Pine Canyon Trail

Pine Canyon Trail is a 4-mile out-and-back from the end of Pine Canyon Road to the base of a 100-foot cliff pour-off. Plan on about three hours and 1,000 feet of climbing on the way in. The walk starts in open desert and ends in a pocket of oak-and-pine woodland. The rough high-clearance drive and exposed climb are part of the commitment; the reward is the sharp change in scenery at the canyon's end.

For the first 1.5 miles, the trail climbs steadily through sotol grassland on rocky, uneven ground. Shade is scarce, while the high canyon walls draw closer as you gain height. Start early, before afternoon heat, and carry enough water for the full return trip. The walls also expose the canyon's volcanic geology, so there is plenty to look at during the steady climb.

The last half-mile is the hardest stretch: the tread enters oak-and-pine woodland, then steepens over loose gravel to the base of the pour-off. This is the turnaround, so you descend the same rough pitch. Take your time on the way down, when the loose footing needs just as much attention. The pour-off may become a temporary waterfall after summer rain; the cliff is the destination either way.

Oaks, junipers, maples and pines replace the open sotol in the shaded canyon. This woodland is a relict of the last Ice Age, an isolated patch of forest that makes the end of the walk feel very different from its start. At the cliff base, look up along the pour-off and include the surrounding canyon wall in a photo to show its scale. Give yourself a few minutes at the end to look back up from the shade before starting the steep return.

Black bears are regularly observed in the canyon. Give them room, never approach them, and don't leave food unattended. Their return to Big Bend has been dramatic: there were virtually no resident bears by 1944, and recorded sightings rose from 27 in 1988 to 572 in 1996. This is a sensitive natural area and day use only; camping in the canyon is prohibited. Dogs and other pets are not allowed on park trails.

Day hikers may park near the gate at the end of Pine Canyon Road. Reaching it takes about 6.4 miles along unimproved Glenn Springs and Pine Canyon Roads, and a high-clearance vehicle is required. The roads are rocky and can rut or wash out after heavy rain, so check current conditions before driving. Five primitive campsites sit along the access road, separate from the hike; they require a backcountry permit and have no shade or toilets.