Mexicano Falls, The Solitaro, Exploritory Backpack, Big Bend Ranch State Park

Tucked away in the vast, rugged landscapes of Big Bend Ranch State Park in Texas, Mexicano Falls is a hidden gem that offers visitors a serene retreat into nature. As one of the lesser-known waterfalls in the park, Mexicano Falls provides a tranquil and picturesque setting perfect for nature lovers, hikers, and photographers. Mexicano Falls is a beautiful waterfall that cascades down a rocky cliff into a clear pool below.

The plan is to leave EP Friday morning and drive to the Sauceda Ranger Station deep within the interior of the park. We will car-camp here Friday night. Saturday morning we drive about 5 miles further to a parking area where we will begin the backpack. Our destination is Rincon 1 campsite from which we can hike to the falls or camp at Mexicano Falls itself. This is an EXPLORATORY backpack having never been to either location. I have in the past, been to Sauceda Ranger Station and the Solitario. The drive to the ranger station is 27 miles on a rugged dirt road from highway 170. A high clearance vehicle is required.

We will initially stop at Ft. Leaton to obtain our permit and pay the associated fees.

Backpack Rating : Moderate
Length: 5 miles to the Rincon 1 campsite
Elevation Gain/Loss: 400 ft.
Our camp elevation is at 4,100 ft.
No pets please
No ground fires are allowed. Camp stoves only

This is not a beginner's backpack. This is a desert backpack into the beautiful Chihuahuan Desert. We will hike on old historic gravel roads. We will use the pool below the falls as our water source. There is little to no shade until we reach the falls.

The drive to Big Bend Ranch SP is about 5 hours from EP. Participants will meetup at Ft. Leaton on Friday. I will be leaving EP around 7am on Friday.

Participants should be in good physical conditions to attend this outing. Folks with an underlying medical condition should avoid moderate and strenuous outings. Participants who RSVP yes also agree to the Release of Liability statement located under the "What we're about" heading.

For safety reasons we hike together and support each-other as a group/team, with the leader in control. We stop, rest, eat, etc. together. No one will be allowed to hike ahead at any time. If you are unwilling to comply with this please do not sign up. Thanks