Texas · National Park trail

Mariscal Canyon Rim Trail

in Texas

Trail Information Roundtrip Distance: 6.5 miles (10.5 km) Elevation change: 1,300 feet (396 m) Average hiking time: 3-4 hours Dogs and other pets are not allowed on any trails in the park. The Mariscal Canyon Rim Trail is as rewarding as it is remote. Located in the very southern part of the park along River Road, it takes 2 hours to reach the trailhead from the paved park road near Rio Grande Village.

A high-clearance, 4x4 vehicle is necessary to reach the trailhead. Views are magnificent as you ascend the western slopes of Mariscal Mountain. You can see the park's expansive low desert, and the mountains stretching far off into Mexico.

Mariscal Canyon itself is difficult to see until you arrive at the rim, and suddenly encounter the deep precipice. Accessibility The route crosses open desert for approximately 1.5 miles before steeply ascending to the rim. Notice: Hikers must be prepared for the challenges of this trail.

States: Texas
Trail type: National Park trail
Centroid coords: 28.9885°, -103.1842°

About Big Bend National Park

National Park

This trail is inside Big Bend National Park, a national park managed by the U.S. National Park Service. Conditions, road status, trail closures, and reservation requirements are published on the park's NPS page — check it before driving in, especially in winter or during major weather events.

Entrance fee: $30 per vehicle (verify current rate on the park page). An America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) covers entrance to all NPS units.

Official NPS trail page: https://www.nps.gov/places/mariscal-canyon-rim-trail.htm

Park homepage: https://www.nps.gov/bibe/index.htm

Plan your hike

Practical notes

Maps + permits: long-distance trails like this often require permits for through-hiking, backcountry camping, or specific sections (especially in National Parks). Check with the maintaining organisation listed above and the relevant land manager before booking travel.

Water + supplies: water sources vary seasonally on most U.S. trails. Carry a filter and consult current trail-condition reports — through-hiker journals (PCT-L, AT Reddit, etc.) and the maintaining organisation publish regular updates.

When to go: hiking seasons vary widely with elevation, latitude, and snowpack. Through-hikers traditionally start the AT in March-April (Springer northbound) and the PCT in late April (Campo northbound). High-elevation western trails (CDT, JMT, Wonderland) generally aren't passable until July.

If you've hiked Mariscal Canyon Rim Trail and have current notes (water sources, trail closures, permit changes), tell us at /contact — we update pages as we learn.

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Texas