Big Bend National Park is a sprawling wilderness in southwestern Texas and a hiker’s paradise. Its rugged mountains, deep canyons, and desert landscapes offer diverse trails. In this article, nationalparkshops.com and you will explore 10 of the best Big Bend National Park hiking, showcasing the park’s diverse beauty and rewarding hikers with stunning vistas, historic sites, and unique natural phenomena.
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South Rim Trail
- Distance: 12.6 miles
- Total Elevation Gain: 2,800 feet
- Level of Difficulty: Challenging
- Duration: 6 to 8 hours
The South Rim Trail offers a fantastic opportunity to explore Big Bend National Park. Beginning at the Chisos Basin, hikers will gradually ascend to the South Rim, where they can enjoy breathtaking vistas of the Chihuahuan Desert. For a more thrilling adventure, consider including the brief yet challenging hike up Emory Peak.
Lost Mine Trail
- Distance: 4.8 miles
- Total Elevation Gain: 1,224 feet
- Level of Difficulty: Moderate
- Duration: 2.5 to 3.5 hours
The Lost Mine Trail is a highly favored trek within the park. The majority of the trail consists of a gradual uphill walk, offering intermittent glimpses of the Chisos Mountains. Yet, upon reaching the summit, the scenery becomes truly breathtaking. Your prize is a sweeping vista encompassing the mountains and valleys of Big Bend National Park.
Located on Basin Junction Road, a mile prior to reaching Chisos Basin Village, is a small parking area. This lot has limited space for around 20 vehicles, so it’s advisable to arrive early (preferably at sunrise) to secure a spot.
Basin Loop Trail – One of the classic Big Bend National Park hiking
- Distance: 1.9 miles
- Total Elevation Gain: 3,900 feet
- Level of Difficulty: Easy
- Duration: 50 minutes
The Basin Loop Trail is a classic Big Bend National Park hiking that offers a taste of the park’s diverse landscapes and geological features. This moderate takes hikers through the Chisos Mountains Basin, showcasing the area’s unique rock formations, lush vegetation, and stunning vistas.
The Basin Loop Trail offers a fascinating glimpse into the geological history of the region, with opportunities to observe the park’s unique rock formations and erosional features. Keep an eye out for the iconic “balanced rocks” and other geological wonders that have been shaped by the forces of wind, water and time.
Window Trail
- Distance: 5.6 miles
- Total Elevation Gain: 960 feet
- Level of Difficulty: Moderate
- Duration: 3 to 4 hours
The Window Trail should not be mistaken for the Window View Trail. It is a moderately challenging hike that leads to the Window, offering breathtaking views of Big Bend National Park. The trail descends towards the Window pour-off, so be prepared for a longer and more strenuous return hike back to the Chisos Basin parking lot.
Hot Springs Historic Trail
- Distance: 1 mile
- Total Elevation Gain: 354 feet
- Level of Difficulty: Easy
- Duration: 30 minutes, longer to relax in the hot springs
The Hot Springs Historic Trail is a unique Big Bend National Park hiking that combines natural beauty with a glimpse into the park’s rich history. This moderate, 1-mile trail takes hikers to the site of the historic Hot Springs, where visitors can soak in the warm, mineral-rich waters and learn about the area’s past.
The highlight of the Hot Springs Historic Trail is, of course, the opportunity to soak in the natural hot springs. The waters are a soothing 105 degrees Fahrenheit, offering a relaxing respite from the desert heat and a chance to unwind in a truly unique setting.
Santa Elena Canyon Trail
- Distance: 1.7 miles
- Total Elevation Gain: 100 feet
- Level of Difficulty: Easy
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
This trail is considered one of the top hikes in Big Bend National Park. It is not long, it is not difficult, and it offers a fantastic opportunity to get close to the Rio Grande.
During most of the hike, you will be walking beside the river. There is a short uphill section, but the effort is rewarded with stunning views of the Rio Grande. The trail concludes at a picturesque overlook of the Santa Elena Canyon.
Emory Peak Trail
- Distance: 10.4 miles
- Total Elevation Gain: 2440 feet
- Level of Difficulty: Strenuous
- Duration: 5 to 7 hours
Emory Peak stands as the tallest point in both the Chisos Mountains and Big Bend National Park. The journey to reach it is challenging, but the panoramic view of the park from the top is unparalleled.
There are two routes available for this hike. The first option involves a direct out-and-back trek from the Chisos Basin Visitor Center to Emory Peak. The second option, a more extensive full-day excursion, includes hiking the South Rim Trail with an additional detour to Emory Peak.
Window View Trail
- Distance: 0.3 miles
- Total Elevation Gain: 50 feet
- Level of Difficulty: Easy
- Duration: 20 minutes
The Window View Trail loops around a small hill, providing great views of the mountain peaks that encircle the Chisos Basin, as well as a glimpse through the natural window formation. There are benches placed along the trail where visitors can relax and admire a traditional Big Bend sunset.
This Big Bend National Park hiking is paved and suitable for wheelchairs, gradually descending to the loop’s end before ascending back to the beginning. It starts from the paved parking area close to the Chisos Mountains Lodge and Chisos Basin Visitor Center.
Tuff Canyon Trail
- Distance: 0.75 miles
- Total Elevation Gain: 145 feet
- Level of Difficulty: Easy
- Duration: 30 minutes
The Tuff Canyon trail begins at the Tuff Canyon parking lot’s southwest side. It goes southwest, running close to the highway for a short while, offering great views of Cerro Castellan in the west. Afterward, the trail turns to the right (west) and gradually goes downhill through the desert, passing two intersections that lead to viewpoints along the south rim of the canyon.
Boquillas Canyon Trail
- Distance: 1.6 miles
- Total Elevation Gain: 215 feet
- Level of Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours
The trail resembles Santa Elena Canyon as it runs parallel to the Rio Grande. The beginning and end of the hike pose the most difficulty, involving a steep but short ascent over a sizable hill (take in the view, it’s more impressive than the one from the nearby Boquillas Canyon Overlook). After that, the path is mostly level and offers picturesque views of the river.
Big Bend National Park hiking trails offer the park’s stunning landscapes, rich biodiversity, and unique geological features. The park’s wildlife, plant life, and cultural heritage add layers of depth to the hiking experience, making every step a journey of discovery and wonder. As you plan your visit to Big Bend National Park, be sure to research trail conditions, obtain any necessary permits, and practice Leave No Trace principles to help preserve this pristine environment for future generations.
