I can understand why this park may be underwhelming to someone so well-travelled as you, Kraig. But the magic of this park is the isolation, not the grandiosity. I've spent 30 years visiting this park and I have to admit that when I moved away from Texas I missed the hell out of this place more than I miss some of the more iconic parks I have travelled to, like Yosemite, Bryce, and the Grand Canyon. I am glad you went though, and I am grateful you made this video for us. Thank you!
I'm with you Prince. I stayed in Marfa a few years ago over christmas and I explored the region including Big Bend. In my view, it's a place like no other. I don't miss the freights at night lol but you might not experience that staying at a resort near Terlingua or the like as it appears that he might have done.
Wholeheartedly agree. my first night in the park took me an hour and half down a dirt road to a very isolated campsite in the middle of nowhere. the absolute silence and darkness is awe inspiring.
I've visited 15 NPs so far and Big Bend is one of my favorites. It probably has great trails but the natural amenities are amazing: hot springs IN the Rio Grande, the glyphs, the Rio Grande, the natural wall that separate Mexico and Texas, hopping over the border to Boquillas... peak desert beauty.
Most people have said this, but the beauty of the park is its isolation. If you’re looking for even more isolation, I’d check out Guadalupe Mountains National Park! Only a few hours northwest of Big Bend. Guadalupe Peak is the tallest peak in Texas, and depending on the trail and time of year, you can go multiple days without seeing a soul.
No matter how many times I watch Kraig's videos, I always think about how he has to set up the shot, walk away from the camera, then walk BACK to get the camera, then walk back further than he just did...to set up another shot and sequence somewhere else. Amazing dedication, patience, and vision.
As a Texas native, I am happy that you got to experience this park. I love the hike that you did and the views are well worth it. Your videos really capture the beauty. Thanks for continuing to upload your awesome hikes. They are very inspiring and calming.
as someone born and raised in the desert, I see a lot of beauty in it, but I know that not everyone sees it that way. I don't see a lot in the snow and ice of winters and tall peaks, but I'm sure others appreciate it more. To each their own. It is a well made video nonetheless, you show the good sides of the desert well in this one.
Yeah I'm with you. I love the parks like Yellowstone and Yosemite but no question about it, Big Bend is a special place in its own right. It has a totally different vibe and energy obviously being a desert park. I think it's great, though. I've been twice in recent years and will be back soon.
I bump into you while I was there. I could tell the trail wasn't as excited as your previous hike around the world. Nonetheless, it was awesome running into you and keep up the great work! You've inspired me to go backpacking. Cheers!
I was really looking forward to this video, living in texas and all, but it was disheartening to hear that you thought it wasn't a really exciting part. Your hike was only focused in the Chisos Basin, but Santa Elena and Boquillos Canyons have such beautiful views, it's a shame you didn't visit the other sections of the park. Hope you're able to go back and experience more of what Big Bend has to offer!
We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open. Thank you for inspiration!!!!
Rare appearance of Kraig petting a cat instead of a dogo :o Another awesome hiking Film man, really amazing to see what kind of amazing hikes can be found in the US :)
Loved watching your video during my lunch. A moment of relaxation and daydreaming. Beautiful. Thanx! Looking out of my window now there's rain and a dark sky. Such a contrast. Funny detail: I noticed a Dutch 🇳🇱 when you pet the 🍊 cat.
The proper way to watch a Kraig Adams video starts with hitting the LIKE button first and then sitting tight to an exceptional experience that's gonna come your way.
Thank you so much man. I cried over your wide shots. I've been missing this place for years. Your journey reminded me of mine. Thanks for letting others know the beauty of the Texas Lil gem called Big Bend :)
A great park. A lot more to see than just the South Rim and Emory Peak. My heart's broken over the massive fire burning there now. A hiker of your experience should've done the Outer Mountain Loop. Much longer. Bigger challenge.
My great great grandfather was a Texas Ranger here. My great grandmother and her mom used to sunbathe on the roof of one of the park stations! Somehow she never got skin cancer 😅 This park means the world to me
I find it interesting that you found this park underwhelming. I grew up on the Canadian border and have backpacked through Montana, British Columbia, Alaska, Colorado, and many more of the big mountain states. However, the views you get in Big Bend are beyond impressive. I find it to be one of the most beautiful places I have been, in it's own right. Nice video.
New to your channel and like the content! However Big Bend National Park is a very sacred place. At almost 70 year old and hiking for at least 60 years, I am still hiking and enjoying many of the place you have been and many you have not. But Big Bend is a place I never tire of. I have been going to the park since I was 10 year old. Not sure why you would say the comments you said, unless the trip was just to check off the list for content. Go back, there is so much more. 2 to 3 day trip won't do it. Much respect for your work! Again go back!!!
Easily one of my favorite places. It's hard to overstate how stunning Big Bend is. Thanks for doing it justice. Desert hiking is its own thing for sure.
Our base camp was on the banks of the Rio Grande in Big Bend State Park, then visited the National Park. I told my son Kraig should hike this place and now you did! The state park has some interior trails that you must travel with a high clearance vehicle or you can hike in from River Road and hike in that way too. The sunken volcano is the one I hope we can do one day! It’s deep inside the state park. Thanks for sharing this video!
Bro you skipped the East Rim - that section has the best views in the chisos! Also do not underestimate the rest of the park - it’s as big as it is for a reason, and a shame you didn’t paddle through any of the big canyons. I agree with others that the sense of isolation (especially outside the chisos) and the wildlife (unfortunate that you didn’t get to see any bears - I’ve seen 8 there now in just two trips, along with tons of other unique wildlife) really make this park more special than some of the more “epic” (and very crowded) parks out there.
Big bend is my favorite national park mostly because of the isolation and it’s got one of the darkest skies I’ve seen. Hopefully you remembered to look up at night!
I have seen many of your videos with my son. Hats off to your efforts, courage, commitment, stamina and many other qualities. Thanks for making such high quality and helpful videos. May the Divine bless you with all the strength and prosperity.
Awesome sound work! You really do not get enough credit for your underlying sound design. Crackling footsteps and soft piano ambience in perfect overlay. Great job :)
Really lovely work, Kraig. One of my favourites. I rode by Big Bend on my motorcycle about 5 years ago (from Toronto). When I was in the ranger station I noticed a weather-worn character wearing a cowboy hat sitting in a chair off in a corner. When I left, he was outside looking at my bike and for the first time I noticed another motorcycle - obviously his - with Texas plates. We chatted for a while and he asked me if I knew where I was going next. “Not really”, I said. “I’m improvising”. So he told me - turned out his family had lived in the area for generations, and he rode and knew the area well. Well, he pointed me to the nearby Big Bend Ranch State Park, which runs along the Rio Grande west of the National Park, and said I should follow the road along the river. To this day that is one of the wildest, curviest rides I’ve ever done. I love the area. Gotta get back.
I'm a Floridian, but I love venturing into deserts, canyons, and especially mountains. I find Big Bend to be tranquil, beautiful, and a good place for solitude. The park is a great opportunity to gaze at the stars that is not terribly challenging to travel to. I don't really think of being in Texas when exploring Big Bend. I think those who have travel around the world might find Big Bend underwhelming. I also enjoy deserts and canyons; southern Utah and New Mexico are two of my places to explore while hiking and camping.
I love the cuts where the pattern of your footsteps continues unbroken between shots. Your shot choices and craft at editing are out of this world. Thanks again for taking us on the hike with you
I have gone to all the big national parks in the us, have hiked in the Andes and in Puerto Rico. Still, I do not find this park underwhelming at all. It is majestic and the granite cliffs are beautiful. Yes, the isolation is part of that beauty, but for anyone who hasn’t visited the park and may now be discouraged believing that it’s not majestic, trust me it is.
Big Bend is crazy 🤪 we went for the first time last year, Living in Texas all my life and they'll let you know what animals are on the trail 👣 we went down the window trail it's a great hike with kids, just take water, snacks, the usual essentials and you can do the hike and be back before noon if you start early
Oh boy, thank you, Kraig! I always look forward to seeing your take on hikes. My wife and I got married in this area, we both consider it our old stomping grounds, we both grew up in Midland and have many memories from going down to this area with family and on school/church trips.
Beautiful NP. Visited a few months ago. Backpacked, hiked and camped up in Chisos Mountains for about a week. Loved scrambling up to Emory Peak summit.
Yeah it's a neat place. Obviously it's a desert area so it's a different vibe and energy than the heavily forested parks, but it definitely has its own unique charm. I went twice in recent years and the solitude is just incredible. Star gazing there is also about as good as it gets. And even though it's a park dominated by desert, it's pretty amazing when you climb elevation in the area near the park lodging, as all of a sudden you have this alpine forest full of pine trees in the middle of the desert. Up there you feel like you're all of a sudden in a national park up north or something. If you ever go though, make sure to go in fall or winter, because the park is too hot and unforgiving in summer.
Awe man I’m jealous we didn’t get to go on the very top of Emory Peak when we were there, it was too windy. Looks like an amazing view. Great video as always!
Excellent video. There are most definitely bears. I walked up on a mother and her cubs near that same trail back in December. I love this park so much and hope your video inspires more people to experience it. It’s absolutely beautiful and so peaceful.
Dude I just discovered your channel and your Mt. Marcy hike video. You seriously have to be one of the best channels on RU-vid. The way you edit your videos make it seem like I’m transported on the hike at the same time. Super unique and informative. Getting ready to do Mt. Marcy for the first time this summer and that video and your channel is helping get ready for it. Keep up the great content man 👍
