BBNP Camp & Hike Weekend

Join us at Big Bend for a weekend of Hiking & Camping in this huge, rugged desert park in West Texas with epic mountain views, scenic river canyons, and some of the best stargazing in the country.

We’ll arrive Thursday evening, Hike Friday and Saturday, and head out on Sunday. The descriptions of the trails we’re planning to hike are listed below. They are difficult trails, so be sure you can handle them. Come prepared with plenty of water and snacks for the hikes. Each hike will require at least 2 liters (68oz) of water.

We’ll be camping, so you will need to bring any needed camping supplies, including tent, drinks, food, etc… Due to space limitations, no extra large tents please.

The park entry fee is $30. This is good for 7 days. Most of us should be arriving late in the afternoon or evening, and the entrance office may be closed by then, which means you may be unable to pay at that time. The park says you can still enter but be sure to go pay the remaining day. You can also pay at one of the visitor centers, or online at Recreation.gov. Though the park only gets a portion of the money if we pay on Recreation.gov.

Please only register if you are certain to join.

Thursday (Day 1): We’ll arrive in the evening, setup camp, and hangout.

Friday (Day 2): We’ll hike the Emory Peak Trail.
Emory Peak Trail
Difficulty: Strenuous
Distance: ~10.5 miles round-trip
Highlights: Highest point in the park (~7,835 ft), with spectacular 360° views.

Saturday: We’ll hike the Window Trail and visit the Santa Elena Canyon later if we’re feeling up to it.
The Window Trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: ~5.2–5.6 miles round-trip
Highlights: Unique rock “window” opening onto desert vistas; beautiful at sunset or sunrise.

Santa Elena Canyon Trail
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Distance: ~1.5–1.7 miles round-trip
Highlights: Leads into towering limestone walls along the Rio Grande — one of Big Bend’s most dramatic landscapes.

Sunday: Pack up and head out.