Hiking Big Bend: Hot Springs Canyon Trail Guide
Enjoy a scenic hike through Big Bend National Park on the Hot Springs Canyon Trail. Featuring everything you need to know before you go out exploring including when to go, what to bring, and how to get there.
Explore life along the Rio Grande by soaking in one of Big Bend’s natural hot springs on the Hot Springs Canyon Trail. From tons of bright red prickly pear cactus to amazing desolate desert views it’s no wonder this area draws such a crowd.
For those looking for a short and easy experience the 1 mile Historic Hot Springs Trail takes you right to the natural riverside rock pool. For those looking for more of an adventure the moderate 5.5 mile Hot Springs Canyon Trail is a great day hike.
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TRAIL STATS
Distance: 5.5 Miles | Difficulty: Moderate | Elevation Gain: 921 FT. | Time: 3 Hours | Location: Rio Grande Visitor Center
GETTING THERE
WEST ENTRANCE
From the west entrance station of Big Bend National Park it’s 42 miles or about 50 minutes to the Hot Springs Canyon Trailhead. Once you enter the park take Panther Junction Rd east for 42 miles. Follow the signs for the Rio Grande Village, make a right and parking will be at then end.
NORTH ENTRANCE
From the north entrance station of Big Bend National Park it’s 46 miles or about 1 hour to the Hot Springs Canyon Trailhead. Once you enter the park take Main Park Rd south for 26 miles until you get to the Panther Junction Visitor Center on Gano Springs Rd. Make a left on Gano Spring Rd and head south for 20 miles. Follow the signs for the Rio Grande Village, make a right and parking will be at the end.
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 | Check the trailhead for cute handmade souvenirs made by families from Boquillas Mexico.
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
RIO GRANDE VILLAGE
Open November through April. 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.
ABOUT THE TRAIL
Distance: 5.5 Miles | Difficulty: Moderate | Elevation Gain: 921 FT. | Time: 3 Hours | Location: Rio Grande Visitor Center
The trail to Hot Springs Canyon starts near the Rio Grande Visitor Center with the first 0.5 mile being a steep and rocky uphill climb.
The next 1 mile takes you through heaps of prickly pear cactus with unbelievable views of the Chihuahuan Desert.
Continuing on you’ll come up to jaw dropping views of the Rio Grande River and colorful purple flowers.
The rest of the trail passes through giant rock boulders as you make your way toward the Rio Grande River where you’ll get to explore one of Big Bend’s natural hot springs. We brought our bathing suits and took dip in the water to relax.
Let us know about your experience hiking to Hot Springs Canyon 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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