Backpacking in Big Bend

 

Big Bend National Park is a backpacker's paradise. For those who come prepared, there are hundreds of miles of trails, and vast expanses to explore. The following information will help you plan your dream adventure.

 

Backcountry Use Permits

• A Backcountry Permit is required for all overnight backpacking in Big Bend National Park.
• Maximum group size is fifteen, if allowed, at a designated campsite.

 

Backpacking & Off-trail Hiking Group Size Limit

An organized group or individual party MAY NOT EXCEED a 15 person limit.

• In the Chisos Mountains: There is only one Chisos backpacking campsite that can accommodate a group of 15 (Colima #1): it may be necessary to split a large group to other campsites however the 15 person size limit cannot be exceeded per night for any one or group of sites in the Chisos backpacking zone.
• In the desert: Maximum backpacking group size is 15. Groups over 15 people will need to split up and hike/backpack into separate, non-adjacent zones under separate permits.

 

Backpacking in the Chisos Mountains

The mountain woodlands of the Chisos Mountains is the most popular area for backpacking in Big Bend. Overnight backpackers in the Chisos Mountains must choose from 42 designated campsites. A backcountry permit is required. Your permit will designate your specific sites for specific nights.

• Permits for Chisos Mountains backpacking campsites are available online through www.recreation.gov from November 1 - April 15.
• From April 16 - October 31, Chisos Mountains backpacking permits can only be obtained in person at Panther Junction Visitor Center (open 8:30 am-5:00 pm) or Chisos Basin Visitor Center (open 8:30 am-12:00 pm & 1:00 pm-4:00 pm) up to 24 hours in advance of your first night's stay.
• Maximum group size is fifteen, if allowed, at a designated campsite.

Helpful Trip Planning Info:

• Chisos Mountains Backcountry Guide
  • Use this detailed workbook to plan your backpacking adventure and see photos and locations of backcountry sites.
• Chisos Mountains Backpacking Trail Map
  • Map of the Chisos Mountains backpacking trails.

 

• 

  Backcountry Camping Permits Online

  Many of Big Bend's Chisos backpacking and primitive roadside campsites are now reservable online up to 6 months in advance. Learn how to arrange your backcountry permit using the recreation.gov online reservation system.

  Duration:

  5 minutes, 41 seconds

 

Escape to the Chisos Mountains

Chisos Backpacking and Camping Guide

Trip planning, safety information, and detailed descriptions of the designated backcountry campsites in the Chisos Mountains.

Be Prepared!

Water in the Chisos

But the map shows a spring here??

Keep Wildlife Wild

Backcountry Food Storage

Black bear, birds, javelina, skunks, and other animals can and WILL explore your campsite looking for scraps of food.

 

Backpacking in the Desert

The most remote areas of Big Bend National Park are best left to experienced backpackers. Each year, park rangers respond to desert emergencies when hikers are not prepared for the heat and extreme conditions of the desert. Due to the complex topography and vague trails/routes, a topographic map and a compass/gps are necessary for some hikes. Not for novices, you will need to be fully equipped and physically prepared to pack your gear and water into the desert and camp primitively.

Most of the desert areas of Big Bend National Park are open to wilderness backpacking. A backcountry permit is required. Prospective desert backpackers will need to have all the gear necessary for a safe trip, and be prepared to describe a detailed itinerary to a park ranger. You will need to have backpacking gear and be prepared to hike for at least 30 minutes from any road, and be out of sight of any road. There is no camping near or along or adjacent to any road. Rangers will NOT issue backcountry permits without your clear detailed itinerary and overall plan, or for any trips deemed inappropriate, a major safety concern, or that would conflict with park regulations.

Popular desert trails that provide access to wilderness backpacking include: Mule Ears/Smoky Creek Trail, Chimneys Trail, Marufo Vega Trail Complex, Blue Creek Trail, Juniper Canyon Trail, Dodson Trail, Elephant Tusk, and Mesa de Anguila area.

There are strict limits to the number of backpackers allowed in each area of the park, and a variety of backcountry regulations that must be followed.

Some remote and very rugged backcountry areas of interest include:

• Marufo Vega Trail
• Mesa de Anguila
• Mariscal Rim Trail
• Outer Mountain Loop

 

Your Ticket to Adventure

Backcountry Permits

A backcountry permit is required for all backcountry camping. Pick one up at Chisos Basin or Panther Junction Visitor Centers.

Protect YOUR Park

Backcountry Regulations

YOU are responsible for protecting the resources of YOUR park; these regulations are strictly enforced.

Areas closed for resource protection

Backcountry Closures

There are some areas in Big Bend closed to hiking and/or overnight camping.

Stay Alive!

Backcountry Preparation and Safety

Knowledge and preparation is the key to your successful Big Bend adventure.

Be a Big Bend Steward

Leave No Trace

During your visit to Big Bend, do everything you can to minimize your impact on the desert landscape..