Dogs are allowed in Big Bend Ranch State Park, however before bringing your four-legged friend along there are some important things you should know first. We recently camped at Big Bend Ranch State park with our two dogs, Lizzy Lou and Tripp, and would like to share some tips on how to keep your own pet safe while visiting this remote and beautiful place in west Texas.
Rules For Dogs Visiting Big Bend Ranch State Park
Dogs are not allowed on any trails in Big Bend Ranch State Park, except for the Hoodoos trail along the Rio Grande river and the Closed Canyon trail. Your pet must be kept on a leash at all times (one that’s 6′ or shorter) and can only be walked up to a quarter-mile from your campsite, along established roads. Dogs visiting Big Bend Ranch State park must be kept away from wildlife and you must immediately pick up and pack out their waste or face heavy fines. Except for service dogs, they aren’t allowed in any buildings (Including the Sauceda Bunkhouse) and must never be left unattended. You can view the park’s policies on pets here.
The Hoodoos Hiking Trail at Big Bend Ranch S.P.
The Hoodoos trail is one of the two hikes where dog are allowed in Big Bend Ranch State Park. This is an easy 1.2 mile loop that leads you past several interesting rock formations along the Rio Grande river and the U.S. Mexico Border. Be aware that there are some areas of the trail where lechugilla and prickly pear cactus grows close to the path, so be sure to keep your dog on a short leash and watch where they step.
There’s also no shade here, except for a small shelter at the very start of the trail. Be sure to check the temperature of the ground before walking your pet here to avoid burning their foot pads. (If you can’t hold your hand down on the exposed rocks for more than 3-5 seconds without discomfort, it’s too hot for your dog’s feet!) As silly as they might look, you might consider dog hiking shoes for their feet. Our dog Tripp’s feet got a bit sore on the short Hoodoos hike, so next time we come he’ll be wearing them.
The Hoodoos trail is located just off of Ranch Road-170, about 20 miles southwest of Presidio, TX.
The Closed Canyon Trail
The Closed Canyon trail is also located off of RR-170, about halfway between the small community of Redford and Lajitas. This hike is approximately 1.4 miles long and leads to a slot canyon, which often has several pools of standing water or tinajas as they’re known in the region. We didn’t make it to this dog-friendly hike in Big Bend Ranch State Park, but plan on stopping there on our next trip this coming spring.
Special Precautions For Dogs in Big Bend Ranch State Park
The heat in the Big Bend region of Texas can be extreme. Even during the winter the sun can heat the inside of a car to lethal temperatures in just a few minutes. Never leave your pet unattended in a vehicle here and be sure to give them lots of water to drink.
Be sure to keep them on a short leash at all times (the park requires one that’s 6′ or shorter) and never let them run off-leash. There are mountain lions, bears and lots of rattlesnakes here. (We saw two 5′ rattlesnakes while walking our dogs on the road near our campsite at Rincon #1.) Our own dogs receive an annual series of two rattlesnake antivenom vaccinations, which you might consider before visiting snake country. The side effects are usually minimal and the cost for the annual vaccination was only around $60.
The nearest veterinary clinic is located in Alpine (Alpine Small Animal Practice – 432-837-5416), about a two and a half hour drive from the park.
Recommended Vaccines For Dogs That Go Camping
Besides the normal series of vaccinations – which include distemper, parvovirus, (DA2PP), rabies, bordetella, etc., it’s a good idea for dogs that spend any amount of time in the outdoors to also be vaccinated for lepto – (Leptospira sp). This waterborne bacteria, as well as others such as giardia can be found in stagnant pools of water your dog might drink from in places like Big Bend Ranch State Park.
Fleas, ticks and internal parasites can also be found almost anywhere your dog travels in North America – as well as heartworm – so having your vet prescribe a preventative such as Simparica Trio is crucial for everyday health, not just when traveling.
Hantavirus is also present in this region, so be careful that your dog doesn’t eat mouse droppings or dig in any small rodent holes that are often found near campsites.
Be Safe and Responsible and Have a Great Trip!
It’s perfectly fine to bring your dog to Big Bend Ranch, as long as you’re aware of the park’s rules, and the special conditions that exist here which require extra caution and preparedness. If everyone does their part to be a responsible pet owner and to follow the rules, dogs will continue to be allowed to visit Big Bend Ranch State Park.
You can see our post on camping here: Thanksgiving at Rincon #1 Campsite in Big Bend Ranch State Park
