dog canyon

This trail seems to have been very under rated on Trip Advisor. It was our last trail of the holiday and we found the canyon itself beautiful with the incredible evidence of volcanic movement thousands and thousands of years ago. It was made a little interesting by the fact there had been some rain earlier in the week and the river bed was blocked in places which menat scrambling up and down river banks followed by that incredible feeling of dwarfed insignificance in the face of giant rock formations. Highly recommended

This was our first hike in Big Bend. We entered the park at the Persimmon Gap Visitor Center. No one was there so we proceeded approximately three miles to the trail head. The trail is treeless and not particularly pretty until you get near the canyon. There the vegetation becomes quite lush along the canyon walls and birds seem to be everywhere. The last part of the hike is in sandy washes leading to and from the canyon. We were not paying close attention to where we entered the wash and it caused us to backtrack a little bit when climbing out. There is a sign but if you aren't looking for it you can easily miss it. We did not meet anyone else on the hike. This short hike was a great way get out of the car after a long drive and stretch ones legs.

The trail is very well-marked. The first mile is level across mud flats; after that there are some arroyos to get through. As we neared the canyon, we found it was easier to stay in the channel. There are a couple caves/rock shelters in the canyon. At the far end of the canyon the upright pitch of the rock layers are clearly visible.

Dog Canyon is located a few miles from the North visitor's center and the parking area is well signed. It is approximately 2 miles straight across the desert with no obstacles. There is a well defined trail. If it has rained recently, which is not an usual occurrence, you would do well to strike out to the left of the trail on a little higher ground that drains quickly. you cannot get lost as the canyon is always visible.About 1/2 mile short of the canyon, if you are on the defined trail, there is a sign directing you into the wash which goes through the canyon. This is the harder route as there are rocks to walk on and water holes can be present.The easiest and most direct route is on the left of the wash, keeping far enough away from the wash to miss the incised drainage channels. the mountain on the left will beet at the mouth of the canyon where one can easily get into the wash with no difficulty.Frome here on the canyon is easy and very gradual. Lots of nice picture opportunities. The silence is deafening. Turn around upon leaving the canyon on the other side as it is private land, and nothing to see for miles anyway.Heading back to your car, upon exiting the canyon, climb up out where you entered and retrace your steps. i usually bear to the right to keep out of the ditches. Can't get lost if you stay in the flat and out of the wash.