Water is an Issue!
There are no reliable water sources in the backcountry. To insure you have enough water for drinking and cooking, please carry one gallon per person per day (water weighs approximately 8 lbs. per gallon). Water faucets are located at every visitor center.
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Equipment Considerations
Fires are not permitted anywhere in the park and the backcountry. Bring a backpacking stove if you plan to cook. Consider bringing a sturdy, lightweight tent for protection against the weather elements, particularly wind and precipitation. Sturdy hiking boots are highly recommended; trails are steep, rugged, and rocky. Be aware of the current weather forecast and bring/wear appropriate clothing. To protect yourself from glaring desert sun (year-round) bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Carry a first aid kit that includes tweezers for cactus spines, band-aids and adhesive pads for blisters, compresses for severe cuts, and a triangle bandage which can be put to many uses.

Elevation is Everything
From the Rio Grande (2000') to the top of Emory Peak (7832') is an elevation change of over a vertical mile. This leads to steep trails, especially in the Chisos Mountains, and challenging conditions, if one comes from the near sea-level conditions of east Texas. Give yourself plenty of time for your hike; consider distance and elevation, your physical condition, the amount of weight you are carrying, the potential for sudden weather change, and the daylight hours remaining. Steep and rugged terrain, and lack of available water, can limit both the distance of your hike and the total number of days of your backcountry stay. Please plan your itinerary wisely.

Trails
About 30 miles of park trails are developed and heavily used. These include short nature trails and the trails in the Chisos Mountains. Most other trails are primitive, difficult to follow, and in some instances no more than a route up a dry wash. Due to the complex topography and vague trails, detailed 7.5 minute topographic maps and a compass are necessary for most hikes outside of the High Chisos Mountains trails system.

Peak Visitation
During peak visitation times (winter holiday weekends, spring break) the designated campsites in the High Chisos fill quickly. Come early, and have a back-up plan.

Camping Limits
Visitors cannot camp at backcountry sites for more than 14 consecutive nights, or for more than 28 nights in a calendar year, or at any one site for more than 14 nights in a calendar year.

Get your Permit
All overnight stays in the backcountry require a backcountry use permit. Designated backcountry campsites cannot be reserved in advance—permits must be obtained in person, up to twenty-four hours before the beginning of your hike.
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