Mountain Hikes

Enjoying the view

 

The Chisos Mountains contain some of the most rewarding day hikes in Big Bend, especially during the summer months when it is too hot to hike at lower elevations in the park. It is not uncommon to see tracks and scat of black bear, mountain lion, and gray fox along Chisos Mountains trails. Carmen Mountain white-tailed deer, rock squirrels, whiptail lizards, Spotted Towhees, Tufted Titmice, and Mexican Jays are also common in these mountains.

• To protect the solitude and serenity of Big Bend's trails, groups larger than 30 persons must split into smaller groups.
• Smoking is prohibited on all Chisos Mountains trails.
• Map of Map of Chisos Trails

 

Boot Canyon Trail

NPS Photo/Big Bend National Park

Boot Canyon Trail

Difficulty:Strenuous; Distance 3.5 miles (one-way) from the Chisos Basin Trailhead, then continues 2.5 miles (one-way) to the South Rim
Begin at the Chisos Basin Trailhead

Leads from the Pinnacles Trail to the South Rim, passing through the lushest environment in the Chisos Mountains. Depending on annual rainfall, water may be present in pools along the canyon during parts of the year. Arizona Cypress and other trees may be found here, and no where else in Big Bend National Park. Boot Canyon is a great place to look for Colima Warblers.

 

Chisos Basin Loop Trail

NPS Photo/Cookie Ballou

Chisos Basin Loop Trail

Difficulty:Moderate; Distance 2 miles round trip
Begin at the Chisos Basin Trailhead

The trail climbs gradually through shady stands of Mexican pine, oak, and juniper with many outstanding vistas of the window, and mountains surrounding the basin. Dense vegetation in the arroyos provides good habitat for bears and mountain lions; you may see tracks where they crossed the trail. Also, look for Mexican jays in the pines, and hummingbirds and Scott's orioles in the agaves when in bloom. Though this loop trail may be done in either direction, following it counterclockwise is the easiest.

 

Emory Peak Trail

NPS Photo/Cookie Ballou

Emory Peak

Difficulty: Strenuous; Distance: 10.0 miles round trip
Begin at the Chisos Basin Trailhead

Ascend the forested Pinnacles trail for 3.5 miles to the Emory Peak trail junction (on your right). Then take the 1.5-mile spur trail to the peak which has nice vistas along the way. The last quarter mile or so climbs steeply, and the last 25 feet require a scramble up an exposed rock face, but the 360° view from Emory Peak, the highest point in the park, is superb. The antenna and equipment are part of Big Bend's two-way radio system.

 

Lost Mine Trail View

NPS Photo/Big Bend National Park

Lost Mine Trail

Difficulty: Moderate; Distance: 4.8 miles round trip
Begin at mile 5.1 on the Basin Road, limited parking

This trail serves as an outstanding introduction the flora and fauna of the Chisos Mountains. With limited time, you can hike 1 mile up the trail to a saddle that offers stunning views of Casa Grande and Juniper Canyon to the east. The remainder of the trail climbs steeply in and out of juniper, oak, and pine forest. The trail abruptly levels out at the ridge with superb views of Pine Canyon and the Sierra del Carmen in Mexico.

 

South Rim View

NPS photo/Big Bend National Park

South Rim

Difficulty:Strenuous; Distance 12-14.5 miles round trip
Begin at Basin Trailhead

This challenging trail is well worth the 2,000 foot gain, as midway are the stunning vistas from the South Rim. Ascend either the steeper Pinnacles or more gradual Laguna Meadows Trail. During Peregrine Falcon nesting season, the Northeast and Southeast portions of this trail are closed.

 

Window Trail

NPS Photo/Big Bend National Park

Window Trail

Difficulty: Moderate; Distance:, 5.6 miles round trip
Begin at the Chisos Basin Trailhead

This trail descends through Oak Creek Canyon to the Window pour-off which frames panoramic desert vistas. During wetter periods Oak Creek may be flowing, and must be crossed several times. Use caution on this trail: the top of the Window pour-off is slickrock with no railings, and the return hike is uphill.

 

Window View Trail

NPS Photo/Cookie Ballou

Window View Trail

Difficulty: Easy; 0.3 mile round trip
Begin at the Chisos Basin Trailhead

This easy, paved wheelchair accessible trail circles a low hill with excellent views of the mountain peaks surrounding the Chisos Basin, and a view through the window. Benches along the trail offer a place to sit and enjoy a classic Big Bend sunset.