Body of Missing Hiker Recovered on Big Bend’s Marufo Vega Trail

BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK, TX – Authorities have located the body of a 24-year-old hiker along the Marufo Vega Trail after a multi-agency search, concluding Monday, October 28. 

The search team included National Park Service rangers, U.S. Border Patrol agents, and aerial support from Texas Department of Public Safety and U.S. Customs Air and Marine Operations.

Concerns arose when the hiker’s vehicle was seen parked at the Marufo Vega Trailhead without overnight registration, prompting aerial searches on Sunday. With no immediate results, a coordinated ground team was deployed on Monday, eventually locating the hiker’s body along the rugged trail. The area’s intense heat and arid conditions make it particularly hazardous, with temperatures near the Rio Grande reaching almost 100 degrees, even in October.

The Marufo Vega Trail, a 14-mile loop known for its extreme heat and remote terrain, presents significant risks for hikers year-round.

Deputy Superintendent Rick Gupman expressed condolences, emphasizing the importance of preparation when hiking in Big Bend’s challenging environment. Park officials advise visitors to bring adequate water, salty snacks, and avoid peak afternoon heat, especially on exposed desert trails.