Outer Mountain Loop wilderness permit area in Big Bend National Park - backcountry hiking destination
First-Come, First-ServedThru-HikeModerate Demand

Outer Mountain Loop

Big Bend National Park

Remote 30-mile desert loop.

“Traverse Big Bend on the Outer Mountain.”

Get Availability Alerts

Be notified instantly when Outer Mountain permits become available.

Demand
Moderate
5/10
Method
First-Come, First-Served
Booking Method
First-Come, First-Served

Outer Mountain Quick Facts

Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodFirst-Come, First-Served
Demand LevelModerate5/10

Key Information

Permit Details

TypeThru-Hike
Booking MethodFirst-Come, First-Served
Demand Level5/10
LocationTHRU

How to Get This Permit

1

Create a Recreation.gov account

Sign up at recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Have your payment info ready.

2

Know the release schedule

Permits typically release on a rolling basis. Check the specific release time for your desired dates.

3

Be ready when permits drop

Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.

4

Monitor for cancellations

If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.

Apply at Recreation.gov

When to Go

Peak: Summer monthsShoulder: Spring and Fall

Conditions

Summer offers the most reliable conditions for most wilderness areas.

Crowd Level

Moderate

Advantages

  • +Longest days
  • +Warmest temperatures
  • +Reliable trail conditions

Challenges

  • !Peak demand for permits
  • !Book accommodations early
  • !Weather varies

Difficulty Assessment

Physical Demand1/5

Fitness and endurance required

Technical Skill1/5

Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills

Exposure Risk1/5

Steep dropoffs and fall potential

Navigation1/5

Route finding and trail clarity

Commitment4/5

Difficulty of bailing out mid-route

Best For

Hikers of moderate fitness willing to put in the effort.

Recommended Experience

Basic hiking experience. Start with shorter trails if new to hiking.

The Experience

Why It Matters

Outer Mountain represents one of the great long-distance hiking experiences in Big Bend. The permit system manages use across multiple trailheads and campsites, preserving the wilderness character that makes this trail special.

Safety & Planning

🚨

Emergency Info

Download the PermitSnag app for offline access to emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Outer Mountain.

Want to access emergency info offline?Get the app →
🐻

Food Storage

Check bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations in the PermitSnag app.

Want to check food storage requirements?Get the app →

Outer Mountain FAQ

How do I get a Outer Mountain permit?

Outer Mountain permits are obtained through a first-come, first-served system. Use PermitSnag to track availability and get notified when cancellations occur.

When is the best time to visit Outer Mountain?

Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally 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. We check availability every few minutes, 24/7.

Photography Guide

Golden Hour

Sunrise and sunset offer the best light for landscape shots along the trail. Camp positioning matters for catching alpenglow.

Best Light

Early morning provides crisp air and fewer hikers in your shots. Midday sun can be harsh in exposed areas.

Beat the Crowds

Start early to photograph popular viewpoints without crowds. Weekdays see significantly fewer hikers.

Classic Shots

  • 📍Trail marker or sign at Outer Mountain trailhead
  • 📍Panoramic views from high points
  • 📍Campsite at golden hour
  • 📍Trail winding through wilderness
  • 📍Completion photo at trail end