OVERVIEW

Big Bend National Park is home to some of the most diverse and rewarding hiking trails in the United States, offering a range of experiences for hikers of all skill levels. The park’s rugged terrain features desert landscapes, high mountain peaks, and deep canyons, providing hikers with breathtaking views and unique geological formations. From easy trails like the Boquillas Canyon Trail to more challenging routes like the South Rim Loop, there’s something for everyone.

Hikers can explore the park’s diverse ecosystems, from the desert scrublands to the lush riparian zones along the Rio Grande. The park also offers a chance to see a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and occasional black bears. Some hikes, like the Window Trail, offer easy access to stunning vistas, while others, like the Emory Peak and South Rim trails, demand more time and physical effort but reward adventurers with sweeping panoramic views.

Whether you’re seeking a short hike to a scenic viewpoint or an all-day adventure into the heart of the park, Big Bend’s trails provide a variety of options. This article focuses on the top hikes in the park, providing a guide to the most notable trails and what makes each one special.

TOP 10 HIKES IN BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK RANKED

#1 Balanced Rock via Grapevine Hills Trail

The Balanced Rock Trail in Big Bend National Park is a 1.9-mile round-trip hike leading to a striking natural rock formation. The journey begins on the Grapevine Hills Trail, an easy walk through a desert landscape filled with scattered boulders and hardy vegetation. 

The final stretch requires a short but steep climb with areas of rock scrambling, but at the top, hikers are rewarded with Balanced Rock—an enormous boulder resting between two others, framing the vast Chihuahuan Desert in the distance. 

The unique geology and scenic surroundings make Balanced Rock one of Big Bend’s most memorable spots, perfect for photography and a quick yet rewarding outdoor experience in the park.

• Distance: 1.9 miles out-and-back
• Elevation Gain: 246 feet
• Duration: 1-2 hours
• Difficulty: Easy
• Location: Northern area of the park on Grapevine Spring Road

#2 Lost Mine Trail

Known as one of Big Bend’s most iconic hikes, Lost Mine Trail is a 4.8-mile round-trip hike that rewards visitors with stunning mountain and desert views. The trail begins at a parking area along Basin Road and gradually ascends through a mix of juniper, pine, and oak trees. 

The first section of the trail features Casa Grande Peak and the rugged Chisos Mountains. As the elevation increases, switchbacks offer sweeping views of Juniper Canyon and the Sierra del Carmen range in Mexico. The final stretch opens up to a breathtaking overlook, making the uphill slog well worth the effort.

The hike is moderately challenging, with an elevation gain of about 1,100 feet, but the well-maintained path makes it accessible for most. Start early to avoid heat and crowds, and bring plenty of water. There’s limited parking, so arriving early helps secure a spot. 

• Distance: 4.8 miles out-and-back
• Elevation Gain: 1,130 feet
• Duration: 2-3 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Location: Chisos Basin

#3 Emory Peak Trail

Emory Peak Trail is a challenging 9.8-mile round-trip hike leading to the park’s highest point at 7,825 feet. Starting from the Chisos Basin, the trail follows the Pinnacles Trail for about 3.5 miles before reaching a junction where the final 1.5-mile ascent to Emory Peak begins. This section is steep and rugged, with a short rock scramble required to reach the summit.

At the top, hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of the Chisos Mountains and the surrounding desert. The trail is strenuous, with nearly 2,500 feet of elevation gain, so proper preparation is essential. 

• Distance: 9.8 miles out-and-back
• Elevation Gain: 2,490 feet
• Duration: 5 hours
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Location: Chisos Basin

#4 South Rim Loop Trail

The longest hike on this list is the thrilling South Rim Loop Trail. The 12.2-mile route takes hikers through diverse landscapes, from lush mountain forests to rugged desert overlooks. This hike is strenuous, with over 2,400 feet of elevation gain. Some tackle it as a long day hike, while others camp at backcountry sites.

The journey begins in the Chisos Basin and can be hiked in the clockwise or counterclockwise directions via the Pinnacles or Laguna Meadows Trails. The Pinnacles route is steeper but provides quicker access to Emory Peak, while Laguna Meadows offers a more gradual climb.

The trail’s main attraction is the South Rim viewpoint, offering vast, uninterrupted views of the Chihuahuan Desert extending deep into Mexico. The cliffs drop dramatically, creating one of the most iconic vistas in the park. Seasoned hikers can add the 3-mile round-trip spur to Emory Peak.

• Distance: 12.2 miles loop
• Elevation Gain: 2,410 feet
• Duration: 6 hours
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Location: Chisos Basin

#5 Santa Elena Canyon Trail

The Santa Elena Canyon Trail in Big Bend National Park is a short, 1.7-mile round-trip hike that leads to one of the park’s most impressive natural attractions. The trail begins from a large parking lot at the end of the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive.

The trail ascends quickly along the sheer canyon walls and descends just as fast back down to the Rio Grande and into the cool canyon. The path follows the river through lush vegetation with towering limestone cliffs on both sides rising 1,500 feet. 

This relatively easy trail is suitable for most hikers, but the steep climb can be challenging in the midday heat and bright sun. As one of Big Bend’s most popular hikes, it’s best visited early or late in the day for a more peaceful experience.

• Distance: 1.6 miles out-and-back
• Elevation Gain: 220 feet
• Duration: 1 hour
• Difficulty: Easy
• Location: Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive

#6 Ernst Tinaja Trail

Old Ore Road, a rough, unpaved route requiring a high-clearance vehicle, leads to one of the most unique experiences in Big Bend National Park, the Ernst Tinaja Trail. This 1.5-mile round-trip trail follows a dry wash through a rugged limestone canyon, showcasing layers of colorful rock formations. 

The highlight is Ernst Tinaja, a deep, water-filled basin carved into the rock by erosion. Tinajas like this serve as critical water sources for wildlife, so visitors should avoid disturbing the pool. Exploring deeper into the canyon offers exciting rock scrambles and narrow slot canyons, adding an adventurous element to the hike.

• Distance: 1.1 miles out-and-back
• Elevation Gain: 110 feet
• Duration: 1 hour
• Difficulty: Easy
• Location: Rio Grande Village

#7 Big Bend Hot Springs Trail

Located in the remote eastern region of the park, the 1.2-mile out-and-back Big Bend Hot Springs Trail provides both a cultural and relaxing experience. Along the way, you’ll pass ancient petroglyphs and remnants of an old bath house that once served as a popular spot for early visitors seeking therapeutic waters. 

The trail culminates at the natural hot spring, where you can soak in the warm waters while taking in the beautiful desert landscape and river views. Some visitors take a quick dip in the Rio Grande to cool off, as the hot spring can reach 105°F. You can also wade across the shallow river to Mexico and enjoy tacos from a local food.

• Distance: 0.6 miles out-and-back
• Elevation Gain: 20 feet
• Duration: 1 hour
• Difficulty: Easy
• Location: Rio Grande Village

#8 Window Trail

Beginning at Chisos Basin, the 5.6-mile round-trip Window Trail gradually descends through a canyon lined with desert vegetation to one of the park’s most iconic viewpoints. The trail follows Oak Creek, which may have flowing water depending on the season, adding to the lush feel of the canyon.

The trail culminates at the Window pour-off, a narrow opening in the rock that frames sweeping views of the desert below. The pour-off itself is slick and drops off steeply, so caution is advised. The return hike is entirely uphill, making the journey back more challenging.

• Distance: 5.5 miles out-and-back
• Elevation Gain: 960 feet
• Duration: 3 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Location: Chisos Basin

#9 Boquillas Canyon Trail

The Boquillas Canyon Trail is a short and easy 1.4-mile round-trip hike that leads to the scenic Rio Grande and offers spectacular views of the canyon’s enormous walls. The path is easy to follow, with some gentle slopes and rocky terrain, making it accessible for most hikers. 

After the brief ascent to the Boquillas Canyon Overlook, the trail winds through a flat, desert landscape before descending to the river’s edge. As you approach the river, the canyon walls rise dramatically on either side, creating a stunning contrast with the flat desert terrain. It’s fairly common to see birds and occasionally horses from across the US-Mexico border.

• Distance: 1.4 miles out-and-back
• Elevation Gain: 290 feet
• Duration: 1 hour
• Difficulty: Easy
• Location: Rio Grande Village

#10 Lower Burro Mesa Pour-Off

Several popular hikes are found along the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, but the Lower Burro Mesa Pour-Off Trail is one of the most rewarding. The 1-mile trail begins at a parking lot and follows a dry wash through rugged desert terrain. 

It quickly reaches a narrow canyon where water once flowed over a cliff, creating the pour-off. The rock formations in the canyon are striking, and the area provides a unique look at the park’s geology.

• Distance: 1 mile out-and-back
• Elevation Gain: 150 feet
• Duration: 30-40 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Location: Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive

#11 Chisos Basin Loop Trail

The Chisos Basin Loop Trail in Big Bend National Park is a short, 1.9-mile loop offering stunning views and an easy hiking experience. Located in the Chisos Basin, the trail provides an opportunity to explore the park’s diverse flora and fauna while surrounded by towering mountain peaks. 

The loop is mostly level with a few mild ascents and descents, making it suitable for nearly everyone. Along the way, hikers can enjoy a variety of desert plant life, such as agave and yucca, as well as the chance to spot wildlife like birds, deer, and perhaps even black bears.

The trail is ideal for those seeking a relaxing hike with minimal elevation gain. It can be completed in less than 90 minutes, making it a perfect option for a short outing. 

• Distance: 1.9 miles loop
• Elevation Gain: 290 feet
• Duration: 1-2 hours
• Difficulty: Easy
• Location: Chisos Basin

#12 Rio Grande Village Nature Trail

Starting near the Rio Grande Village Campground, the Rio Grande Village Nature Trail winds through a wetland area before gradually ascending a small hill. From the top, hikers get panoramic views of the river, surrounding mountains, and the Mexican landscape.

This is one of the easiest and most accessible trails in Big Bend National Park. It’s especially popular at sunrise and sunset, when the light enhances the scenery. Birdwatchers will find plenty of opportunities to spot various species along the way, making this a peaceful and rewarding hike.

• Distance: 1 mile loop
• Elevation Gain: 120 feet
• Duration: 30-40 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Location: Rio Grande Village

#13 Upper Burro Mesa Pour-Off

Contrary to its lower counterpart, the Upper Burro Mesa Pour-Off Trail is a longer and more challenging trail. Beginning at a parking area along the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive the 3.2-mile round-trip trail ascends gradually through a desert landscape ultimately reaching a stunning rock formation. 

Water once cascaded down the cliffs of the Upper Burro Mesa Pour-Off creating a striking waterfall. The hike is moderately difficult, with some uphill sections and rocky terrain, requiring sturdy footwear and plenty of water. But it’s a great option for those looking to experience the desert’s geology and dramatic vistas.

• Distance: 3.5 miles out-and-back
• Elevation Gain: 460 feet
• Duration: 2-3 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Location: Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive

#14 Window View Trail

Not to be confused with the longer Window Trail, the Window View Trail is an easy 0.3-mile paved loop offering the perfect introduction into the landscapes, vegetation and wildlife of Big Bend National Park. 

Another trail starting near the Chisos Basin Visitor Center, the short, level path is accessible for all visitors, including those with mobility challenges. The highlight is the framed view of the “Window,” a V-shaped opening in the Chisos Mountains that perfectly captures the sunset. 

• Distance: 0.4 miles loop
• Elevation Gain: 15 feet
• Duration: 20-30 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Location: Chisos Basin

#15 Mule Ears Spring Trail

The final hike on this list is the Mule Ears Spring Trail, a 3.8-mile round-trip hike that takes you through scenic desert landscapes to one of the more unique rock formations in the park. 

Starting at the Mule Ears Viewpoint along the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, the trail descends into a wide, open valley dotted with desert plants, including cacti and yucca. As you hike, you’ll pass along a seasonal stream and reach Mule Ears Spring, which provides a rare source of water in this arid landscape. 

The trail is named after the Mule Ears, distinctive rock formations that resemble the ears of a mule, rising sharply from the desert floor. The trail is moderate in difficulty, with a few mild ascents and descents. It’s also one of the less traveled trails found in Big Bend National Park.

• Distance: 3.9 miles out-and-back
• Elevation Gain: 420 feet
• Duration: 2 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Location: Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive

FINAL IMPRESSIONS

Big Bend National Park offers a diverse range of hiking trails, each showcasing the park’s unique landscapes. From short, easy walks like the Window View and Rio Grande Village Nature Trail to challenging routes like Emory Peak and the South Rim Loop, there’s a suitable trail for every hiker. 

We particularly enjoyed trails such as the hike to Balanced Rock and the Ernst Tinaja Trail as they combined stunning scenery with exciting rock scrambles. The Lost Mine Trail and South Rim Loop Trail were also special, as they featured some of the most impressive views of Chisos Mountains and Chihuahuan Desert.

Each hike offers a different perspective on the park’s diverse ecosystem, from riverbanks to mountain peaks. Exploring these top fifteen hikes allows visitors to fully appreciate the vast, untouched wilderness of Big Bend.