Panther Path
What to Expect
Safety Advisory
Big Bend's desert heat is no joke even on a fifty-yard walk. In June through August, midday temperatures regularly exceed 105 degrees Fahrenheit — if you're here in summer, visit in the morning or late afternoon and drink water before you step outside.
Trail Details
- 1
Do this before any other hike in the park — it takes fifteen minutes and pays dividends for days. You'll recognize plants on the Window Trail, the South Rim, and everywhere in between.
- 2
The visitor center has the best air conditioning in the park. In summer, pair this walk with a thorough look at the interpretive exhibits inside — it's a natural double-feature.
- 3
Late afternoon light hits the cacti at a low angle and makes for surprisingly good macro photography — the spines catch the light and the waxy surfaces glow.
