Hiking in Big Bend

Hiking in Big Bend National Park

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
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

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

Our Favorite Trails
Here’s our list of the top 10 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:

1. 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​

2. 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

3. South Rim Trail
• Distance: 12-14.5 miles round-trip
• Difficulty: Strenuous
A challenging hike with switchbacks and high elevation gains, but the reward is a panoramic view over the Chisos Mountains and the vast desert landscape. This is one of the longest and most scenic hikes in Big Bend, ideal for experienced hikers​

4. Emory Peak
• Distance: 10.4 miles round-trip
• Difficulty: Hard
As the highest peak in Big Bend, this hike offers a steep climb with impressive views from the top, accessible via the Pinnacles Trail. The last section requires rock scrambling, making it an adventure for those seeking a more rugged experience​

5. Balanced Rock
• Distance: 2 miles round-trip
• Difficulty: Easy
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​

6. Boquillas Canyon Trail
• Distance: 1.4 miles round-trip
• 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​

7. Ernst Tinaja Trail
• Distance: 1.6 miles round-trip
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
This unique trail leads through a slot canyon to stunning rock formations and waterholes. Accessible via Old Ore Road, a high-clearance 4WD is recommended. The striking geological features make it a must-see​

8. 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​

9. Rio Grande Village Nature Trail
• Distance: 1 mile round-trip
• Difficulty: Easy
A leisurely trail near the Rio Grande with boardwalks through wetlands, this is an ideal spot for bird-watching and sunset views over the river, accessible from the nearby campground​

10. 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

River Trips

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Places to Eat

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Birdwatching

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Disc Golfing

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Gas and Groceries

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Horseback Riding

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Motorcycles

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Night Life

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Stargazing

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Spas and Retreats

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Vehicle Tours

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Visiting Boquillas

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