Trailhead
Homer Wilson Ranch / Blue Creek Trailhead
MI ≈21.4 · ≈4,261 ft
On Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive; the loop's other legal water-cache point, and the final steep climb back to the Chisos begins here.
Each entry point carries its own quota
Outer Mountain Loop Permit
Big Bend National Park · Texas
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.
Get an alert when Outer Mountain opens on your dates.
70% of the openings our scanner caught on Outer Mountain were gone within 45 minutes.
Outer Mountain reservation dates
- route distance, loop
- 30mi
- max group size
- 15people
Where to camp on the Outer Mountain Loop
The loop is 30 miles from Chisos Basin Trailhead, and it climbs from 4,261 ft to 7,037 ft at Juniper Canyon campsite. There are 5 places to camp on the loop.
30 mi loop
Pinnacles campsites
Camp
Mile 2.5 of 30
Elevation ≈6,336 ft
The first backcountry campsites on the Pinnacles Trail, on a short spur.
Outer Mountain Loop, stop by stop from Chisos Basin Trailhead
Map of the Outer Mountain Loop from Chisos Basin Trailhead
6 of 6 places in this section
Loading the map
Terrain USGS 3DEP · Water USGS NHD · Trail © OpenStreetMap contributors
How to get an Outer Mountain permit
As of October 2026, Outer Mountain in Big Bend National Park, Texas requires a permit issued via first-come, first-served. Outer Mountain rates 5/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. Canceled Outer Mountain permits are re-released on the booking system, and PermitSnag alerts you the moment one opens. The Outer Mountain route covers 30 miles, rated strenuous.
- Type
- Thru-Hike
- Location
- Chisos Mountains, Big Bend National Park, TX
Step 1: Create a Recreation.gov account
Sign up at Recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Have your payment info ready.
Step 2: Know the release schedule
Permits release on a rolling basis. Check the release time for your dates.
Step 3: Be ready when permits drop
Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.
Step 4: Monitor for cancellations
If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.
More on Outer Mountain: Live availability activityWhen Outer Mountain permits open upOuter Mountain Loop permit itinerary
Guides: Outer Mountain Loop permit guideSouth Rim Loop permit guide
How much an Outer Mountain permit costs
Outer Mountain permit fee: $10 flat backcountry permit fee (Big Bend National Park backcountry permit).
The Outer Mountain hike
- Distance
- 30 miles
- Route Type
- Loop
- Duration
- 2 nights / 3 days minimum
- Difficulty
- Strenuous
About this permit
Water caching is allowed at exactly two points: the Blue Creek/Homer Wilson Ranch trailhead on Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, and the end of Juniper Canyon Road.
How hard the Outer Mountain hike is
- Physical DemandFitness and endurance required5/5
- Technical SkillClimbing, scrambling, or specialized skills2/5
- NavigationRoute finding and trail clarity2/5
- CommitmentDifficulty of bailing out mid-route4/5
Best for: Experienced hikers with excellent fitness and relevant technical skills.
Recommended experience: Should have completed 10+ mile day hikes with significant elevation gain.
When to hike Outer Mountain
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (5,401 ft)
⚠️
Backcountry Tips
- Day 3: 89% chance of precipitation. Pack rain gear.
- Day 4: 85% chance of precipitation. Pack rain gear.
Today
⛅
71°
57°
Wed
☁️
74°
58°
Thu
🌧️
62°
58°
89%
Fri
🌧️
70°
56°
85%
Sat
🌧️
74°
61°
Sun
☁️
75°
63°
Mon
🌧️
80°
64°
View full NWS forecast →Mountain weather changes rapidly. This forecast is a guide—always be prepared for worse conditions.
Outer Mountain rules, gear and safety
Hazards & considerations
- No reliable water on route; NPS recommends at least one gallon per person per day
- Extremely steep sections, including a 2,500-foot climb back into the Chisos at Blue Creek Canyon
- Not recommended for inexperienced hikers
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Outer Mountain.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Outer Mountain · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
Some links may be affiliate links. Purchases support PermitSnag at no extra cost to you.
Outer Mountain FAQ
How do I get a Outer Mountain permit?
PermitSnag alerts you the moment a Outer Mountain cancellation opens, so you can book it before anyone else. Outer Mountain permits use a first-come, first-served system.
When is the best time to visit Outer Mountain?
Season dates are on the agency's page. Weekdays have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Outer Mountain permit?
This permit has a demand score of 5/10, making it moderately competitive.
What if I can't get a Outer Mountain permit?
Cancellations happen daily. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to get notified the moment a spot opens up. Pro and $19 single-permit alerts are checked every minute, 24/7; free accounts are checked hourly.
Outer Mountain trail conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions
No active conditions reported
Sign in to report trail conditions.
Questions
No questions yet
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Trip Reports
Write ReportAlternatives to an Outer Mountain permit
Where to stay near Outer Mountain
- Chisos Basin Campground (Big Bend, Tx)Big Bend National Park
- Chisos Basin Group Campground (Big Bend, Tx)Big Bend National Park
- Big Bend Backcountry CampingBig Bend National Park
- All Texas campgrounds
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