#25 of 61 national parks in United States of America
Best backpacking trails in Big Bend National Park
Explore the most popular backpacking trails in Big Bend National Park with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you.
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Top trails (11)
Emory Peak via South Rim Trail and Boot Springs Trail
#1 - Emory Peak via South Rim Trail and Boot Springs Trail
Big Bend National Parkhard
(526)
(526)Length: 15.2 mi • Est. 8 h 6 m
Outer Mountain Loop
#2 - Outer Mountain Loop
Big Bend National Parkhard
(58)
(58)Length: 24.1 mi • Est. Multi-day
Though a favorite of many experienced hikers, this beautiful backpacking loop is a challenge. Many people do not complete the loop due to the heat, lack of shade, and the amount of water required to be packed ahead of time. Make sure to read up and be prepared for this hike before hitting the trail.Show more
Emory Peak - Northeast Rim - South Rim Loop
#3 - Emory Peak - Northeast Rim - South Rim Loop
Big Bend National Parkhard(30)
(30)Length: 17.3 mi • Est. 8 h 58 m
Chimneys Trail
#4 - Chimneys Trail
Big Bend National Parkmoderate(81)
(81)Length: 4.6 mi • Est. 2 h 6 m
The Chimneys trail is a moderate hike to a series of prominent volcanic dike formations. Indian rock art marks the base of these high pinnacles. Show more
Marufo Vega Trail
#5 - Marufo Vega Trail
Big Bend National Parkhard(55)
(55)Length: 13.5 mi • Est. 7 h 14 m
This is a strenuous, potentially dangerous, but spectacular day hike or overnight backpacking trip. There is no shade and no water on this trail and temperatures can exceed 110 degrees.
The trail is named after Gregorio Marufo, who grazed goats along the river. Hikers today use the cross country section to join two ends of the popular desert trail making it a14-mile round-trip loop.Show more
Big Bend Outer Mountain Loop with Emory Peak and West Cache
#7 - Big Bend Outer Mountain Loop with Emory Peak and West Cache
Big Bend National Parkhard(14)
(14)Length: 35.7 mi • Est. Multi-day
Blue Creek, Pinnacles, Juniper Canyon and Dodson Trail
#8 - Blue Creek, Pinnacles, Juniper Canyon and Dodson Trail
Big Bend National Parkhard(16)
(16)Length: 31.6 mi • Est. Multi-day
OML is a 30-mile loop that connects the Pinnacles, Juniper Canyon, Dodson, Blue Creek, and Laguna Meadows trails. Do yourself a favor and add in the Emory Peak and South Rim trails.Show more
The Window and Cattail Falls
#9 - The Window and Cattail Falls
Big Bend National Parkhard(13)
(13)Length: 12 mi • Est. 6 h 36 m
Starting off at Chisos Basin, hike down to The Window, and then continue on to Cattail Falls, before returning to your starting location.Show more
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