BBNP Apache Canyon Hike ~9.1 Miles

This hike requires an hour drive into Big Bend NP. On the way we can stop at the Fossil Discovery Center and the Panther Junction visitors Center. Each carpool can allocate time between old bones and shopping.

We will start the hike when we arrive, so if you are not in the caravan, arrive at the trailhead early.

Fossil Discovery Center
75XRCV97+H4

Panther Junction Visitor Center
75XR8QHV+4J

The Hike:
We will walk into the arroyo then step out onto the desert and find the trail. It is easy to follow and takes us to a ruin of a coral and the hut where the ranchers stayed while watching the cattle. Last time I was here we heard a rattle snake, so keep an ear open.

From the coral, we make our way through the desert to an overlook of Apache Canyon. Noted for its bright orange color. This area is grazing land so there is no concern about disturbing the ground by walking through the desert.

Photos

The archeological site makes this a specially protected part of the park. It is not nice to disturb or remove artifacts. And it is a federal offence.

HATs organizers are not guides nor do we have any special training. We are here to come up with hiking ideas and get the hike started. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would if hiking alone, including the fitness level to make long hikes. Then enjoy the hike among friends.

We hike about 3 MPH. This is faster than many walking groups.

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 over an 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.

Gathering Point:
Ross Maxwell Scenic Road
Plus Code: 75XR7J6J+G6
https://maps.app.goo.gl/NpFqs2QRRZ9NwWod9

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 quickly even in cool weather. Bring ample extra water until you understand your consumption in the dry air.

Special Precautions:
Everything in the desert is designed to poke you. Eye protection is highly recommended.
Long pants and long sleeve shirts at all times.
Boots and gaiters to protect feet, pants and legs from thorns highly recommended.

Read the trip plan for more on this.

Bathrooms:
At the Panther Junction Visitors Center. We will stop for a brief visit on the way.

The Trail:
Most of the trail is a well worn footpath. There are a few places where it is difficult to follow. We will make our way to Apache Canyon by following the creek bed, weaving through tufts of grass and climbing to higher ground.

This is in full sun.

Weather:
Click Here

Hike Map:
In the photos.
Geolocated Maps:
Apache Canyon Hike Map

After Hike:

Terlingua!

This adds 30 minutes to the return drive. So we should be able to make it back to Stillwell before it gets late.

Our culinary consultant has recommended Taqueria el Milagro fro an afternoon lunch. We should have time to eat and do grocery shopping and hanging out people watching the aging hippies. I plan to leave for camp at five to get back before sunset.

Suggestions for other places to dine are welcome.

Taqueria el Milagro
1001 Terlingua Ghost Town, Terlingua, TX 79852

https://maps.app.goo.gl/81KMxqhvA3d1riFs9

75XR899R+R3

Cottonwood General Store
53710 TX-118, Terlingua, TX 79852
https://maps.app.goo.gl/TXLfsxcd8DkWNAtz9
75XR8F6F+X8

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