Big Bend National Park is a serene sanctuary located in southwest Texas. Known for its desert landscapes and rugged canyons, it’s a graceful destination that provides adventure and natural wonders in every direction.
The park covers over 800,000 acres of the Chihuahuan Desert, the Rio Grande river valleys, and the Chisos Mountains. Among Big Bend’s 150 miles of hiking trails is Upper Burro Mesa Trail, with beautiful desert scenery and towering cliffs. This trail is one of the park’s lesser-crowded paths, with sweeping views of mesas and canyons, making it a must-visit destination around the world for avid hikers.
The park is around 80 miles south of Marathon. It’s also tucked 13 miles west of Panther Junction Visitor Center, making Upper Burro Mesa Trail easily accessible via the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. The nearest airport is the Midland International Air and Space Port, which is about 235 miles northeast of the park. You can take a taxi or rent a car at the airport from as low as $28 and drive to the park. Big Bend’s geology tells stories that span millions of years, and the Burro Mesa area is a living example of the forces that shaped the desert.
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The beautiful views along Upper Burro Mesa Trail
Upper Burro Mesa Trailhead Sign In Big Bend National Park – Kelly vanDellen/Shutterstock
Upper Burro Mesa Trail takes travelers through one of the most mesmerizing desert landscapes. The moderately challenging trail is about 3.8 miles round-trip. However, some sections of the trail are a bit technical, so if you’re with kids, they may need some assistance navigating them. That said, the Upper Burro Mesa Trailhead is at a pull-off along the Ross Maxwell route to Castolon.
The trail begins on a high-desert plateau, where stretches of California cholla, prickly pear, and littleleaf sumac dot the terrain. From the start, hikers can enjoy panoramic vistas of the Chisos Mountains to the east. As you make your way down into the canyon, the scenery transforms into tall limestone walls. The trail is downhill through rock tumbles, with cairns until you get to the large cavern. Along the way, hikers will get to the Burro Mesa Pour-Off, a canyon carved by centuries of flash floods and erosion.
This pour-off is a dry waterfall that plunges into a deep gorge. During rainy season, the water creates a temporary waterfall. Picture yourself on this cliff, soaking in the breathtaking views of the low-lying canyon as you embrace the boundlessness of the unique terrain! If you go further down, you’ll get to the larger pour-off into Javalina Wash, where you can get a glimpse of the Lower Burro Mesa Pour-Off Trail. What’s more, unlike some of the best hikes in the world to put on your bucket list that are always crowded with trailblazers, this trail invites you to sacred silence. Besides the sound of desert birds or wind, you’ll probably only hear your footsteps. The perfect destination to touch base with Mother Nature, with opportunities to spot different types of wildlife such as roadrunners, lizards, desert mule deer, or javelinas.
Planning your Upper Burro Mesa Trail Adventure
Wash Bends Through Canyon Toward Upper Burro Mesa Pouroff in Big Bend – Kelly vanDellen/Shutterstock
If you want to hike Upper Burro Mesa Trail, you need to prepare well. This important advice can make your hiking and backpacking adventures way more enjoyable. The best time to hike Upper Burro Mesa Trail is in the fall or spring when temperatures are cooler and more comfortable for exploring. Spring comes with moderate temperatures ideal for hiking, while fall has fewer crowds. It’s advisable to avoid this trail during stormy weather, and to check for flooding before climbing down rocks during wet seasons. Before you embark on your trailblazing escapade, ensure you carry enough water. This trail doesn’t have water refilling stations or tree shades.
Make sure you also dress for desert temperatures by wearing lightweight and breathable clothing and hiking boots. Bring your hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. Consider carrying snacks or light meals, especially energy bars and salty treats. If you plan to stay overnight at Big Bend National Park, there are various places to sleep.
You can spend the night inside the park at Cottonwood Campground near Santa Elena, which has 22 camping sites. Travelers can reserve a camping spot online for $16 per night. The campground has water, grills, and pit toilets. If camping is not your style, spend the night at the Chisos Mountains Lodge. You can reserve a Rio Grande motel room at the lodge for about $190 per night.
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Read the original article on Explore.