Backpacking Big Bend

The Chisos Mountains offer excellent backpacking opportunities.

NPS

Big Bend's vast undeveloped areas provide excellent opportunities for backcountry experiences if you seek solitude, wilderness, and adventure. For those who come prepared to backpack, there are hundreds of miles of trails, and vast expanses to explore. A backcountry permit is required for overnight backpacking. 

Backpacking in the Chisos Mountains

Overnight backpackers in the Chisos Mountains can choose from forty-two designated campsites. A backcountry permit is required. Your permit will designate specific sites for specific nights. You may obtain a permit up to 6 months in advance via www.recreation.gov, or up to 2 days in advance in person at either Panther Junction or Chisos Basin Visitor Centers.

• Chisos Mountains Backcountry Guide
  • Use this detailed workbook to plan your backpacking adventure and see photos and locations of backcountry sites.
• Chisos Mountains Backpacking Trail Map
  • Map of the Chisos Mountains backpacking trails.

Backpacking in the Desert

The most remote areas of Big Bend National Park are best left to experienced backpackers. Each year, park rangers respond to desert emergencies when hikers are not prepared for the heat and extreme conditions of the desert. Due to the complex topography and vague trails/routes, a topographic map and a compass/gps are necessary for some hikes. Not for novices, you will need to be fully equipped and physically prepared to pack your gear and water into the desert and camp primitively.

Most of the desert areas of Big Bend National Park are open to wilderness backpacking. A backcountry permit is required. Prospective desert backpackers will need to have all the gear necessary for a safe trip, and be prepared to describe a detailed itinerary to a park ranger. You will need to have backpacking gear and be prepared to hike for at least 30 minutes from any road, and be out of sight of any road. There is no camping near or along or adjacent to any road. Rangers will NOT issue backcountry permits without your clear detailed itinerary and overall plan, or for any trips deemed inappropriate, a major safety concern, or that would conflict with park regulations.

Popular desert trails that provide access to wilderness backpacking include: Mule Ears/Smoky Creek Trail, Chimneys Trail, Marufo Vega Trail Complex, Blue Creek Trail, Juniper Canyon Trail, Dodson Trail, Elephant Tusk, and Mesa de Anguila area.

There are strict limits to the number of backpackers allowed in each area of the park, and a variety of backcountry regulations that must be followed. 

Some remote and very rugged backcountry areas of interest include:

• Marufo Vega Trail
• Mesa de Anguila
• Mariscal Rim Trail
• Outer Mountain Loop

Details

Activity

Backcountry Camping

Pets Allowed

No

Pets are not allowed on Big Bend trails, or in the backcountry. Pets are only allowed where vehicles can go. 

Activity Fee

Yes

Backcountry Permits cost $10/night

Reservations

Yes

Many backcountry campsites in the Chisos Mountaisn are reservable up to 6 months in advance.  

Visit Big Bend backcountry camping on www.recreation.gov and plan your adventure.
Big Bend Backcountry Camping, Big Bend National Park - Recreation.gov

Season

Year Round

Accessibility Information

Big Bend is a remote park. We are continually working to upgrade facilities for accessibility and to improve park access for all visitors. While not all facilities are fully accessible, park rangers are happy to assist any visitor with special needs.

Learn more about accessibility in Big Bend
Accessibility - Big Bend National Park