What To Know Before You Go…
Climate:
Weather in the Big Bend can change dramatically so it’s always best to come prepared for just about anything. We recommend having enough warm clothing to stay comfortable during windy or chilly days along with lighter clothing to remain bearable when heat waves set in. A good hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and sturdy footwear are an absolute must in this rugged country. This is especially true given the great differences in elevation throughout the Big Bend. Rain usually comes during the summer months but can occur any time of the year. Snow is rare in winter but may occasionally occur at higher elevations. Early Fall and late Spring temperatures can reach 100 degrees or higher. Highs during the Winter season average around 60 degrees but cold fronts can cause temperatures to plummet dramatically so please come prepared.
We also remind visitors that flash flooding can happen swiftly and without warning. Heavy rains miles away can cause creeks and washes to go from dry to torrential in a very short time. Flooding rains can also make back-road travel impossible. If you plan to spend the day in the desert please pay close attention to current weather conditions and plan your route carefully.
Wildlife:
The Big Bend is home to a incredible variety of wild things. Most can be enjoyed without worry however a number of species can be potentially harmful to those who are unaware. In the desert, it’s said that if it doesn’t bite, sting or prick it’s probably a rock. Cactus abound in the Chihuahuan Desert along with other spiny plants such as cat's claw, mesquite and ocotillo. It’s always a good idea to carry a pair of tweezers or duct tape which can be used to remove unwanted spines.
Mountain lions, Mule Deer, Black Bear and Javelina inhabit the Big Bend area as well along with a variety of snakes, spiders and scorpions. Usually, these animals are only dangerous to those who attempt to feed, handle or molest them. We also recommend carrying a flashlight at night so that you can avoid any surprise encounters. Please enjoy our wildlife with respect. They were here first.
Off Road Travel:
Hundreds of miles of unpaved roads crisscross the Big Bend Region. It’s likely that some of you will want to explore these byways from the comfort of your vehicle. First, cross country driving is not allowed in most areas. Please remain on the road and respect private property! Secondly, inclement weather can cause unpaved roads to become impassable for a period of time. Please take this into account during your travel planning! ! Always carry extra water and be sure to have a spare tire handy.
Trespassing and Collecting:
Almost all property in the Big Bend is privately owned and trespassing is regarded as a serious offense by most local landowners. Hunting, collecting of rocks, cacti, artifacts and fossils is prohibited unless permission is granted by the landowner. It’s best to restrict your off-road travel and hiking to the over 1,000,000 acres of public lands provided for your enjoyment in Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park. We hope you'll enjoy your stay at the Ten Bits Ranch, however we remind you that hunting and collecting is not permitted. Also, because of our collaboration with various educational groups and their ongoing projects, hiking on the Ten Bits Ranch property is restricted to those conducting coursework or research.
While at the Ranch:
Due to our remote location we operate on solar power. We have plenty of power to accommodate your needs however there is not an unlimited supply. Please help us conserve precious water and electricity!. You'll discover that off-the-grid living doesn't mean living a primitive lifestyle.
As a courtesy to all of our guests, quiet hours begin at 9:00 P.M. We will strive to provide you with the best service possible but that usually means very early mornings and late evenings for our staff. Also, a parking area is provided very near our guest quarters. Please use this area rather than parking outside of your room in order keep our drive clear and to help maintain our unique atmosphere.
Our reception desk is open from 8:00 to 4:00 each business day (Monday through Sunday) and our cantina is open from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm as a common area for our guests. Continental breakfast is served at the cantina each morning from 8:00 to 9:00 A.M. We will also try to accommodate special group needs or fluctuating tour schedules. Refrigerators are not available to use. The kitchen is not open for use.
If you are not a U.S. Citizen, please bring a passport with you. Big Bend National Park is on the border with Mexico. Since 9/11 our border patrol stations are open 24 hours a day. You will go though at least one border patrol station on your way out of the Big Bend area. Some of our foreign guests have been detained because they did not have their passports with them.
Helpful Information:
The following list outlines the most commonly needed facilities and their distance and location from the Ten Bits Ranch:
Nearest Major Medical Facility: Big Bend Regional Medical Center – Alpine, 65 miles.
County Sheriff: Emergencies - dial 911
Banking /ATM: Quicksilver Bank – Study Butte, 13 miles
U.S. Post Office: Study Butte – 13 miles.
Fuel / Basic Groceries: Study Butte Store – Study Butte, 16 miles
Automotive Repair: Terlingua Auto Service – Terlingua, 15 miles or Alpine, 65 miles
Laundry: Study Butte,13 miles
Official U.S./Mexico Border crossing: Presidio, 70 miles
*Note: There are no border crossings within Big Bend National Park. These crossing have been closed!
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