Nutrition on the Trail

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Details: Created on Wednesday, 16 February 2011 17:13; Published on Wednesday, 16 February 2011 17:13; Written by Abe Connally

Hiking in Big Bend National Park certainly has its thrills—the breathtaking scenery, the adventure and challenge of the hike, being one with nature, spending time with friends or family. But one thing you may not be looking forward to so much is being away from your kitchen, or the local McDonalds. Dehydrated rations make you feel like you’d rather eat dirt? Here are some nutrition ideas for your next hike.

desert_buffet Desert trailing has a certain advantage over being up in the mountains, and that is you can carry more. Not having to drag the menu up a steep incline can afford you more options for dinner. Plus, you may drive to your campsite, and take day walks from there, which opens up even more possibilities. Let’s look first at a few essentials, and then we’ll see some more creative ideas.

Necessary Nutrition

Whether the temperature is high or freezing, there are certain things you need just to keep you body going and the most important of these is water. Dehydration can happen whether you think you’re sweating or not, so it’s always best to carry enough H2O for any hike or walk.

Exerting yourself for long hours in the wild means you body’s going to need carbohydrates and proteins for energy. That’s exactly why Trail Mix was invented. A rich combination of dried fruits, nuts, and raisins (and sometimes chocolate chips among other things) is just what you’ll need to go that extra mile. Other nutritious treats include Jerky, Cheese, and plain nuts.

Backcountry Gourmet

Check out the Big Bend Chat for some interesting cooking tips, from the best brands of Dehydrated Food Packs to Frozen Fajitas. Another interesting idea: couscous. Just add them to boiling water, add in any kind of spice (like chili powder, cheese, or even dried fruit for breakfast) and you an instant meal. Check out the forum for more ideas.

Or you can go to backpacker.com, and look up some of their cooking ideas, including apple crescents, potato pizza pie, and creamy clam chowder! You really can camp and eat like a king!

Special Wildfire Warning!

According to the Big Bend Gazette, there are warnings for wildfires this week. It’s always a good idea to checking with park officials before setting up camp, so you’ll be aware of possible dangers and emergency plans.

Worth a Thousand Words

There are some views you just can't take in all at once. Like a dazzling sunset or breathtaking field of wildflowers—you just can't appreciate such beauty in the moment, a moment that is often over before you realize it, the forms and colors of that marvelous vista already fading in your memory. Perhaps it was with the goal of preserving such scenes that the first camera was invented, a goal that you may still share when you visit a place as beautiful as Big Bend and the surrounding area. Why not take a look through our new and improved photo galleries to see what amazing sights have been preserved by astounded visitors and appreciative locals? When you see the mountains, plains, flora, and fauna displayed in those images, you'll be glad the gallery contributors took their camera along.

Birding in Big Bend

Among the many activities available in Big Bend National Park that highlight the region's diversity of wildlife, birding can be enjoyable and promising. Big Bend engulfs a vast area, bounded by the the rushing Rio Grande valley to the south, containing high peaks in the Chisos Mountains, and boasting both desert and forest climates between the two. It embodies the very diversity that makes America great, providing countless opportunities to spot more than 450 birds in one area.

Your Big Year is Here

What are your new year's resolutions for 2012? Did you keep your resolutions for 2011? While the top resolutions each year include losing weight, learning something new, traveling, or getting out of debt, here's a new challenge you can take on this year: spot all the bird species in Big Bend National Park.

Big Bend Video Collections

Big Bend has some of the most spectacular scenery in Texas, if not the entire US. Our big sky country rivals any other state and our night skies are as dark as anywhere for excellent star gazing. The beautiful light and great scenery make for a photographer’s paradise.

Trails and Wildlife

There are many things you may love to do in Big Bend National Park in the heat of summer, but running or jogging is probably not one of them. With 90+ degree temperatures, there simply is no such thing as a nice July run in West Texas. With the dry weather we've had this year, you have truly hostile workout conditions. That all changes this time of year, though, as temperatures drop and the sun gives us a break for a few months. What a great time to get out on some trails in Big Bend!

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