Are dogs allowed on Dodson Trail?

No, dogs are not permitted on Dodson Trail. This is typical in many national parks and wildlife refuges — check for a nearby dog-friendly alternative.

Do I need a permit to hike Dodson Trail?

No, Dodson Trail does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Dodson Trail?

Dodson Trail is rated difficult. It is 11.0 miles long with 2,320 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See Texas trail conditions

DifficultPoint to Point

Big Bend National Park/Texas

Dodson Trail

Big Bend National Park, Texas

11.0 mi

Distance

2,320 ft

Elev. Gain

4h 38m

Est. Time

Point to Point

Route Type

Difficult

Difficulty

About This Trail

We don't have an editorial description for Dodson Trail in our cache yet. The planning stats above (distance, elevation gain, estimated time, route type) come from the source listed on this trail.

For current conditions, closures, and route notes, check the official sources below — they're the authority for this trail, not us. Spot something we should add?

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Elevation Profile

Min:1,162 ft

Max:1,614 ft

707 ft

790 ft

Trail Details

No dogs
Kid-friendly

Route Type: Point to Point
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

Managed by National Park Service

Verify before you go

Source of truth

National Park Service unit page
Alerts, conditions, and the unit's plan-your-visit page.

Verify by phone or mail

Operator:432-477-2251
Address:1 Panther Junction · Big Bend National Park, TX · 79834

Reviews

No reviews yet

Be the first to share your experience and help others plan their visit.

Legacy import — verify before navigating

Path geometry came from our pre-launch legacy database. Routes have not yet been re-verified against the operator and may differ from the actual trail.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

Dodson Trail

About This Trail

Trail Conditions

Trail Conditions

Elevation Profile

Trail Details

Reviews

No reviews yet

Nearby Trails

Outer Mountain Loop

Homer Wilson Trail

Upper Burro Mesa Pouroff

Ward Spring Trail

Lower Burro Mesa Pouroff Trail

Burro Spring Trail

Other trails in Big Bend National Park

Lost Mine Trail

The Window Trail

Emory Peak via South Rim Trail and Boot Springs Trail

Emory Peak Trail

Balanced Rock Trail

Boquillas Canyon Trail

Campgrounds near this trail

South Rim 4 Loop Backpacking Site

Toll Mountain (TM1) Campground

Juniper Flats 1

Chisos Basin Campground - Big Bend National Park

Primitive Roadside Campsites— Croton Springs

Twisted Shoe Primitive Camp

Similar trails in Texas

Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail

Lady Bird Lake Trail

White Rock Lake Trail

Eagle Mountain Lake Park Trail

Knob Hill Trail

Dana Peak Park Trail