9 Great Hikes in Big Bend National Park
Take a tour through Big Bend National Park's stunning scenery and hidden gems with this complete travel guide. Featuring 9 of Big Bend's best hikes.
Calling all outdoor enthusiasts, Big Bend National Park is a hikers dream. From short 2 mile trails to challenging day hikes Big Bend has something for everyone.
With more than 150 miles of trails hikers can explore ancient volcanic rock in the Chisos Mountains, the diversity of plant life in the Chiuhuahuan Desert, and the river that separates two countries on the Rio Grande.
Mike & I spent 5 months working and living in the Big Bend area and during our time living there we hiked over 40 miles of trails and we got to say, Big Bend is AMAZING. Whether you have just one day or a few days to spare, Big Bend National Park is a great place to visit.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Getting Big Bend National Park
When to Visit
What to Bring
Amenities Nearby
9 Great Hikes
GETTING THERE
Big Bend National Park is one of America’s most remote national parks so a little extra effort is needed when planning a trip here. The closest commercial airport is in Midland/Odessa which is 200 miles away from Big Bend National Park. The most accessible airport is El Paso International which is 300 miles from Big Bend. It’s recommended that if you are flying in from out of state that you fly into El Paso and drive the rest of the way.
El Paso - 300 miles or 4.5 Hours
San Antonio - 400 miles or 6 Hours
Houston - 600 miles or 9 Hours
Austin - 430 miles or 7 Hours
Dallas/ Fort Worth - 530 miles or 8 Hours
WHEN TO GO
ANYTIME BUT THE SUMMER. Big Bend National Park is a BEAUITFUL place worth exploring but choosing the right time is crucial. By April temperatures were already reaching 100 degrees which makes hiking in Big Bend a little dangerous.
We recommend researching average monthly temperatures and choosing when would be comfortable for you to enjoy the outdoors. We found winter and early spring to be ideal hiking weather in Big Bend National Park.
WHAT TO BRING
Big Bend National Park carries two qualities, it’s massive size ( over 800,000 acres ) and it’s dry and sunny climate. Big Bend is located in the Chihuahuan Desert so carrying all your necessary supplies is important. After hiking Big Bend during the winter, spring, and summer these are the items we recommend having.
Plenty of Water
( in a insulated bottle preferred ) at least 32 oz per hour you plan on hiking. Big Bend can get VERY hot during late spring to early fall so you want to make sure you have a enough water with you on the trail.
Hiking Shoes/Boots
Many trails in Big Bend are rocky, sandy, and steep. Having supportive hiking shoes has been so helpful in being able to enjoy the trails and avoid any injuries.
Hiking Sticks
These have been a LIFE SAVER. Hiking sticks are so helpful in giving you extra support as you climb up steep trails as well as coming down steep trails. They provide extra stability and we no longer hike without them.
Sun Protectant
One of the best ways we’ve found to protect our skin is simply by covering it with hats and sun protectant clothing. To finish it off putting a sun screen on your face and any remaining exposed skin is what we find works for us.
First Aid Kit
It’s never a bad idea to carry a small first aid kit while hiking in Big Bend. Cell service doesn’t really exist in the park so it’s good to be prepared in case of an emergency.
Energizing Snacks
Whatever your version of an energizing snack is, bring plenty. There’s not a lot of food options in the park and you don’t want to be left with chips and soda.
AMENITIES NEARBY
IN THE PARK
Panther Junction
Open all year and a great place to start your adventure in Big Bend. Load up on information, pick up a park map and get exploring. You can also find a gas station, gift store, restrooms, U.S Post Office, and water filling station here. Backcountry and river permits can also be picked up here. There is some cell service and internet at the Panther Junction Visitor Center.
Chisos Basin
Open all year and a great place to explore the ancient volcano that is the Chisos Mountains. The Chisos Mountains Lodge offers a variety of rooms and cottages to stay in, dining room, camp store, and gift shop. The Mountain View restaurant is the only full service dining inside the park. There are also a variety of camping options at the Chisos Basin Campground. Restrooms, water filling station, backcountry & river permits, and park maps can be found at the Chisos Basin Visitor Center. There is some cell service and internet at the Chisos Basin Visitor Center.
Rio Grande Village
Open November through April and a great place to explore the Rio Grande River. Tent and RV camping options are available at the Rio Grande Village Campground. Restrooms, camp store, water filling station, park information, and river permits can be found here. There is no cell service at the Rio Grande Village area.
Castolon
Open November through April. Camping options are available at the Cottonwood Campground located near the Santa Elena Canyon. Restrooms, water filling station, park information, camp store, and river permits can be picked up here. There is no cell service at the Castolon Visitor Center area.
Persimmon Gap
Open November through April. Located at the north entrance to the park. Restrooms, park information, and gift store can be found here. There is no cell service at the Persimmon Gap Visitor Center.
NEARBY TOWNS
Terlingua / Study Butte
An old mining town located right outside the park offering a variety of lodging, river tours, and rv parks. A few popular places to pick up food are the Cottonwood General Store, Starlight Cafe, High Sierra Bar & Grill, DB’s Rustic Iron BBQ, Taqueria el Milagro and Espresso Y Poco Mas.
Marathon
Known as the Gateway to Big Bend National Park and located only 40 minutes from the north entrance to the park. The most popular place to stay is the Gage Hotel a 19th century upscale Colonial Mansion located right off the main downtown strip.
Alpine
A charming mountain town located 1 hour from Big Bend National Park. It’s home to the Sul Ross State University, a variety of art galleries, and plenty of colorful art murals that can be found around town.
Marfa
A small desert town located 1.5 hours from Big Bend National Park. It’s known for its minimalist art with a variety of unique art installments found around the town.
#1. THE LOST MINE
Distance: 4.8 Miles | Difficulty: Moderate | Elevation Gain: 1,131 FT. | Time: 3 Hours | Location: Chisos Basin
Hiking Big Bend’s Most Popular Trail: Lost Mine
Big Bend’s Lost Mine Trail is one of the best day hikes to do when visiting Big Bend National Park. If you’re looking to see Big Bend, this trail is the place to do it. With breathtaking views of the Chisos Mountains it’s no wonder this is one of the most popular trails in Big Bend.
#2. BALANCED ROCK
Distance: 2.0 Miles | Difficulty: Easy | Elevation Gain: 246 FT. | Time: 1 Hour | Location: Grapevine Hills
Hiking Big Bend: Balanced Rock Trail Guide
If you’re looking for a short and easy hike then you must make the stop at Balanced Rock. This trail takes you to a unique rock formation with amazing views of the Chihuahuan Desert.
#3. SANTA ELENA CANYON
Distance: 1.4 Miles | Difficulty: Easy | Elevation Gain: 157 FT. | Time: 30 Minutes | Location: Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive
Big Bend’s Santa Elena Canyon: Trail Guide
This is a short, easy, and family friendly trail that takes you into the Santa Elena Canyon where you can explore the Mexican/American border. When we went in January the beginning of the trail was underwater so we had to take our shoes off and cross the freezing cold water to get to the trail which was actually pretty fun.
#4. EMORY PEAK
Distance: 10.4 Miles | Difficulty: Hard | Elevation Gain: 2,522 FT. | Time: 6 Hours | Location: Chisos Basin
Hiking to the Highest Point in Big Bend: Emory Peak Trail Guide
The challenging 10.4 mile trail to Emory Peak takes you to the highest point in Big Bend National Park. At the top you will be rewarded with 360 degrees views of Big Bend from 7,827 feet high.
#5. THE WINDOW
Distance: 5.2 Miles | Difficulty: Moderate | Elevation Gain: 948 FT. | Time: 3 Hours | Location: Chisos Basin
Hiking Big Bend: The Window Trail Guide
Explore life inside the Chisos Basin as you make your way through canyons and washes. Watch your footing as you will soon be at a 200 foot drop off looking through The Window.
#6. HOT SPRINGS CANYON
Distance: 5.5 Miles | Difficulty: Moderate | Elevation Gain: 921 FT. | Time: 3 Hours | Location: Rio Grande Visitor Center
Hiking Big Bend: Hot Springs Canyon Trail Guide
Walk along the Rio Grande on this great day hike and explore some of the best views that Big Bend has to offer. Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit and enjoy one of Big Bend’s natural hot springs.
#7. CLOSED CANYON [DOG FRIENDLY]
Distance: 1.4 Miles | Difficulty: Easy | Elevation Gain: 114 FT. | Time: 30 Minutes | Location: Big Bend Ranch State Park
Explore one of Big Bend’s slot canyons on this short trail toward the Rio Grande River. This trail does require some climbing as you make your way into the canyon. We brought our dogs with us so we turned around when it got to be too challenging for them.
#8. HOODOOS TRAIL [DOG FRIENDLY]
Distance: 1.2 Miles | Difficulty: Easy | Elevation Gain: 101 FT. | Time: 30 Minutes | Location: Big Bend Ranch State Park
Another great short and easy hike in Big Bend is the Hoodoos Trail. This trail is in the Big Bend Ranch State Park which is located right next door to Big Bend National Park. Check out the cool sandstone formations called Hoodoos and dip your toes in the Rio Grande River. Don’t forget to bring your furry friends because this trail is pet friendly.
#9. LAJITAS MESA [DOG FRIENDLY]
Distance: 8.1 Miles | Difficulty: Moderate | Elevation Gain: 1,774 FT. | Time: 4 Hours | Location: Lajitas Golf Resort
Hike up Lajitas iconic mesa for scenic views of the Rio Grande River, Mexico’s mountain range, Big Bend Ranch State Park, and the Chihuahuan Desert. Don’t forget to add your name to the log book at the top.
Let us know what are your favorite hikes in Big Bend National Park in the comments below!
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WE’RE MIKE & DEANDRA.
Two adventure seekers traveling the U.S in our 37 FT. travel trailer with our two companions, Griffin & Lucy. We share our life on the road and travel guides to our favorite destinations.
This post contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.
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