A natural and rugged border between the United States and Mexico, Big Bend National Park is the largest protected area of Chihuahuan Desert. The most diversity of species in the country roam here through the solitary mountain range bounded by the harsh desert. This is the biggest expanse of roadless public land in Texas. Hike, bike, get on the river, take a scenic drive, or even cross into Mexico. Big Bend could take years to explore, but in one jam packed day – this is a fantastic itinerary to explore the many personalities in different pocket of the park.
+Chimneys Trail
A moderate 4.8 mile round trip hike to prominent chimney formations visible in the distance, which have always been an important landmark.
Early in the morning the land was filled with activity.
Birds perched on cacti just long enough to capture the moment.
A curious peccary, or javelina, paused to assess us hikers on its territory.
Then, a group appears grazing, nuzzling, and modeling to our unadulterated delight.
Mesmerizing in their variety, pink, purple, blue, and green cacti dot the surroundings.
Orange grasses add to the rainbow of color on the scene.
Sculpted mountains are visible in every direction, this trail is a breathtaking display.
Before long you will reach the base of the chimneys.
Discover paths leading up and around to take a closer look.
Find native petroglyphs, which withstand the test of time.
Notice an arch around the backside of the chimney.
Position yourself at the right angle and the arch transforms into a perfect frame.
+Santa Elena Canyon
This easy 1.7 mile roundtrip hike is a Big Bend classic, featuring sights that would play in your wild west dreams.
Over time a powerful river has carved a temple-like structure out of a limestone canyon.
Cross the Terlingua Creek to begin your journey, if it floods the hike will be impassible, but on a normal day you won’t even get your feet wet rock hopping.
Briefly, the trail ascends in switchbacks along paved steps.
From atop the view of the landscape is vast and stunning.
Learn about the flora of the area, some of which is endemic, such as the hechtia related to the pineapple.
Notice the fossil shells, a sign that millions of years ago this area was beneath the sea.
Drop down into the shade of the canyon walls, dramatically towering above.
Continue along until you meet the waters edge.
Layers tell the story of time.
+Lost Mine Trail
A moderate 4.8 mile hike in the Chisos Mountains climbs to the side of Mine Peak gaining 1,110’ of elevation.
Legend has it that Spanish explorers discovered ore here, while looking for silver and gold. They enslaved the natives and forced them to work in the mine, blindfolded to keep the location a secret. The Chizo revolted and killed every Spanish captor, sealing the entrance to the mine. This may be a tall tale, whether you’re feeling superstitious or not keep your guard up in this environment where bears and mountain lions have healthy populations.
After a mile of climbing reach a saddle with incredible views of Casa Grande and Juniper Canyon.
Onward is steeper, into the juniper, oak, and pine forest.
Dazzling colorful minerals blot the side of a rock face, unlike anything in the nearby area.
The trail eventually levels out on a ridge with fabulous views of Pine Canyon and the Sierra del Carmen in Mexico.
Find a quiet ledge and take in the beauty of the panorama.
An eager scrub jay made for a great companion to take in the views.
+Hot Springs Historic Trail
An easy ½ mile round trip trail leads to a true slice of heaven in the middle of the desert, make sure to bring your bathing suit!
To get there, you must navigate a bumpy dirt road, possible for a 2WD if you take it slowly, and the scenery is wonderful.
Short and sweet, the trail will quickly lead to the oasis.
Listen for the Rio Grande River and you will know you are just about there.
Along the bank of the river a rock wall encloses a hot spring, 105°F and the most relaxing place to soak after a long day of hiking.
Jump off the ledge and cool down into the ice cold river, there is nothing more refreshing on earth.
If the river is flooded, the pool will be hidden.
+Rio Grande Village Nature Trail
An easy ¾ mile loop was our last beautiful taste of this inspiring land, the first 100 yards is accessible and there are many birds visible through the reeds of the spring-fed wetland.
Go on and gradually ascend up the hill.
Break for a moment to take in a sea of golden grass.
The top is made positively dream worthy at the sunset hour.
Enjoy a 360 vista of the Rio Grande, Chisos, and Del Carmen Mountains.
This was a perfect nightcap to a full day of excitement, but if you only did this trail it stands alone as an ambassador for the splendor of Big Bend.