Bell Spring Big Bend National Park

Bell Spring Big Bend National Park is a place that has long caught my attention while looking at maps of the west side of the Chisos Mountains. In addition this area of the park holds numerous springs and seeps and in my estimation, is rarely visited. I awoke to the early twilight turning the night sky to blue with Orion high over Casa Grande Peak.

The Hike Bell Spring Big Bend

I packed up some food and water and made the drive past Sam Nail Ranch and found a safe place to park off the road. As I cut across the desert I intersected a wash the would take me into the convoluted set of hills that harbored, Patch Nose Seep, Bell Spring, Patty Spring and other unnamed water sources. My plan was to try and catch as many as possible. I had previously studied the topos of the area and had a lot of doubts about being able to traverse my route, but there was only one way to find out.

I quite quickly found out that this area is a complex maze of small box canyons, narrow slots and impassable pour offs. After multiple retreats and attempted detours, I realized that my route would not easily get me to Bell Spring. I finally dead ended at a small but impossible pouroff. The slick gray walls were unclimbable and the surrounding slots were tight and dubious.

Conclusions

Admitting defeat, I returned the way I came and ended the hike before I reached my intended goals. Re-visiting the maps, I have concluded that there is an alternative route, but……..that will have to wait for another time. Although I did not reach Bell Spring Big Bend, I discovered a very interesting area that demands some more exploration. The geology is complex, water is common and it has an extremely remote feel despite being close to the road. I finished up the hike with only 3.4 miles logged, but I’m going back soon to get this area under my belt. This area has great potential for a longer look.

I found this real unusual rock too!

Here’s my short track – 3.4 miles total.