Big Bend National Park, a vast and varied landscape nestled in the heart of Texas, is a hiker’s paradise. Encompassing the rugged Chisos Mountains, a significant portion of the expansive Chihuahuan Desert, and cradled by the winding Rio Grande, Big Bend National Park offers an unparalleled outdoor experience. With over 70 distinct hiking trails weaving through its diverse terrain, there’s an adventure awaiting every level of explorer, from the casual stroller to the seasoned mountaineer.
For the experienced and ambitious, multi-day backpacking expeditions beckon on challenging routes like the South Rim and Marufo Vega Trails. These demanding journeys reward hikers with stunning vistas and a true sense of wilderness immersion. On the other end of the spectrum, those seeking a more relaxed experience can find solace in the therapeutic waters of the Hot Springs Historic Trail, soaking in naturally heated springs just steps from the Rio Grande.
Many trails within Big Bend National Park lead to iconic landmarks that define its unique character. The Santa Elena Canyon Trail offers a mesmerizing journey through towering cliffs bathed in golden light. The Grapevine Hills Trail culminates in the whimsical sight of Balanced Rock, a testament to the power of natural forces. For those driven to reach the highest point, the Emory Peak Trail provides a challenging climb to the park’s summit, rewarding hikers with panoramic views. Adventurous souls might seek out the elusive path to Cattail Falls, a hidden oasis tucked away in a secluded canyon. Moderate hikes like the Lost Mine and Window Trails offer a balance of challenge and reward, showcasing the beauty and diversity of the Chisos Mountains. And for a gentle introduction to the park’s wonders, the Window View Trail provides a short, accessible, and family-friendly option, ensuring that everyone can appreciate the splendor of Big Bend National Park.
Here are ten must-try hikes that capture the essence of Big Bend National Park, offering a glimpse into its diverse ecosystems and breathtaking scenery:
1. Hot Springs Historic Trail
Imagine soaking in a natural hot spring, the warm water easing your muscles as you gaze out at the flowing Rio Grande. This is the experience offered by the Hot Springs Historic Trail. Located near the ruins of J.O. Langford’s early 20th-century resort, this trail begins with an easy half-mile stroll to the hot spring itself. The waters, consistently around 105 degrees Fahrenheit, provide a soothing and therapeutic experience.
For those wanting a bit more adventure, a one-mile loop trail extends beyond the springs, offering unobstructed views of the Rio Grande from a scenic bluff. Along the way, keep an eye out for fascinating pictographs, ancient rock art painted in red ochre across the layered limestone walls. The trail also showcases the diverse flora of the Chihuahuan Desert, with over 15 different species of cacti dotting the landscape. As you explore, you’ll also encounter the remnants of Hot Springs Village, a reminder of the area’s rich history. The trailhead is conveniently located two miles down the gravel Hot Springs Road, near the Rio Grande Village Nature Trail and campsite.
2. Santa Elena Canyon Trail
The Santa Elena Canyon Trail is an iconic hike that plunges you into the heart of one of Big Bend’s most dramatic landscapes. The canyon’s towering walls, sculpted by the relentless flow of the Rio Grande, rise majestically to a height of 1,500 feet, their surfaces painted with hues of gold and ochre by the desert sun.
The adventure begins at the end of Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, where hikers often need to wade across Terlingua Creek to reach the trailhead, which is located atop a distinctive white and gray sedimentary rock hill. The trail itself is relatively short, stretching just 1.6 miles out and back, but it offers unparalleled views of the canyon’s grandeur. If the water level is low enough, adventurous hikers can even wade upstream in the river, experiencing the canyon from a unique perspective. This easy-rated hike is popular with families and follows a well-defined path through a landscape of desert scrub and cacti, leading to a small beach where the river widens.
3. Grapevine Hills Trail (Balanced Rock)
The Grapevine Hills Trail is a journey into a surreal landscape, famous for its unique rock formations and the iconic Balanced Rock. The trail is only accessible by driving down Grapevine Spring, a six-mile-long gravel road that adds to the sense of remoteness and adventure.
The hike itself is an easy to moderate 2.2-mile out-and-back trail that winds through a landscape reminiscent of another planet. Petrified rock formations, prickly pear cacti, and the occasional red velvet ant create a unique and fascinating environment. The trail is mostly smooth and sandy, but the final quarter mile leading to Balanced Rock requires a bit of a scramble uphill. Reaching the top is well worth the effort, as you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding Chihuahuan Desert. The Balanced Rock itself is a marvel of natural engineering, inviting hikers to climb on its massive boulders and soak in the panoramic vista.
4. Emory Peak Trail
For those seeking a challenging and rewarding climb, the Emory Peak Trail leads to the highest point in Big Bend National Park. At 7,825 feet, Emory Peak offers unparalleled views of the entire park and beyond.
This all-day, 10.5-mile round trip hike begins from the Chisos Basin parking lot. The first 3.5 miles follow the Pinnacles Trail, winding through patches of forest and wildflower meadows. Upon reaching the Emory Peak Trail Junction, the landscape transforms into a rocky, exposed terrain with minimal shade. The final 25 feet of the ascent requires a scramble up a sheer rock face, adding an element of adrenaline to the experience. Reaching the summit is a triumph, offering breathtaking aerial views of the Chisos Basin and the surrounding wilderness. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the way, including whitetail deer, Mexican jays, and even black bears. Be sure to plan accordingly, allowing at least six hours for the hike and carrying at least a gallon of water per person.
5. Lost Mine Trail
The Lost Mine Trail offers a moderate and scenic hike through a diverse ecosystem, rewarding hikers with panoramic views of the Chisos Mountains. This 4.8-mile round trip trail begins at mile 5.1 of Basin Junction Road and climbs steadily through a forest of juniper, fir, and pine trees.
As you ascend, you’ll be treated to expansive views of Juniper Canyon and the iconic Casa Grande peak. The trail maintains a gradual incline until it reaches the ridge above Pine Canyon, where the gradient increases significantly. The trail then levels out before reaching Lost Mine Peak. The area is named after a local legend about a mine started by Spanish settlers and destroyed by Native Americans, and it’s rich in mineral deposits and unique plant life, such as ocotillo and lechuguilla. For those seeking a shorter hike, the viewpoint at marker 10 offers stunning panoramas of the Chisos Mountains and is a great place to turn back.
6. Window Trail
The Window Trail is a popular and scenic hike that leads to a unique geological feature known as The Window, a natural pour-off in the Chisos Mountains that frames a breathtaking view of the desert landscape.
This moderate 5.6-mile out-and-back trail begins at the Chisos Basin Parking lot and descends gently into Oak Creek Canyon. The path winds through rolling hills and down a ravine carved by Oak Creek. Most of the trail is downhill, making it a relatively easy descent. Along the way, hikers are treated to stunning mountain views, unique rock formations, and a vibrant array of blooming flowers. The air is often filled with the sweet fragrance of white honeysuckle, and deer and butterflies flit along the trail. Reaching The Window is a rewarding experience, offering a panoramic vista of the desert stretching out below.
7. Cattail Falls Trail
The Cattail Falls Trail is a bit of a hidden gem, offering a secluded and rewarding hike to a seasonal waterfall. While not officially listed on Big Bend’s website and lacking signage on the main road, this trail leads to a beautiful oasis tucked away in a secluded canyon.
The trail is a moderate 3-mile out-and-back hike that begins from the parking area for Sam Nail Ranch. An alternative, longer 5.9-mile route begins at mile marker 3 on Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. The trail winds through wooded areas and partially along the rim of the valley of Cattail Creek. The destination is Cattail Falls, a seasonal waterfall that cascades into a pool surrounded by lush vegetation, including creeks, yellow columbines, and red orchids.
8. South Rim Trail
The South Rim Trail is one of the longest and most rewarding hikes in Big Bend National Park, offering breathtaking views of the Chisos Mountains, the Chihuahuan Desert, and even the Santa Elena Canyon.
This challenging 12.6 to 15-mile loop trail involves a steady climb of 2,000 feet of elevation to the South Rim Viewpoint. The trail is a combination of the Laguna Meadow, Colima, Southwest Rim, Boot Canyon, and Pinnacles Trails, with options to add on the Northeast Rim Trail and Emory Peak. The hike can be done as a full-day trek or a two-day backpacking trip. It’s recommended to hike counterclockwise, starting from the Chisos Basin parking lot, to tackle the toughest part of the climb early on. Reaching the South Rim Viewpoint is an unforgettable experience, offering panoramic vistas of the entire southern half of Big Bend National Park.
9. Window View Trail
For a quick and accessible taste of Big Bend’s beauty, the Window View Trail is an excellent choice. This short (0.3 miles), all-paved trail is wheelchair-accessible, making it suitable for visitors of all abilities.
The trail winds around a low hill to a viewpoint overlooking The Window, a V-shaped pour-off in the Chisos Mountains that naturally frames the desert landscape. The Window View Trail is also a great place for birding, offering the chance to spot rare feathered friends like the Colima warbler. The trail is particularly popular at sunset, offering stunning silhouetted mountain views. The trailhead is located at the Chisos Basin Trailhead.
10. Marufo Vega Trail
The Marufo Vega Trail is widely considered one of the most challenging and remote hikes in Big Bend National Park. This grueling 14-mile round trip trail is best suited for experienced hikers seeking a true wilderness adventure.
The trail is named after a local goatherd and leads hikers on a rugged route marked by cairns through dry washes, hills, and plateaus. The path enters the Boquillas Canyon and eventually runs parallel to the Rio Grande. The trail is isolated and lightly trafficked, offering a sense of solitude and immersion in the natural environment. Highlights include spectacular views of Mexico’s Sierra del Carmen and the opportunity to cool off with a swim in the Rio Grande. Due to its difficulty and exposure, it’s essential to be prepared for high temperatures and carry plenty of water.
