Mariscal Canyon Rim Trail

Viewing the Rio Grande 1,400 feet below

NPS/T. VandenBerg

Quick Facts

Location:

2 hour drive from the start of East River Road

Amenities

2 listed

Scenic View/Photo Spot, Trailhead

Trail Information

Roundtrip Distance: 6.5 miles (10.5 km) 
Elevation change: 1,300 feet (396 m)
Average hiking time: 3-4 hours

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

The Mariscal Canyon Rim Trail is as rewarding as it is remote. Located in the very southern part of the park along River Road, it takes 2 hours to reach the trailhead from the paved park road near Rio Grande Village. A high-clearance, 4x4 vehicle is necessary to reach the trailhead.  
Views are magnificent as you ascend the western slopes of Mariscal Mountain. You can see the park's expansive low desert, and the mountains stretching far off into Mexico. Mariscal Canyon itself is difficult to see until you arrive at the rim, and suddenly encounter the deep precipice.

Accessibility

The route crosses open desert for approximately 1.5 miles before steeply ascending to the rim. Notice: Hikers must be prepared for the challenges of this trail. Temperatures may well exceed 110°F during spring and summer. You will find NO shade and NO water along this trail. This combination of factors make this trail potentially deadly during the late spring and summer. Tell someone your plans before heading out.

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.