Hiking Big Bend: The Window Trail Guide
Explore life in the Chisos Basin on the Window Trail in Big Bend National Park. This trail guide features everything you need to know before you hike including when to go, what to bring, & much more.
The Window is one of the top places to see on a trip to Big Bend National Park. Panoramic views from the Chisos Basin floor, towering rock walls, and desert wildlife make this trail one of the top hikes in Big Bend National Park. Visible from almost anywhere in the Chisos Basin, The Window is best experienced from the Window Overlook or the 5 mile trail that takes you right up to the ledge of the Window which drops 200 feet.
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TRAIL STATS
Distance: 5.2 Miles | Difficulty: Moderate | Elevation Gain: 948 FT. | Time: 3 Hours | Location: Chisos Basin
GETTING THERE
WEST ENTRANCE
From the west entrance station of Big Bend National Park it’s 25 miles or about a 40 minute drive to The Window Trailhead. Once you enter the park take Panther Junction Rd east for 19 miles. Make a right on Basin Junction Rd heading toward the Chisos Basin. After 6 miles you will arrive at the trailhead in the Chisos Basin.
NORTH ENTRANCE
From the north entrance station of BIg Bend National Park it’s 36 miles or about a 50 minute drive to The Window Trailhead. Once you enter the park take Main Park Rd south for 27 miles until you get to the Panther Junction Visitor Center on Gano Springs Rd. Make a right and head west for 3 miles until you get to Basin Junction Rd. Make a left on Basin Junction Rd heading toward the Chisos basin. After 6 miles you will arrive at the trailhead in the Chisos Basin.
ENTRANCE FEE
$15 per person or $30 per vehicle which is valid for 7 days. You can also use the America the Beautiful National Park Pass to enter.
TIP | Keep in mind this trail is an easy downhill walk to the Window but the return trip climbs 900 feet in elevation.
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 choose when would be comfortable for you to enjoy being outdoors. We found winter and early spring to be ideal hiking weather in Big Bend National Park.
WHAT TO BRING
Big Bend National 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. It is a dry heat which to us felt like an oven and sucked out any moisture our bodies had.
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 my 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
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.
ABOUT THE TRAIL
Distance: 5.2 Miles | Difficulty: Moderate | Elevation Gain: 948 FT. | Time: 3 Hours | Location: Chisos Basin
The trail starts on smooth and paved path from the Chisos Basin Visitor Center.
The first 2.5 miles of the trail makes a slight decend into the Chisos Basin floor passing by green and purple prickly pear cactus and tons of singing blue jays.
As you continue on the trail look up and see all the ancient rock that make up the Chisos Mountains. The path is fairly smooth and packed with a few rocks here and there.
After two miles the trail makes its way into Oak Creek Canyon with several sets of stairs to climb up and down. The trail gets rocky from here on till the end of the trail.
The trail ends at the Window ledge with a 200 foot drop to the bottom and incredible views of the Chiuhuahuan Desert. Watch your footing as you make your way around this area as the rocks are quite slippery. This area is also prone to flash floods during heavy rain so it’s best to check the weather before you plan on hiking this trail.
Let us know your experience hiking The Window in the comments below!
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HEY THERE!
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.
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