We set off for the Persimmon Gap entrance to the park at 9 am. The temperature started out at 65°F and ended the day at 95°F. For some reason, at the end of the day it seemed much hotter than 95, particularly at the St. Elena overlook.
One of our first major stops was at Sotol Vista.
Another stop at the bottom of the vista was Tuff Canyon. Jo started walking and couldn’t stop. She headed for the canyon.
My goal for the day was to drive to Santa Elena Canyon overlook which was 69 miles from the entrance – at 45 mph, then 35 mph, then 15 mph. It took a while.
Once we reached the overlook, we backtracked to the Santa Elena River Access where canoes, kayaks and rafts either put in or pull out. Jo wanted to dip her toes in the Rio Grande. We had to walk a ways to find access and as we walked, a guy walked back toward us from the river. I asked “Is there a place to dip your toes?” He replied yes. Jo, right behind me, asked if it was muddy and if she’d have to wade up to her ankles in mud. He replied yes. Jo then said “Well, he won’t let me get in his car, I’ll be too muddy.” The reply, I didn’t hear, was “I’ll give you a ride.” She picks up trouble everywhere she goes!
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We retraced our steps and stopped a couple of places for photo opportunities. One neat place was Cerro Castellan at 3,293 feet.
From there, we headed to Chisos Basin at 5, 401 feet. The drive into the basin is full of hair pin curves and spectacular scenery. On feature overwhelms the rest – Casa Grande at 7, 325 feet.
From the basin, you can look out over the valley and particularly at The Windows. I hiked this in 2016 and it was one of the best hikes I’ve ever done. It’s 5.2 miles, out and back and you don’t want to be hiking back uphill in the afternoon sun. We didn’t attempt it this time since the park service recommends everyone be off the trails by 10 am.
On the way back to the hotel, I decided I wanted to stop at Sonic for a burger, fries and a chocolate shake. Jo highly recommended the shake from a previous Sonic stop. I dropped Jo at the hotel and doubled back to Sonic. I ordered two small shakes and the burger combo. I got as far as her door at the hotel and dropped one of the shakes. Trust me, it makes a mess. I got it cleaned up and Jo insisted on saving what was left of the one on the floor and I finished off the unspilled one. Not a great way to cap off a day trip.
We leave for San Antonio tomorrow morning.
Stay tuned!
