Best Fall & Winter Hikes in Big Bend: Trails Worth the Miles

Why This Season is Prime for Big Hikes

Big Bend rewards those who walk a little farther. The cooler, more stable weather from November through March makes these longer hikes especially enjoyable. The air stays crisp, the light is clear, and the landscape stretches out in every direction without the haze or mid-day fatigue that can make longer trails feel heavier in other seasons. These are hikes for people who want the payoff: quiet canyons, dramatic overlooks, and a full sense of the park’s scale.

Below are our top longer hikes for fall and winter, with one shorter bonus trail that captures the season just as well.

1. South Rim

If there’s a flagship hike in Big Bend, it’s this one. The South Rim loop climbs from the Chisos Basin into high country with forests of oak and juniper, leading to one of the most jaw-dropping overlooks in the state: a 2,000-foot cliff edge with a panoramic view of the desert floor below and Mexico stretching out in the distance.

• Distance: 12–14.5 miles (depending on loop variation)

• Elevation Gain: ~2,000 feet

• Difficulty: Strenuous

• Trailhead: Chisos Basin

Why It’s a Fall/Winter Favorite: Cooler temps make the climb more comfortable, and you’ll actually want to linger at the rim rather than rush through it. Impressive weather fronts sometimes bring clouds rolling over the edge, creating surreal views.

2. Mesa de Anguila to The Saddle

One of the most remote and least-trafficked day hikes in the park. Starting near Lajitas, the route quickly ascends to a high mesa with huge views over the Rio Grande and Colorado Canyon. The destination: a dramatic rock outcrop known as The Saddle, overlooking the horseshoe bend of the river.

• Distance: ~4.5 miles round-trip to The Saddle

• Elevation Gain: ~600 feet

• Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous

• Trailhead: Lajitas, TX (west of the park)

Why It’s a Fall/Winter Favorite: This trail is fully exposed and can be intense during warmer months. In cool seasons, it becomes one of the most rewarding short summit hikes in the region. Morning light on the cliffs is unbeatable, and you’ll likely have the trail to yourself.

3. Marufo Vega Loop

This is Big Bend’s “choose your own challenge” trail. Located in the eastern canyons, the Marufo Vega Loop plunges into remote country with steep climbs, narrow canyons, and a dizzying view over the Rio Grande. There’s little shade, no water, and no cell signal, just big views, sky, and silence.

• Distance: ~13–14 miles loop

• Elevation Gain: ~2,000 feet each way

• Difficulty: Strenuous

• Trailhead: Near Boquillas Canyon parking

Why It’s a Fall/Winter Favorite: This trail is demanding in any season, but cool weather makes the distances and exposure more comfortable to manage. The views of the river twisting through rugged limestone are amazing and worth it.

4. Ernst Ridge Trail

A lesser-known ridge route connecting the Hot Springs Historic District to the Rio Grande Village area. This trail tracks high above the desert floor, offering big views of the Sierra del Carmen and the winding river. It’s steep in sections and remote, but rewarding.

• Distance: ~6 mile loop

• Elevation Gain: ~400 feet

• Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous

• Trailhead: Either at the Hot Springs parking area or near Rio Grande Village

Why It’s a Fall/Winter Favorite: Cooler air makes the climbs more manageable, and the clarity of winter light offers cinematic views. Even during busy weeks, this trail stays quiet.

5. Bonus: Rio Grande Village Nature Trail Overlook

Not every hike needs to be long to be memorable. This one starts from the Rio Grande Village campground and follows a boardwalk over wetlands before climbing a short hill to an incredible panoramic view.

• Distance: ~0.75 miles round-trip

• Elevation Gain: ~200 feet

• Difficulty: Easy

• Trailhead: Behind Rio Grande Village Campground site 18

Why It’s a Fall/Winter Favorite: The overlook is a perfect spot for sunrise or sunset. You get a 360-degree view with the  Sierra del Carmen glowing pink, the Rio Grande snaking through the valley, and the Chisos off in the distance.

Why These Hikes in Winter

• Cooler weather makes long distances more approachable

• No haze — just clear views and sharp light

• Trails are quieter, especially early mornings

• Golden hour lasts longer in the softer seasonal light

Fall and winter open the door to trails that are best appreciated when the air is cool and the pace is unhurried. These are the hikes that make Big Bend feel as big as its name.