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Heavy Rains Damage A Trail And Road In Big Bend National Park

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Published Date

September 5, 2022
Heavy rains have damaged the Lost Mine Trail and Ross Maxwell Road at Big Bend National Park/NPS

Heavy rains have damaged the Lost Mine Trail (above) and Ross Maxwell Road at Big Bend National Park/NPS

Monsoon season has inflicted damage to a popular trail and major road in Big Bend National Park in Texas, necessitating their closure until repairs can be made.

The rains Saturday led to collapse of a section of switchbacks along the Lost Mine Trail, resulting in heavy damage to that section of trail. The bottom of the switch back was covered in rocks and the top of the switchback was too narrow to safely traverse, a park release said. The trail was closed to travel and will reopen once trail crews can assess, stabilize, repair, and make it safe for hikers

The same day, high water and debris crossed the pavement along the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive south of the Mule Ears Overlook. The pavement was broken off and washed away and logs and rocks washed onto the road, making it unsafe to travel. The resulting damage and debris closed the road at that point. The road will remain closed past Mule Ears Overlook until crews can repair the section and ensure it is safe for vehicle travel. 

Due to the road closures making the Cottonwood Campground inaccessible, the campground is now temporarily closed and campers were moved.

Since September 1, the park has received 1.5-2.5 inches of rain.

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