Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
1,484.00 ft (452.32 m)
Trail type
Loop
Distance
13.00 mi (20.92 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The Marufo Vega Trail stretches 13 miles through Big Bend National Park in southwest Texas. This challenging hike features scenic canyon views, rugged terrain, and solitude. Midway through the trail, visitors will be able to enjoy stunning views of the Rio Grande! It is a beautiful desert loop that can be enjoyed as a hike, a trail run, or an overnight backpacking trip. 

A rugged and rocky adventure awaits you on the Marufo Vega Trail. Overgrown vegetation may make parts of the trail difficult to find. In this case, you should look for cairns to guide you. 

There is no shade or water on this loop, which is fully exposed. Visitors should plan accordingly and carry enough water to sustain them during a strenuous day. It is recommended that visitors begin this hike early in the morning, and that it should be attempted during the spring, winter, or fall when the weather is more moderate. It can quickly become unsafe in the summer when temperatures regularly reach 100 degrees. 

PARKING AND ENTRANCE FEES

Big Bend National Park requires a national park pass and fee. For more information, please visit https://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/fees.htm. The parking area for the Marufo Vega Trail is located on the south side of the road just past the Boquillas Overlook. 

BACKPACKING IN BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK

For more information about backpacking in the park please visit https://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/backpacking_chisos.htm

WEATHER

For more information about weather and current conditions in Big Bend National Park please visit https://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/weather.htm

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Fall
Winter

Parking Pass

National Park Pass

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Canyon Views. Rio Grande Views. Solitude.

Cons

Extreme Heat. No Water.

Trailhead Elevation

1,879.00 ft (572.72 m)

Highest point

2,612.00 ft (796.14 m)

Features

Wildlife
Historically significant
Backcountry camping
Big vistas

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Comments

Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment?
Sign In and share them.