Hiking in Big Bend
Hiking in Big Bend
Hiking Big Bend NP and our favorite trails
Big Bend offers over 150 miles of hiking trails that range from easy interpretive walks to multi-day excursions. Visitors are also welcome to travel off-trail for an even more adventurous experience. No permits are required for day hikes in Big Bend National Park.
🥾 Guided Hikes and Tours
For guided hikes, Big Bend Boating and Hiking Company is highly recommended. Their experienced guides provide deeper insight into the park’s geology, history, flora, and fauna while ensuring a safe experience.
Big Bend Boating & Hiking Company
• Website: hikingbigbend.com
• Contact: 469-607-9869
Get Lost Tours
• Website: getlosttours.net
• Contact: (432) 371-3301 or (432) 294-1580
🗺️ Official Park Trail Maps
Visit the NPS website for the most up to date trail maps, park conditions, and more here:
• Big Bend National Park Service Website
Big Bend National Park Entrance:
🚗 Only 18 Miles from The Summit at Big Bend
🌄 Our Favorite Trails
Here’s our list of top hikes in Big Bend National Park, each offering unique experiences ranging from easy walks to challenging treks through stunning desert landscapes, mountain vistas, and river canyons:
Lost Mine Trail
• Distance: 4.8 miles round-trip
• Difficulty: Moderate
Known for spectacular views of Casa Grande and Juniper Canyon, this popular trail ascends through a forested area to a ridge with stunning views, especially rewarding at sunrise. It’s a must-do for hikers with limited time in the park.
Santa Elena Canyon Trail
• Distance: 1.7 miles round-trip
• Difficulty: Moderate
This scenic trail leads through Santa Elena Canyon along the Rio Grande. Hikers cross Terlingua Creek and climb paved steps to breathtaking vistas. It’s one of the most iconic.
Balanced Rock
• Distance: 2 miles round-trip
• Difficulty: Moderate
This short hike through unique rock formations ends at the iconic Balanced Rock, a fun photo spot and a great family-friendly hike with fantastic geological features.
Hot Springs and Earnest Ridge
• Distance: Up to 6 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
Perfect for families, this trail along the Rio Grande offers scenic views, sandy beaches, and sightings of local wildlife, including burros. The trail is quieter than others and ideal for a relaxed outing.
The Window Trail
• Distance: 5.6 miles round-trip
• Difficulty: Moderate
Starting from Chisos Basin, this trail ends at a dramatic V-shaped pour-off overlooking the desert. Sunset is especially beautiful from this spot, making it a favorite for photographers.
Mule Ears Spring Trail
• Distance: 3.8 miles round-trip
• Difficulty: Moderate
This rocky desert trail leads to a spring, offering views of the unique Mule Ears rock formation along the way. It’s one of the quieter trails, perfect for spotting wildlife and enjoying desert solitude.
Sotol Vista Overlook
• Distance: Not a hike (drive-up overlook)
• Difficulty: Easy (drive-up)
One of the most stunning roadside viewpoints in Big Bend, Sotol Vista offers panoramic views of the Chihuahuan Desert. This spot is breathtaking at sunrise or sunset, when the colors of the landscape come alive. A perfect stop for those wanting a quick, awe-inspiring view without a hike.
