How to Hike at Big Bend National Park

Located in the southwestern corner of Texas, Big Bend National Park offers a wide range of terrain for hiking. You can climb the Chisos Mountains, walk across the Chihuahuan Desert or hike along the Rio Grande. While hiking in Big Bend National Park can be fun, it is not without its dangers. Particular cautions must be taken depending on where and when you plan to take your hike.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Dress for the weather. Texas can be very sunny and hot, especially in summer. So be sure to cover yourself to protect yourself from the sun, but not so much that you're overheating. Wear sunscreen and reapply every few hours.

2. Carry at least one gallon of water each day that you hike. The desert areas lack the humidity of other Texas regions and can sap your body of fluids very quickly. There are cache boxes around the park where you may cache your own water for later use. You may need an offroad vehicle to access the cache boxes.

3. Wear a hat, sturdy boots and thick socks. Ensure that you have adequate maps, a compass, bug repellent, a change of clothing, a parka or poncho, and rain gear. Take a cell phone or walkie talkie with you. If you're planning to hike in the mountains during the spring or fall, you may wish to pack a jacket or other warmer clothing for when you get to the higher altitudes. However, do not carry too much weight with you on your hike, especially during the warmer months. The Texas summer heat and radiation will exacerbate any normal fatigue you might feel.

4. Tackle the beginner trails first. For example, start off with the Rio Grande Village Nature Trail, The Chimneys Trail, the Window View Trail or the Grapevine Hills Trail. You may purchase guide booklets for self-guiding trails at the Panther Junction Visitor Center.

5. Try some of the moderately difficult trails once your hiking skills have begun to advance. The Lost Mine Trail and the Dog Canyon Trail meet this description. Some trails are for advanced hikers only, such as the Mesa de Anguila trail.

6. Check the National Park Service website for important information about certain hiking trails. For example, certain trails are contraindicated for beginning hikers, and others are not recommended for summer hiking. The NPS website reports that it may be impossible to carry enough water to hike the Outer Mountain Loop safely during the hot, dry summer months. Read carefully about each individual trail in the park and observe all warning messages.

Tips & Warnings

• You will need a permit for overnight hiking.
• In the summer, hike in the morning or evening when it's cooler. The sun comes up early and sets late, so you will have plenty of light.
• Try taking shorter hikes if you're new to hiking, even if it means you have to hike only part of a trail and double back.
• Hiking without adequate water in the desert can result in dehydration, heat stroke and death.
• Be sure to tell a friend or family member where you will be on your hike and when you plan to return.
• Never hike alone unless you are very experienced at hiking. Never venture off the established trail.
• Chiggers and mosquitos are a major problem in Texas.

Resources

• Big Bend National Park on the National Park Service Website

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