This F*cking Trail

Join Jon & Gabrielle as they discuss the delicate topic of solo hiking as a woman in today's world. Jon opens up about his biggest fears while Gabrielle is exploring, tears down imagined threats and offers insight on how other partners can be supportive. Buckle up, this topic gets spicy!

Support Jon & Gabrielle - https://thisfuckingtrail.substack.com/podcast

Creating an Effective Safety Plan Episode - https://thisfuckingtrail.substack.com/p/creating-an-effective-safety-plan-881

Join the conversation on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/707030598468113

In this week's Trail Intel episode, Jon & Gabrielle discuss the most magical hike in Texas - Finegan Springs. They break down the nightmare that is the logistical details of getting into Devil's River State Natural Area. Gabrielle also gushes about the phenomenal beauty she discovered on this trail and, of course, gets up on a soapbox about Leave No Trace & Texas water conservation.

Support the pod! - https://thisfuckingtrail.substack.com/

Join the conversation on Facebook! - https://www.facebook.com/groups/707030598468113

https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/devils-river - park info, camping & permits

In this week’s episode, Jon and Gabrielle discuss Gabrielle’s nerve wracking first solo trip into the interior of Big Bend Ranch State Park. From a ranger ruining Gabrielle’s meticulously laid backpacking plans right from the get go, this solo trip to Big Bend became a masterclass in adapting to unexpected changes. 

Listen in as we discuss considerations for hiking the interior of Big Bend Ranch State Park (totally different from its civilized cousin, Big Bend National Park) and discuss the details of Mexicano Falls, Horsetrap and Cinco Tinaja Trails. 

Ultimately, Gabrielle’s solo trip became an unexpected lesson in adapting to unforeseen challenges, highlighting that sometimes the wisest part of an adventure is recognizing one's limits and choosing to prioritize safety over unchecked exploration.

Support us on Substack: https://thisfuckingtrail.substack.com/

Join the fun on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/707030598468113

Want to know more about Big Bend Ranch State Park? Check out our episode on the River District of BBRSP! https://thisfuckingtrail.substack.com/p/big-bend-ranch-state-park-river-district-fe1

Cathy Frye’s story: https://bigbend.arkansasonline.com/

In this conversation, Gabrielle shares her experiences and challenges faced during her first solo hiking trip in Big Bend Ranch State park - quite different from its civilized sister, Big Bend National Park.

From the very get-go this trip took an unexpected turn thanks to an outdated map handed out by a ranger on a previous visit. Her meticulously planned backpacking loop hike was declared non-existent by another ranger, a revelation that sent her into a minor tailspin. Apparently, a previous hiker's navigational oopsie led to a trail closure, leaving Gabrielle's carefully crafted loop in the dust. Cue the internal "what the actual…" and a few not-so-quiet expletives.

In this episode, Jon and Gabrielle discuss the importance of preparation, navigation, and the mental aspects of hiking alone. Gabrielle owns up to the realities of hiking with anxiety and how taking on Texas’ wildest, most remote State Park made her feel.

Cathy Frye’s story - https://bigbend.arkansasonline.com/

Join your hosts Jon and Gabrielle for a deep dive into the infamous Marufo Vega Trail in Big Bend National Park. Known as the deadliest trail in Texas, this episode uncovers the stark realities of this challenging hike, from its breathtaking vistas to the very real dangers it presents.

Gabrielle shares her personal experiences, including multiple attempts and her successful completion, offering brutally honest insights and essential safety advice for anyone considering this notorious trek.

https://thisfuckingtrail.com/the-illegal-horses-of-big-bend-national-park/

https://thisfuckingtrail.substack.com/p/creating-an-effective-safety-plan-881

NPS information on Marufo Vega - https://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/bc_marufovega.htm

Join Jon and Gabrielle for a hilariously honest trip report from Gabrielle's solo adventure to the River District of Big Bend Ranch State Park. The theme of this trip was Gabrielle’s brain frantically trying to calculate "What's the absolute worst that could happen?!" for the entire three days. This trip turned out to be less about scenic vistas and more about battling inner demons.

Expect last-minute planning woes, campground confusion, hygiene rituals in a composting toilet to ward off theoretical bears, a Good Samaritan detour involving a truck & lots of sand, losing the surprisingly well-marked Hoodoo's Trail, solo camping anxiety fueled by sleeping next to the Rio Grande, tent troubles, heart pounding wildlife run-ins and a pre-dawn hike on the challenging Rancherias Canyon Trail with mountain lion fears and satellite device limitations. It doesn’t get any more real and honest than this, folks.

Make reservations for the River District of Big Bend Ranch State Park - Barton Warnock Visitor Center, TX

Bivy Stick - Bivy Stick | ACR Bivy Stick

Join base camp Jon and Gabrielle of This F*****g Trail for brutally honest takes on Texas trails and hiking adventures. This episode highlights the critical aspects of hiking safety planning. Gabrielle stresses the importance of communication with your “base camp” person. The episode also covers trip-specific risk mitigation, essential safety tips like identifying bailout points and using a pre-trip checklist, and crucial skills/supplies such as navigation, extra water, and a paper map. Ultimately, the discussion aims to equip hikers with an effective safety plan to handle potential trail challenges.

Death in Big Bend book

My favorite animal attack & survival podcast episodes

More on Rick Berry’s amazing story

Bivy Stick - https://bivystick.com/

In this episode, we discuss the unique and strict rules regarding human waste management in Guadalupe Mountains National Park. We explore the reasons behind these regulations, the differences between human and animal waste, and the environmental impact of improper waste disposal. The conversation emphasizes the importance of following park rules to preserve the natural beauty of the area for future generations.

WAG bag - https://www.rei.com/product/692303/cleanwaste-the-original-wag-bag-go-anywhere-toilet-kit-waste-bag?sku=6923030016&store=131&CAWELAID=120217890000759416&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=113279951513&CATCI=pla-366418484527&cm_mmc=PLA_Google%7C21700000001700551_6923030016%7C366418484527%7CBA%7C71700000074422505&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwna6_BhCbARIsALId2Z1PaIWDvWgvWE50H56cc3M5kTO7uXe4Tz4TrqSg2bm7e2by9Ersx0AaAvmIEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

News release about these shitty rules - https://www.nps.gov/gumo/learn/news/guadalupe-mountains-national-park-to-require-toilet-bags-for-all-wilderness-use.htm

Park rules on pooping in the back country - https://www.nps.gov/gumo/learn/management/superintendents_compendium.htm

Dealing with human waste NPS guidelines - https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/gumo_human_waste_wilderness.htm#:~:text=Doing%20Your%20Business%20in%20the,safe%20commercial%20toilet%20bag%20system

My first backpacking trip in Guadalupe Mountains, in which I truly realize how strict these rules are. https://thisfuckingtrail.substack.com/p/beginner-backpacker-adventures

Article about these rules on the blog - https://thisfuckingtrail.com/dont-s**t-where-you-hike/

www.thisfuckingtrail.com

Bear bags, helicopters, and firefighters, oh my! Gabrielle’s first proper backpacking trip was far from uneventful.

WAG bags from REI: https://www.rei.com/product/692303/cleanwaste-the-original-wag-bag-go-anywhere-toilet-kit-waste-bag

Setting out on this grand adventure: https://youtu.be/em0xKaDfxpE?si=vTrbBpXHhx6YOEjV

Scared s**t less: https://youtu.be/em0xKaDfxpE?si=vTrbBpXHhx6YOEjV

Hanging my first bear bag: https://youtu.be/em0xKaDfxpE?si=vTrbBpXHhx6YOEjV

Backpacking rules and regulations from NPS: https://www.nps.gov/gumo/planyourvisit/backpacking.htm

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