Dodson Trailhead

The western end of the Dodson Trail

NPS/C. Negele

Quick Facts

Location:

The trailhead is at the Homer Wilson ranchhouse

Amenities

5 listed

Animal-Safe Food Storage, Cellular Signal, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Parking - Auto, Trailhead

Trail Information

Distance: 10 miles, one-way (16 km) 
Elevation change: 1,500 feet (457 m) of gain, and 1,300 feet of loss (396 m)
Average hiking time: 5-6 hours

Dogs and other pets are not allowed on any trails in the park.

The Dodson Trail is a rugged hike through the historic Dodson Ranch. From the trailhead at Homer Wilson Ranch to the end of the trail at Juniper Canyon is 10 miles. The trail crosses several major drainages, so be prepared for a series of descents into the drainage and ascents to the ridgeline that seperates each drainage.

The Dodson Trail is usually hiked as part of the Outer Mountain Loop--a strenuous, 30-mile circuit that combines the Pinnacles, Juniper Canyon, Dodson, Blue Creek, and Laguna Meadows trails. The Outer Mountain Loop is not appropriate for first-time Big Bend hikers.

For Outer Mountain Loop hikers, water can be cached in the bear-proof storage lockers at Homer Wilson Ranch.

Accessibility

The Dodson Trail is rocky, steep, and exposed. Please do not attempt to hike this trail during the summer months. 

Hike Smart

Bring plenty of water!
Carry 1 liter of water per person per hour that you plan to hike. The importance of carrying enough water in this hot, dry climate cannot be overstated!

Eat
Your body needs food for energy and salts and electrolytes to replace what it's losing from perspiration. The dry climate at Big Bend means that sweat often evaporates almost instantly; your body is likely losing lots of moisture and salts without you even realizing it. Eat plenty of salty snacks to keep your body's salt-to-water ratio in balance.

Sun protection
Carry sunscreen and use it liberally. Hats are also strongly recommended. It may seem strange to wear long-sleeved shirts and pants in hot weather, but many hikers choose lightweight, breathable clothing that covers their arms and legs to protect themselves from the sun. 

Don't leave people behind
If you're hiking in a group, make sure the person in the back always has someone to help.

Be aware of wildlife
Keep an eye out for snakes, and remember to maintain a safe distance between yourself and all wildlife. Animals in the park are wild and should never be approached, harassed or fed.

Don't stack rocks
Cairns are stacks of rocks which are sometimes used to mark trails in areas where they are hard to follow. Randomly stacked rocks can lure hikers off the correct trail.