News Release

Chisos Basin to Reopen Friday, April 23

Hikers will again be able to explore many popular Chisos Trails

NPS / T. VandenBerg

News Release Date: April 20, 2021

Contact: Tom VandenBerg, 432-477-1107

UPDATE: Latest Press Release on Trail Reopenings: 5/21/21

BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK, TEXAS - With the 1341 acre South Rim Fire at 80% containment and no longer deemed a threat to developed areas, the National Park Service (NPS) has scheduled the reopening of the park’s popular Chisos Basin on Friday, April 23^rd at 11:00 AM. Visitors will once again be able to enjoy the Chisos Mountains Lodge, Store, NPS Visitor Center, Basin Campground, and many popular trails in the Chisos Mountains. This area has been closed to entry since Saturday, April 10^th due to the wildfire which began along the remote South Rim of the Chisos Mountains.

“After two weeks of closures, we are glad to be able to open up access to the Basin, so visitors can enjoy one of Big Bend’s most picturesque areas,” said Park Superintendent Bob Krumenaker.  

The following hiking trails will reopen on Friday:

• Window Trail
• Lost Mine Trail

• Basin Loop Trail
• Laguna Meadows Trail
• Blue Creek Trail

• Dodson Trail

The South Rim Fire is not yet out. Hotspots remain and some smoke still lingers. For visitor safety, and to allow fire personnel to assess and begin rehabilitation of the burned areas, the South Rim, Emory Peak, and associated trails will remain closed until further notice. The NPS reminds park users that entry into closed areas is unsafe and unlawful. See a Map of Chisos Mountains Trails depicting open/closed trails.

Areas and trails that remain closed are:

• Pinnacles Trail
• Emory Peak Trail
• South Rim Trail
• East Rim Trail
• Boot Canyon Trail
• Juniper Canyon Trail
• Colima Trail

See a Map of Chisos Mountains Trails depicting open/closed trails

Backpacking campsites along the Laguna Meadows and Blue Creek Trails will reopen on Monday, April 26. Backcountry Permits are required and may be obtained online at www.recreation.gov.

"We were all worried early in the fire about what harm it might do to the rare plants and animals of the High Chisos, and of course to the infrastructure in the Basin,” said Krumenaker. “I flew over the fire today and feel very good about with what I have seen -- the burn pattern is like a mosaic, with more lightly burned areas than intensively burned areas. While the evidence of fire will be visible for years, I expect the vegetation to come back healthier than it was pre-burn. We don't expect any significant impact on wildlife. And of course, the firefighters, the terrain, and the weather collaborated to keep the fire away from the developments in the Basin. It's probably going to be a few weeks before the last smoke is out and there are hazards which need to be mitigated before we can allow public use back in the fire zone. But that's coming soon. I am very grateful to the entire interagency team that worked on this fire along with the Big Bend National Park staff." 

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  A Night Under the Stars

  Big Bend Camping

  There are four developed campgrounds in Big Bend National Park, and primitive backcountry camping too.

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  Stay in the Basin

  Chisos Mountains Lodge

  The full-service Chisos Mountains Lodge is the only lodging within Big Bend National Park.

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  Hit The Trail!

  Day Hikes

  Choose your adventure! Trails lead to a variety of experiences -- scenic views, wildlife viewing, history, and more.

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  Explore a Sky Island

  Hike the Mountains

  The Chisos Mountains contain some of the most rewarding day hikes in Big Bend. You can enjoy over 20 miles of mountain trails.