Hiking Big Bend’s Most Popular Trail: Lost Mine
Enjoy a scenic hike through Big Bend on the Lost Mine Trail. This trail guide features everything you need to know before you go including when to go, what to bring, amenities nearby and all about the trail.
Big Bend's Lost Mine Trail is one of the most popular day hikes to do when visiting the park. Breathtaking mountain views, prickly pear cactus, and ancient volcanic rock, it’s no wonder this is one of the most popular trails in Big Bend. It is home to Mountain Lions and Mexican Black Bears so it’s best to be aware of your surroundings as you hike this trail.
This was the first hike Mike and I did when we got to Big Bend and it was absolutely breathtaking! We went in late January and the cool breeze and sunny skies made for a great hike. If you’re looking to see the beauty of Big Bend, this trail is the place to do it.
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TRAIL STATS
Distance: 4.8 Miles | Difficulty: Moderate | Elevation Gain: 1,131 FT. | Time: 3 Hours | Location: Chisos Basin
GETTING THERE
WEST ENTRANCE
From the west entrance station of Big Bend it’s 24 miles or about a 30 minute drive to the 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 5 miles the trailhead and parking will be on the left.
NORTH ENTRANCE
From the north entrance station of Big Bend it’s 36 miles or about a 45 minute drive to the 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 5 miles the trailhead and parking will be on the left.
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 | Arrive at the trailhead early. By the afternoon the parking is likely to be full and you will have to park further away adding miles to your hike.
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
The nearest facility to the Lost Mine Trail is in the Chisos Basin located 1.6 miles down the road from the Lost Mine Trailhead. 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: 4.8 Miles | Difficulty: Moderate | Elevation Gain: 1,131 FT. | Time: 3 Hours | Location: Chisos Basin
The Lost Mine Trail starts on a smooth uphill path with incredible views of the Chisos Mountains, basin, and the Window.
Within the first mile of the hike you’ll climb 500 feet in elevation and be rewarded with jaw dropping views of Casa Grande and Juniper Canyon.
For the next mile there are multiple switchbacks (zigzags) as you make your way to the top with amazing views of Big Bend the whole way.
The trail ends at an open rock ridge with views of Pine Canyon and Sierra Del Carmen in Mexico. There are many places to rest, have a snack, and enjoy the beauty of Big Bend.
Let us know if you’ve ever hike Lost Mine 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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