Part Of A Longer 4-Day Backcountry Hike

I hiked the Ore Terminal Trail as part of a 4 day backpacking expedition through the backcountry trails of Big Bend National Park.  The hike occurred on the 1st day on my way into the backcountry.  You can read my log of that extended hike here.

The Ore Terminal Trail is interesting because it follows the ruins of the aerial tramway that used to haul ore from Boquillas to the transport terminal.  When the operation shut down in the early 1900s, they simply walked away and left the cables, towers and buckets.  The dry desert environment has preserved these artifacts in good condition.

The trail is easy to follow.  It branches off from the Marufo Vega Loop Trail and there is a sign at the trailhead that points the way and rock cairns mark the path.  The trail goes up and down several hills, so you get a good workout.