Hike to the Upper Guale Mesa in Big Bend Ranch State Park

Big Bend Ranch State Park is certainly one of Texas most beautiful "hidden" gems. Boasting over 300,000 acres of wild, rugged high desert terrain, this park is an explorers paradise. Bordering the Rio Grande, the line between the US and Mexico quickly blurs by through mesas and desert peaks.

Start out by visiting the Barton Warnock Visitor Center to pay entrance fees, get camping reservations and a backcountry permit. You'll need the backcountry permit if you want to camp atop the mesa, which I highly recommend. Drive west along the rio grande to the Rancherias West Trailhead parking lot (just off the road). 

Your hike will begin by heading east a few tenths of a mile through a dry and brushy creek bed. Enjoy the flatness and level surfaces while they last. Around mile 1.5, you'll reach a split in the trail. Follow the signs for Rancherias Loop Trail to the north west. From here, you'll begin the 2000 feet of elevation gain as you make your way to the Lower Guale Mesa first. Mile 3.5 is a great place to break/eat lunch depending on what time you begin. Shortly after, you'll hike along an old water line nearly 45 degrees straight up (the crux of this hike) This 1 mile portion of the trail is incredibly un-maintained and overgrown. Take your time and remember to look at the view behind you, the view is about to get even better. After this incline, you've reached the Upper Guale Mesa. From here, I recommend bushwhacking through the ocotillo and prickly pear, find a patch of rock overhanging the ridge and watch the sunset. The breeze here is great and will do wonders in cooling you off from the unrelenting desert sun. This is one of the most incredible views in the state. Soak it in, there's nothing like it.

Key Coordinates:

• End point on top of the mesa: N 29°21.919’ W 104°02.629’ at 4,031ft

Afterward, enjoy good vibes and better food at High Sierra Bar & Grill just down the road in Terlingua for an excellent post hike recovery.