Check out the 545Travel Big Bend main page and the Texas and New Mexico Itinerary for more info in addition to Big Bend Top 5 Best Hikes and Trails!
*Last updated 2/24/2024
Big Bend Top 5 Best Hikes and Trails (and more)
Table of Contents
1. Lost Mine Trail
Lost Mine Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the park and parking lot is often full. Go either very early in the morning (by 7am). Or wait until the afternoon when people return to get a parking spot.
The trail is about 5 miles roundtrip. However, the first half is 2.5 miles all uphill. My wife who is afraid of heights, did okay. I asked my oldest which hike she liked better, this one or Kilauea Iki, which we had done in Volcanoes NP. Her answer: “they both suck”. However, she was proud of making it and everyone enjoyed the views at the top.
2. Hot Springs Trail
We loved Hot Springs Trail so much we did it twice! First, we went in the morning and it wasn’t too crowded. However, we didn’t have bathing suits so the kids the kids begged to come back. We returned in the afternoon. By evening it was really busy! The hot springs come up and pour into the Rio Grande.
Also, the trail is not only the hot springs. Additionally, there are the historic buildings, native drawings on the cliff walls and look for the mud bird nests scattered on the canyon walls.
3. Santa Elena Canyon Trail
To be fair, we only did the beginning of Santa Elena Canyon Trail. When we were there, the path was blocked by high water levels. Some people had made their own trail a quarter mile up the newly formed creek. However, this is not permitted per the national park site. Additionally, it requires climbing over some rocks along the cliff ledges.
Regardless of whether you do the actual hike, viewing the canyon and putting your feet in the Rio Grande is well worth the visit. There are also numerous scenic stops on the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive that leads to the canyon.
4. Closed Canyon Trail
Okay, so Closed Canyon Trail is not technically in Big Bend National Park, but rather Big Bend Ranch State Park. If you are heading either into or out of the park on the west entrance, the drive from Lajitas to Presidio is a very beautiful, scenic drive.
There are numerous hikes in the state park (which is bigger than a lot of national parks). However, Closed Canyon Trail is well worth a visit. Be aware that there is a fee to use the park and you must have cash to put in an envelope at the start of the trail (around $5 per adult).
5. Grapevine Hills (Balanced Rock)
Here’s another one that we didn’t quite finish, but we did about 90%! Grapevine Hills Trail, better known as Balanced Rock Trail, is about a 2.2 mile round trip hike. The first mile is easy and a pretty view of the area, then it goes up a ridge and then a hill to balanced rock.
My wife decided the last part was too much for her (she has a fear of heights) so we turned back. However, most adventurous children would be fine. I was a bit disappointed to not get the iconic “balanced rock” picture that you see everywhere. However, you can see in the picture the angle you will get hiking towards it.
Also, it is a very bad, beat up dirt road leading to the trail. The NPS site lists a requirement of high clearance 4wd vehicle. However, there is no signage turning onto the actual road. I would at least check with a park ranger regarding road conditions before attempting. Additionally, it takes about 45 minute driving from the main road to drive to the trailhead.
6. Window View, Fossil Discovery & Rio Grande Village Nature Trails
I’ll add an asterisk or bonus round here. All of these hikes are short, can be done in under an hour and are entertaining for kids.
The Window View Trail (not to be confused with the longer 5.5 mile Window Trail) is an easy view of the “window” that you can do while visiting the Chisos Visitor Center or waiting for the Lost Mine parking lot to open up.
The Fossil Discovery Center is a short trail next to a center displaying some of the fossils found here.
Additionally, the Rio Grande Village Nature Trail is located off of the campground and is a short hike up to nice views of the river.
7. Boquillas Canyon Trail
We had planned to Boquillas Canyon Trail, but we decided to do the Hot Springs Trail for a second time instead. However, we will definitely plan to do it next time!
8. South Rim & Emory Peak
Lastly, we did not attempt these trails as they are longer and more strenuous hikes. At lot of people take two days to do the full circuit. That is a little much for my younger kids. However, I’m mentioning them in case that is what you are looking for.
9. Ernst Tinaja Trail
Just north of Boquillas Canyon, on the east side of the park, is the Ernst Tinaja Trail. However, it requires high clearance, 4 wheel drive, which didn’t seem like a good idea in our minivan. However, someday I’ll head back to Big Bend with a jeep and hit up some of these fun alternative hikes!
10. Conclusion
Big Bend National Park (and next door Big Bend Ranch State Park) have some amazing hikes and trails! Be sure to check out our Best Things to Do in Big Bend page, our 2 week itinerary through Texas and New Mexico and our How to Spend 1 Day in Big Bend pages! Have a wonderful time in Big Bend!