BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK, Texas — Big Bend National Park is entering its peak season for hiking from mid-November 2023 until April 2024.
If you’re planning on visiting and hiking the trails, it’s important to be prepared in order to stay safe.
Although hiking is fun, it can also be dangerous.
“Just don’t bite off more than you can chew," said Tom VandenBerg, chief of interpretation and Visitor Services at Big Bend National Park.
Oftentimes it is more difficult than people realize, so before you get on a trail, being proactive is paramount.
“Talk to someone, have a good plan and have an appropriate route in mind before you just head out into the trail," VandenBerg said.
While there are hiking guidelines and regulations in place, the hike really starts with planning.
“It’s good to know where you’re going, have a plan," VandenBerg said. "We always recommend [to] people – when they come to Big Bend National Park or if you go to any of your other public lands in Texas – talk to one of the rangers there. Talk to someone that knows the area and tell them what you’re interested in, and together you’ll be able to figure out an itinerary that makes sense.”
Before your hike begins, communication is key.
“Make sure that someone knows where you’re going and when you expect to be back," VandenBerg said. "And make arrangements to talk to them when you get back, so if they don’t hear from you, then they can call the authorities and we can initiate some sort of search activity. I think that’s really important.”
When it comes to equipment, GPS units and satellite phones are a couple of items to bring on the trail.
“A lot of people nowadays also have the little inReach devices which basically kind of connects you via satellite to GPS, and certain models of those allow you to send texts and things even in places where there is no cell service," VandenBerg said.
If you do hit the trails for some hiking, it might be best to keep it simple.
“That’s one reason people get into trouble -- they just try to do a much too long trail, a much too difficult trail maybe on their first visit," VandenBerg said. "So, take your time, slow down, enjoy your time with your family and friends in this really special place, and don’t try to do too much all at once.”
VandenBerg added that bringing a flashlight and a first aid kit on your hike are essential as well. He noted that if you do get lost on a trail, stay in that location and wait for help to arrive.