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Big Bend National Park
Hiking & Backpacking
 
Lunch on the South Rim
NPS/Eric Leonard
Lunch on the South Rim.
 

Undeniably, the young and vigorous, or even the older and vigorous, are the lucky people in any of our national parks, for they can hike, pack, and climb to the choice hidden places where roadways are out of the question.
          -Freeman Tilden, writing about Big Bend in 1945

 
Big Bend National park is a hiker’s paradise containing the largest expanse of roadless public lands in Texas. More than 150 miles of mountains and desert trails offer opportunities for outstanding backcountry experiences. All backpackers on overnight trips must obtain a backcountry use permit and pay an entrance fee prior to entering the backcountry.
 
All trips require preparation. Improper equipment, poor conditioning, and disregard for unpredictable weather changes can result in an unpleasant or dangerous outing. Respect for the land you hike through will protect the park for you and future visitors. 
 
A High Chisos campsite
High Chisos campsites
Information on backcountry campsites in the High Chisos.
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A solo hiker on the South Rim
Going Solo?
Information on Big Bend's solo backcountry user program.
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Will you survive the sun?
Survive the Sun
What you need to know about heat safety
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Big Bend National Park Daily Report
The Daily Report
Weather, campground updates, river levels and other information about what's happening in the park
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Overlook at the Fossil Bone Exhibit area  

Did You Know?
The Fossil Bone Exhibit tells of the time when mammals rose to dominance, when sand in the forest streams buried and preserved the bones of early mammals. Stop there for a moment to imagine the Big Bend of another era: a time when Tornillo Flat was a lush forest.

Last Updated: January 28, 2007 at 15:44 EST