Road and Ridge Explore - 2+Miles

Special Note:
You must have a Texas Limited Public Use Annual Permit.
Cost is $17. It may be purchased at any time because the email confirmation serves as the permit. Save an image of the email that shows the permit number on your phone. Do not buy the more expensive hunting permit.
https://www.txfgsales.com/Default.aspx

To register at Black Gap, please fill out the card at the beginning of your trip, tear along perforated edge, turn top half into box and keep bottom with you during your visit and turn in bottom half at the end of your stay.
If you did not register earlier, arrive early to complete the form and join us at the hike start.

The Hike:
We will follow a 4X4 road to a ridge then walk out the ridge. If possible we will follow the ridge down to the valley below and walk back along the wash on one side or the other.

Hike Safety:
This hike is in a very remote area of Texas. Medical attention is more than an hour away. Ambulance service may not be available. We will have an iPhone satellite transponder but that is untested within the canyon. Response from Brewster County can take substantially more than hour. A rescue will take much longer.

The nearest hospital is in Alpine 1.5 hours away. Nearest medical center is in Odessa, three hours away.

Have the recommended protective gear on you.

Gathering Point:
This is the same as the morning hike. We will tak a short break from the morning hike then leave on this adventure,

Black Gap Tour Road (2WD) at junction with Campsite 6 Road
This is 1/10 miles from the hike road to get better parking.
Plus Code:75XVH3HC+CG
https://maps.app.goo.gl/xERE3J7N1JDNKwq67

About HATs and our hikes
https://www.hatsandmore.org/

What to You Need:
Hiking boots, water, snacks and a hat.

The desert environment will sap your water quickly. Both sun and wind will dry you out even quicker. Bring ample extra water until you understand your consumption in the dry air.

Special Precautions:
Eye protective glasses or safety slip overs at all times.
Long pants and long sleeve shirts at all times.
Gaiters to protect pants from thorns.
Leather gloves are needed on some hikes that involve scrambling.

Read the trip plan for more on this.

Bathrooms:
None

Parking:
Their is no trailhead. Parking will be along the narrow road. We must park in a way that doesn't block the road.

The Trail:
This hike is mostly off trail across open desert. This is a former cattle ranch and is still grazed. There is no damage done by walking across the desert. It will be in full sun. If we can get to the valley then we will be in a desert wash or on the hillside.

Weather:
Click Here

Hike Map:
In the photos.
Geolocated Maps:
Click Here

About The Park:
Black Gap WMA

Previous trips to this area.
Black Gap Scouting Trip 2024
Black Gap Wildlife Management Area Scouting Trip 2021
Big Bend National Park Chisos Basin 2025
Big Bend National Park Camping 2018

More about where we hike:
Houston Area Hikes
List of hikes we have made