Outer Mountain Loop Permit: Route
Outer Mountain Loop permits are first-come, first-served in Big Bend National Park. The route covers 30 miles.
This guide covers the Outer Mountain Loop permit.
$10 flat backcountry permit fee (Big Bend National Park backcountry permit)
Permit Cost
2 nights / 3 days minimum
Duration
30 miles
Distance
strenuous
Difficulty
About Outer Mountain Loop
A 30-mile desert loop combining five trails through the Chisos Mountains and out into the desert basin: Pinnacles, Juniper Canyon, Dodson, Blue Creek, and Laguna Meadows.
The Outer Mountain Loop
- Distance
- 30 miles
- Route type
- loop
- Trip length
- 2 nights / 3 days minimum
- Difficulty
- strenuous
Chisos Mountains, Big Bend National Park. Nearest town: Terlingua
Points along the route
- Chisos Basin TrailheadMile 0, 5,401 ft
- Pinnacles campsitesMile 2.5, 6,336 ft
- Pinnacles Pass areaMile 3.7, 6,988 ft
- Boot CanyonMile 4.5, 6,848 ft
- Juniper Canyon campsiteMile 5.3, 7,037 ft
- Juniper Canyon
- Lower Juniper Zone
- Dodson Zone
- Blue Creek Zone
- Homer Wilson Ranch / Blue Creek TrailheadMile 21.4, 4,261 ft
- Laguna Meadows
Outer Mountain Loop permit detailsandAll Big Bend National Park permits
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100+ wilderness permits, extensive backcountry experience
This guide is based on personal experience obtaining wilderness permits and is regularly updated to reflect current policies and strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a Outer Mountain Loop permit?
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Outer Mountain Loop permits are available first-come, first-served. They can be booked online when they become available. Popular dates fill quickly.
How long is the Outer Mountain Loop route?
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The route is 30 miles, as a loop.
How difficult is the Outer Mountain Loop route?
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This is a strenuous route, demanding and requires excellent fitness.
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