Outer Mtn Loop

Hike Name: Outer Mtn Loop Location: southwest TX Length: 33 Submitted by: CLAY BERGMAN Date Submitted: 0/0/00 Rating:	more Texas trail reviews Texas national parks Texas state parks
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Description
This trail is probably not a good choice for beginers. The first time i tried it i got lost in the desert and i guess i'm lucky to still be here. That was 25 years ago and since then i've enjoyed this combination of trails several times. The hike starts in the basin area of the chisos mts. In big bend national park. The first 6 miles or so is all up hill as the trail climbs to the south rim of the chisos for spectacular views of the rough upland desert area surrounding the mountains. The rio grande is visible 50 miles to the south as is the sierra del carmen in mexico. Campsites are available in two seperate spots about half way up the mountain as well as near the rim. This part of the park usually has quite a few dayhikers as well as plenty of backpackers. Bring your water with you. The second leg of the trip goes down to the desert through juniper canyon passing the only reliable water on the trail at juniper springs. This area is too far out for most dayhikers and most backpackers too. It is one of the most remote and wildest areas of the park. Look for bears and mountain lions here, if you're lucky. Past juniper springs the trail follows an old road down to the intersection with the dodson trail. This spot is accessible by car and is a good spot for a cache. From the trailhead it is 11 miles of rough desert to the blue creek ranch where another cache should be left. Watch the cairns and don't lose the trail. It is hot and dry in that neck of the woods. Water cannot be relied on ever on the dodson trail though you may pass some. From the blue creek ranch it is another long dry hike back up in the mountains before the trail ends back in the basin. The outer mtn loop begins and ends in the forested mountains and passes through most of the terrain of the big bend ntl park. It is a rough and demanding trail but very rewarding if that is what you are looking for. I did it in 3 days once a long time ago when i was young and beautiful. It makes a great 4 or 5 day stroll.

Directions to Hike
From San Antonio, Texas take us hwy 90 west to Marathon (about 300 miles). From Marathon go south to Big Bend. Follow the signs to the basin

Contact Information
HG at Panther Junction

Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park, TX 79834
phone: 915-477-2251
fax: 915-477-2357

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