5.1 miles round trip
About: An open desert trail that winds around some small hills, through cactus, sotol and ocotillo, down through an arroyo, and back up to the Fresno Canyon rim. After about a half-mile, the trail splits to the south towards Mexicano Falls. From hear you can easily see the cottonwoods punctuating the desert landscape signifying a spring. That spring is Ojo Chilicote.
Wish I had more time to check it out as well as the falls. My lovely companion and I continued east to Fresno Canyon. This is a beautiful desert hike the highlights some of the best Texas has to offer. I love this State Park.
Pros: Very secluded with scenic desert views. The trail is well marked and relatively easy to follow.
Cons: If you are not camping nearby, this is a LONG way from anywhere. Aside from RR 170, Big Bend Ranch is dirt roads, though that is part of its charm. See map below timing the drive from Terlingua showing 2 hours and 47 minutes on Google Maps.
Tips: You will reach an arroyo that you have to descend down into. When you reach the edge, keep going, this is NOT Fresno Canyon. Descend into the arroyo and follow it a short distance and up to the Canyon Rim.
This was our last hike of the day. We made our return during sunset which made for some dramatic Texas landscapes. There also looked to be a couple other interesting trails apart of this system. If we had more time, I would have loved to do them. Next time, when we camp there.
The state park offers great maps online.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
