Big Bend National Park is a hiker's paradise, with over 150 miles of trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging backcountry adventures. The western entrance is less than 10 miles from Camp Elena. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or a first-time visitor, we've put together some tips and trail recommendations to make the most of hiking in Big Bend.
Tip #1: Visit the NPS website for trail maps, safety information, and park alerts. The park recommends carrying at least 1 gallon of water per person per day.
Tip #2: Stop by Alon Gas Station to fill up your tank and Cottonwood General Store to grab water, food, and other supplies.
Tip #3: Rent our Park Essentials Rental for all the must-have gear for your day trip, so you can travel lighter to Big Bend.
Top 10 Hikes in Big Bend National Park
1. Santa Elena Canyon Trail
Moderate | 1.6 mi round trip
The Santa Elena Canyon Trail offers stunning views of 1,500-foot cliffs divided by the Rio Grande. You can also view the canyon from an overlook right off the road. This breathtaking natural feature is the inspiration behind our name!
2. Lost Mine Trail
Moderate | 4.8 mi round trip
A half-day hike in the Chisos Basin with some of the best aerial views of the park at 7,535ft. A majority of visitors say this is their favorite hike in the park.
3. The Window Trail
Moderate | 5.6 mi round trip
Starting near the Chisos Basin lodge, this trail leads to a dramatic pour-off with panoramic views of Big Bend. Ideal for sunrise or sunset, it is an easy downhill walk but includes a challenging 1,000-foot climb back. A 0.3 mi wheelchair-accessible path offers a zoomed-out view of the Window.
4. Emory Peak via South Rim and Boot Springs Trail
Hard | 15.2 mi round trip
A full-day hike that includes views from the highest peak in the park (Emory at 7,835ft) and a bucket list trail (South Rim) with views into Mexico. Take Pinnacles>Emory Peak Spur>Boot Canyon>South Rim>Laguna Meadows.
5. Balanced Rock via Grapevine Hills Trail
Easy | 2.2 mi round trip
Arguably one of the most photographed rocks in the park, balanced rock sits towards the end of this trail of gravel and boulders. This trailhead is only accessible with a high clearance vehicle.
6. Mule Ears
Moderate | 3.8 mi round trip
Starting at the Mule Ears lookout, this trail leads through desert terrain to a rock corral and shaded spring. The spring is a rare desert oasis, offering a peaceful spot to watch wildlife.
7. Boquillas Canyon Trail
Easy | 1.5 mi round trip
This trail offers a scenic walk along the Rio Grande to a limestone gorge splitting the Sierra del Carmen Mountains. This area is perfect for photography, especially at sunset when the Sierra del Carmen lights up.
8. Pine Canyon Trail
Moderate | 4 mi round trip
Pine Canyon offers a 2-mile climb from open sotol grassland into a remote woodland canyon filled with native trees. The trail ends at a cliff pouroff, which sometimes turns into a waterfall during the rainy season.
9. Lower Burro Mesa Pouroff Trail
Easy | 1 mi round trip
This 30 minute gravel-bed trail off of Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive offers views of various Big Bend terrains and a 100-ft tall vertical channel.
10. Rio Grande Village Nature Trail
Easy | 0.75 mi round trip
This trail offers 360-degree views of the Rio Grande, Sierra del Carmens, and Chisos Mountains. It’s great for birdwatching and photography, with a pond boardwalk and vibrant wildlife in the mornings.
Hiking in Big Bend Ranch State Park
Big Bend Ranch State Park (BBRSP) offers 238 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding as well as other activities, including star parties. A 4WD vehicle is needed for most of the interior of the park, with 70 miles of unmaintained dirt roads. You can purchase your park permits before your arrival or at the visitor centers (Barton Warnok or Fort Leaton). For a full list of activities and other information, please visit BBRSP's website.
Both of the below hikes do not require 4WD access and are down the River Road, one of the most scenic drives in Texas.
Hoodoos and Balanced Rocks Trail
Easy | 1.1 mi round trip
Hoodoos are unique rock stacks and are known as "fairy towers" or "goblins." This easy trail provides beautiful overlooks of these formations and the Rio Grande.
Closed Canyon Trail
Moderate | 1.4 mi round trip
Journey into a 28 million year old narrow slot canyon that divides Colorado Mesa in two. This trail requires some maneuvering within a dried out, rocky river bed.
