Closed Canyon Trail in Big Bend Ranch SP

Liz Claflin

Scout

Closed Canyon Trail in Big Bend Ranch SP

11/25/25

This short hike is on FM170, also known as River Road - a very scenic drive through Big Bend Ranch State Park. You must have a visitor pass in order to do anything in this park! You can get it online, in one of the vistor centers, or at most trailheads, including this one. Alternatively, pick up an annual state park pass. Parking is generally easy, but if the lot is full, simply park along rhe road as there are quite a few spaces there as well. There is a bathroom. This is a short, flat, family-friendly hike into an impressive canyon. But there are a couple places where you will probably have to sit down on a smooth rock and alide a short distance. Or you might need to use hands and feet to get back up these little rocky sections on the way back out. But nothing to worry about and you can always stop and turn around at any point. The hike ends at a “trail closed” chain across the canyon. This is because, after that chain, the canyon drops down extrmeley steeply to the Rio Grande and would be impossible to traverse. This hike offers shade in the canyon as long as the sun isn’t directly above.

5.0

Jessica Rudewick

Beginner

Closed Canyon Trail in Big Bend Ranch SP

03/15/17

This trail was a blast! We have 3 kids, the youngest is 9 and went with a group where the youngest walker was 4. The kids & adults all had a blast! It is into a canyon, so a bit cooler inside as you are out of the sun. It might be hot mid-day as I'm not sure if there would be a breeze to cool you off. There are challenges along the way that you have to slide down or scramble over, but it makes the hike fun and adventurous for families. We have hiked quite a bit at Big Bend and this trail we would definitely do again!

5.0