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Author:
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1GoodPacker
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Activity:
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Backpacking
ActivitySearchBackpacking
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State:
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Texas (TX)
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Distance:
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19 mi
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Average Speed:
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0.3 mph
3:47:22/mi
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Duration:
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3d 0:00:00
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Difficulty:
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7 / 10
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USGS Topo Map:
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Agua Adentro Mountain, Sauceda Ranch, Santana Mesa, Redford SE
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Rating:
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 1 rating(s)
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The Rancherias Loop trail passes through two canyons, goes over ridges, along jeep trails and old wagon roads, and over a mesa. In many places, the trail is not defined and is marked only by rock cairns. Hikers must be well conditioned and well versed in navigation with map, compass, and GPS. This is a trail for experienced desert hikers. Even though a three-day hike means a little over 6 miles per day, do not underestimate the terrain--it's very rough. There are two major springs on the trail having reliable water year round. As always, hikers should double check condition of the springs at Park Headquarters in Lajitas while getting their permit. Prime time for this trip is November through March.
TO TRAILHEAD: The eastern trailhead is about 21 miles west of Barton Warnock Education Center near Lajitas, Texas on Highway FM 170. The western trainhead is an additional 2 1/2 miles west from the eastern trailhead.
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East Trailhead parking
Location: 29.321203°, -104.007740°
Box Canyon
Location: 29.338339°, -104.001346°
Do not go north into the box canyon. Turn easterly through the gap in the rock fence.
Acebuches Canyon entrance
Location: 29.335047°, -103.990359°
Seep Spring
Location: 29.342529°, -103.990188°
Side canyon enters
Location: 29.352217°, -103.984051°
Stay in the main canyon turning east.
Saddle
Location: 29.369909°, -103.966048°
Dividing Acebuches and Panther Canyons
Resa homestead
Location: 29.371667°, -103.961005°
Large, reliable spring. Good camping (stay 300 feet from water)
Panther Spring
Location: 29.385167°, -103.964825°
Jeep Road
Location: 29.396048°, -103.962615°
Follow jeep road to the west
Rancherias Spring
Location: 29.394515°, -104.021280°
Camp here at the end of day two.
Intersection
Location: 29.401918°, -104.005455°
Continue west
Intersection
Location: 29.397113°, -103.975200°
Continue west
Old wagon road
Location: 29.388906°, -104.045034°
Faint double track heading south across top of Mesa
Mesa edge
Location: 29.361830°, -104.043317°
Southern edge of Mesa de Guale. Begin descent.
Western Trailhead Parking
Location: 29.333251°, -104.047265°
Intersection
Location: 29.337366°, -104.037459°
Follow road to parking.
