The dry desert air quickly uses up the body's water reserves. We recommend that you carry a minimum of one gallon of water per person per day in the summer, slightly less in the winter. For half-day hikes, carry at least 2 quarts per person.
But the map shows a spring here...
At the risk of repeating the obvious, Big Bend is a desert park. Desert water is precious, ephemeral, and unpredictable. The amount of available water in the backcountry has everything to do with rainfall—no rain means no water. Never stake your life on a water source that might not be present.
Cache and Carry
Responsible backcountry users pack in all of the water they plan on using (recommended one gallon per person per day). Plan on using available water sources in the backcountry to augment the water supply you carry (filter all water taken from the backcountry); never stake your life on intermittent water sources.
