Mesa De Anguila Trail

Mesa de Anguila is one of the least visited areas of Big Bend National Park. It is part of a large uplift that extends across the Rio Grande deep into Mexico. In Texas the mesa is known as Mesa de Anguila; in Mexico it is called the Sierra Ponce. The deep cut of Santa Elena Canyon separates the two and marks the border. The complex of trails on Mesa de Anguila offers numerous options for long or short hikes of varying difficulties. The lack of water, extreme summer temperatures, and a maze of trails makes hiking here challenging. Mesa trails are rarely maintained, so expect abundant spiny vegetation and loose rocks. Wear long pants or gaiters for protection from vegetation on overgrown trails. Mesa de Anguila is usually very hot from mid-April through September. Hikes on the mesa should be done during cooler times of year.