks to that area with probably 3 days dedicated to Big Bend State and NPs. Camping. Last week of April, first week of May.

Advice on stuff I have to see / do in or near the park and renegade camping or free dispersed camping spots you would recommend?

Based on that pic probably gonna add River Road West to the list...

 

I unfortunately got nothing for camping in the area this time (haven’t gone since before the 4Runner came along) but I do know dispersed camping isn’t allowed in BBNP, there’s a lot of remote, dispersed-style sites but you’ll have to reserve ahead of time.

It was our first time visiting, albeit on a fairly tight and very basic timetable and what I’d say was nice was that scenic drive on the park’s west side (you’ll likely be driving on this anyway) plus POI’s along the way like the vista of the Mule Ears. Santa Elena Canyon and the short hike that comes with it.

(Old) Maverick Rd was fairly unremarkable washboard to me but it’s another way to the canyon if you prefer it.

River Road East and West were also a lot of dirt/gravel/washboard/dips (West had some more rocky, sandy sections but nothing challenging, a Subaru and non-idiot driver could probably pull it off) and a lot of views but it’ll be a few hour drive to do both back-to-back so it’ll be a commitment. Saw three horses but that was it for fauna.

I did not attempt Black Gap(?) Rd or Old Ore(?) but if I come back, I’d try to hit those but it might be tough being bone stock.

I forget which one had it on the way but Mariscal Mine was a neat historical attraction and probably what I’d call the highlight of River Rd. I’d plan to stop there and there’s a nice view at the top with an optional hike.

In Terlingua I liked Espresso y Mas for food (tamales, waffle, pancakes, ok burritos), the Chili Pepper Cafe’s chilaquiles disappointed me immensely but the breakfast burrito was better.

For next time, I’d want to see more of the trails/“primitive roads”, find a hike closer to the Chisos Basin/Mountains, and I hear BB State Park has nice MTB trails too.

Edit: oh, and an activity on the river would be nice too.

 

Great info, thanks.

 

Quick trip out to Anza Borrego...

 

At the head of Limerick Canyon on Christmas Day....

 

Northern Idaho.

 

Cannon Ski Area, Franconia NH. In front of the tram building.

 

Big fan of the truck, the notch area and 'NHmountainman' name... I will now look closer at every one this color now. Haha.

 

White Death 2025

 

This doesn’t happen in Atlanta…

 

My boss face timed before our Teams call to show me the snow in Atlanta this am.

 

Here is another shot of snow in Atlanta! Got to properly exercise the 4runner in my mom's front yard.

 

That’s pretty crazy that you have snow on the ground in Atlanta while we have none in Massachusetts.

 

Ocala, FL

 

Back in the snow for some winter hiking.