I’m way behind on updating, but finally got around to adding some Big Bend photos from my Spring 2010 trip. Places visited include: Leopold Tinaja, Ash Spring, Cottonwood Creek, Rock Spring, Swirl Tinaja, Ward Spring and Kibbe Spring. All but one of these destinations are off trail hikes. No of them are particularly difficult, however each has the challenge of navigation and sometimes thorny brush to contend with. The rewards for undertaking these off trail hikes is seeing unique corners of the park, not in a guide book or shown on a trail map. A full trip report with details can be found in my post The Desert and a Spring.
I have visited some of these destinations multiple times during different seasons. Each has its own character. Sometimes the springs are flowing, especially in summer. Some are historical sites. Rock Spring in particular has an old rock house homestead at the site of the spring. Swirl Tinaja is a paleo Indian campsite.
All of the destinations listed can be done as day hikes. Ward Spring is an established trail and easy to follow. The other destinations require some navigation and map reading skills. With a little effort all can be easily reached.
Check out the gallery below for a collection of Big Bend Photos from this trip.
