Ernst Ridge Trailhead - Daniels Ranch

View of the Rio Grande from the top of the canyon

NPS/CA Hoyt

Quick Facts

Location:

1 mile west of Rio Grande Village campground

Amenities

8 listed

Parking - Auto, Parking - Bus/RV, Picnic Table, Restroom, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Toilet - Vault/Composting, Trailhead, Trash/Litter Receptacles

Trail Information

Roundtrip Distance: 6.0 miles (9.4 km) 
Elevation change: 360 feet (110 m)
Average hiking time: 3-4 hours
Excessive Heat Warning: April through September

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

This trail steeply ascends to the rim of a scenic limestone canyon, offering incredible vistas of the Rio Grande below and Sierra del Carmen, and Chisos Mountains in the distance. From there it winds through rugged desert, gradually descending to the river over three miles. If you are looking for a shorter hike with spectacular views, hike the first 0.4 miles to the river overlook.

Be sure to bring good footwear, adequate water for each person, and protection from the sun as there is no shade or water along this rugged route.
 

• This is NOT the way to access the Langford Hot Springs.
  If the hot springs are your destination, drive to the Hot Springs Historic District, where a scenic 0.5 mile round-trip trail leads to the springs.
• EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING
  Deaths occur along this trail due to hikers being unprepared for the extreme heat. DO NOT attempt this trail from April through September when daily temperatures regularly exceed 110° F (43° C).

Accessibility

The greatest elevation gain on this trail takes place in the first 1/2 mile, as the trail climbs from Daniels Ranch to the rim of the canyon. The first 1.5 miles of the trail is high above the river, meandering in and out of side canyons, with occasional views of the Rio Grande. The trail surface alternates between sections of hard rock and dirt. The second half of the hike parallels the river and eventually drops down to the river banks at mile 3. The overall elevation gain of this trail is 360 feet, but the actual amount of up and down is much more due to the trail crossing several side canyons.

The parking lot at Daniels Ranch will accommodate about 10 vehicles and small RVs.

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 which 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.