Hiking

Hiking

From Desert Flats to Mountain Tops

Hiking is a wonderful way to explore all the natural wonders of Big Bend National Park. There is a variety of hiking trails for every guest. For the latest conditions and information about hiking trails in Big Bend National Park, along with updated maps, visit the National Park Service website. 

Please Note: Pets are not allowed on hiking trails

Desert Hikes | Mountain Hikes | River Hikes

Desert Hikes

Hike Difficulty Distance Start Notes
Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail Easy 0.5 miles round trip Begin at Dugout Wells, 6 miles SE of Panther Junction Features: Dugout Wells, typical Chihuahuan desert habitat; perfect for picnics and bird watching
Lower Burro Mesa Pour-off Trail Easy 1 mile round trip Begin at end of Burro Mesa Spur Road off the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive  
Panther Path Easy 50 yard loop Wheelchair accessible loop through desert garden of the Panther Junction Visitor Center  
Sam Nail Ranch Easy 0.5 mile loop Begin at mile 3, Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive Features: leads through hold homestead of Jim and Sam Nail. Enjoy the historical remnants of the past and operational windmill. Perfect spot for wildlife and birdwatching
Tuff Canyon Easy 0.75 miles round trip Begin at Tuff Canyon Overlook on Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive Features: overlooks the tuff canyon
Chimneys Trail Moderate 4.8 miles round trip  Begin at mile 13, Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive Feature: chimneys, or series of volcanic dike formations, and Indian rock art; chimneys can be found 2.4 miles into the hike
Dog Canyon Moderate 4 miles round trip  Begin at pull off, 3.5 miles south of Persimmon Gap Visitor Center Features: flat hike best to be hiked early more or late afternoon due to temperature.
Grapevine Hills Trail Moderate 2.2 miles round trip

Beginning 6 miles down Grapevine Hills improved dirt road at parking area

Please Note: Requires high clearance vehicles DO NOT try with passenger car, minivan, or RV 
  
Mule Ears Spring Trail Moderate 3.8 miles round trip Through the foothills of Chisos Mountains and crosses arroyos. Do not bathe
Upper Burro Mesa Pour-off Trail Moderate 3.8 miles round trip  

Features: large rocks

Please Note: Be aware of loose rocks and flash flooding 
Marufo Vega Strenuous 12 miles round trip Begin at Marufo Vega trailhead near Boquillas Canyon

Features: passes through dry washes and hills then descends into Boquillas Canyon

Not recommended for inexperienced hikers
No shade, water, and hot temperatures
Mariscal Canyon Rim Trail Strenuous 6.5 miles round trip  Begin at Mariscal Rim Trailhead

Remote trail to the backcountry along river road, then open desert before ascending into the Mariscal Mountains

Not recommended in warmer months

Mountain Hikes

Please Note: No Smoking

Hike Difficulty Distance Start Notes
Window View Trail Easy 0.3 miles round trip Begin at Chisos Basin Trailhead

Wheelchair accessible

Perfect place to enjoy a big bend sunset
Window trail Moderate 5.6 miles round trip Begin at Chisos Basin Trailhead Features: hike through Oak Creek canyon to the Window for panoramic desert views  
Lost Mine Trail Moderate 4.8 miles round trip Begin at mile 5.1 Basin Road Features: explore the flora and fauna of Chisos Mountains.  
Chisos Basin Loop Trail Moderate 1.8 miles round trip Begin at Chisos Basin Trailhead Features: explore the dense shade of the Mexican trees and vegetation 
Boot Canyon Trail Strenuous 3.5 miles from Chisos Basin, then continues 2.8 miles to South Rim Begin at Chisos Basin Trailhead Features: Pass through the lushest environment of the Chisos Mountains
Emory Peak Strenuous 10.5 miles round trip Begin at Chisos Basin Trailhead Features: see the 360-degree view from the top of Emory’s Peak as the highest point of the park
South Rim Strenuous 12-14.5 miles round trip Begin at Basin Trailhead Features: challenging 2,000 ft (about 609.6 m) gain to explore through The Pinnacles and Laguna Meadows trails

River Hikes

Hike Difficulty Distance Notes
Hot Springs Historic Trail Easy 1 mile round trip Explore the historic remains of the resort, pictographs, homestead, and hot springs  
Rio Grande Village Nature Trail Easy 0.75 miles round trip Short trail with scenic views surrounded by birds. Perfect spot to watch the sunset with the panoramic views of the Rio Grande, Chisos and Del Carmen Mountains
Santa Elena Canyon Trail Moderate 1.7 miles round trip Leads into the mouth of the Santa Elena Canyon, a classic Big bend Hike
Hot Springs Canyon Trail Moderate 6 miles round trip

Features: explore the views of the Rio Grande, Chisos Mountains and Del Carmen Mountains

No shade, not recommended for summer months
Boquillas Canyon Trail Moderate 1.4 miles round trip Explore the cliffs overlooking the Rio Grande, continue to the river for fun sandy slopes