Nestled in the remote corners of West Texas, Big Bend National Park is a vast wilderness that offers some of the most spectacular and diverse landscapes in the United States. Covering over 800,000 acres, this park is a hiker’s paradise, boasting more than 150 miles of trails through its rugged Chisos Mountains, sprawling Chihuahuan Desert, and along the mighty Rio Grande.
Big Bend is not just big – it’s enormous. To put it in perspective, it’s larger than the state of Rhode Island! This expansiveness means that visitors can find solitude and adventure in equal measure. From fossilized sea beds to mountain peaks, from desert flora to riverside oases, Big Bend offers a unique blend of ecosystems that make every hike an exploration of natural wonders.
As huge fans of Big Bend and West Texas in general, we’ve had the privilege of exploring many of the park’s trails. In this post, we’re excited to share our top 3 must-do hikes in Big Bend. These trails offer a perfect mix of challenge, scenery, and unique experiences that truly capture the essence of this remarkable park. We’ve divided these hikes into three categories for all hikers: strenuous, moderate, and easy.
South Rim Trail: Epic Views and Diverse Ecosystems
- Distance: 12-14.5 miles (loop options available)
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Estimated Time: 6-8 hours
The South Rim Trail is, without a doubt, the crown jewel of Big Bend’s hiking experiences. This challenging trail offers some of the most breathtaking views in the entire park.
What to Expect:
- A steady climb through diverse ecosystems, from oak and pine forests to high desert landscapes
- Panoramic views of the Chihuahuan Desert stretching into Mexico
- Potential wildlife sightings, including peregrine falcons and black bears
- Optional detour to Emory Peak, the highest point in the park
Pro Tips:
- Start early to avoid the heat and afternoon thunderstorms
- Highly recommend to stay at Chisos Mountain Lodge or Chisos Basin Campground for the fastest access to the trailhead
- Bring plenty of water and snacks
- Gus personally went through over 10 liters of water and ran out about a mile away from the lodge. If you are visiting in the summer, hydration is key!
- Consider splitting the hike into two days by camping at one of the backcountry sites (permit required)
- Very high on the bucket list since the night sky at the rim is supposed to be on another level of just amazing!
Our Experience:
During Gus’s summer visit, he encountered only 2-3 other hikers on the entire trail, making for an incredibly serene experience. The vastness of the landscape from the South Rim is truly humbling and provides a perfect backdrop for reflection and awe. One big warning besides brings enough water is to check in with the ranger station on mountain lion sightings and any precautions you should take!
Second tip is if you are staying inside the park make sure you account for that when driving down, Gus drove from the DFW area which is roughly 9 hours non-stop but by then time he got to the park entrance it was pitch black and he had another hour drive to get to Chisos Mountain Lodge. Might not sound like a long drive inside the park but if you have never driven in pitch darkness like that in Big Bend then it will be a decent adjustment. The other reason to get there earlier in the day is that the Chisos Mountain Lodge front office is not open 24/7 so if you get in too late you might be sleeping in your car.
Santa Elena Canyon Trail: Majestic Rock Walls and River Views
- Distance: 1.7 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Estimated Time: 1-2 hours
The Santa Elena Canyon Trail offers some of the most iconic views in Big Bend, with its towering 1,500-foot limestone cliffs.
What to Expect:
- A short but steep climb at the beginning, followed by a leisurely walk
- Stunning views of the Rio Grande carving its way through massive canyon walls
- Opportunities for beautiful photographs, especially during golden hour
Pro Tips:
- Wear shoes that can get wet, as you may need to cross a small creek
- Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy by the river
- Visit in the late afternoon for the best lighting for photos
Our Experience:
The sheer scale of Santa Elena Canyon left us in awe. Despite being one of the more popular trails, we found plenty of quiet moments to soak in the majestic scenery. Depending on your level of fitness the first half mile or so is relatively steep but doable, just take your time. Also depending on the time of year you go such as Thanksgiving Week, get ready for long lines at the parking lot and crowded trails at least at the beginning.
Once you get past the first half mile or so, there are many pull-offs where you can get amazing photos of the canyon. We also recommend that you come ready to get a little wet since after .75 miles or so you will hit the main river and you can keep going if you have the right gear and do not mind getting wet!
Hot Springs Canyon Trail: History and Relaxation
- Distance: 1.2 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Easy
- Estimated Time: 30-45 minutes (plus time for soaking)
The Hot Springs Trail offers a perfect blend of history, desert landscapes, and the chance to soak in natural hot springs, all in a short, accessible hike.
What to Expect:
- A scenic walk along the Rio Grande
- Fascinating historical sites, including ruins of an early 20th-century bathhouse
- The opportunity to relax in 105°F natural hot springs
Pro Tips:
- Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid the intense midday heat and crowds
- Bring a swimsuit and towel for the hot springs
- Take time to explore the ruins and read the informational plaques
Our Experience:
We loved how this short trail packs so much into a relatively easy walk. Exploring the old bathhouse ruins gave us a sense of the area’s rich history, making the hike both relaxing and educational. It’s a perfect way to unwind after a more strenuous hike like the South Rim Trail. Most of the drive to the trailhead is on a dirt gravel road so plan ahead if there had been recent rainfall. Also be ready to wait or turn around during busy months such as November or the holidays, since the parking lot at the trailhead is not the largest. We have had to turn around due to long wait times and park rangers will close the road.
If you feel adventurous you can jump into the Rio Grande and actually swim to Mexico. Now we are not recommending this and did not do it ourselves but did run into a few people who did.
Conclusion
These three hikes – South Rim, Santa Elena Canyon, and Hot Springs – offer a perfect sampler of what Big Bend National Park has to offer. From the challenging and rewarding South Rim Trail to the iconic Santa Elena Canyon and the relaxing Hot Springs, each trail provides a unique perspective on the park’s diverse landscapes.
Bonus Big Bend Hikes
But the adventure doesn’t stop here! Big Bend has so much more to explore. If you’re looking for more hiking experiences, consider these trails we’ve also enjoyed:
- Mule Ears Trail: A moderate 3.8-mile round trip hike offering fantastic views of the distinctive Mule Ears peaks and the surrounding Chihuahuan Desert.
- Tuff Canyon Loop Trail and Overlook: An easy 0.75-mile loop that provides stunning views of Tuff Canyon, showcasing the park’s volcanic history.
- Burro Mesa Pouroff Trail: A short, easy 1-mile round trip walk to a unique geological formation where water cascades during rare desert rainstorms.
- Lower Burro Mesa Pouroff Trail: A moderate 3.6-mile round trip hike through a scenic canyon to a pour-off.
- Boquillas Canyon Trail: An easy 1.4-mile round trip offering beautiful views of the Rio Grande and limestone cliffs, with a chance to experience the echo of the canyon.
For those seeking a truly unique experience, don’t miss the Boquillas Crossing to Mexico. This international border crossing allows you to visit the small town of Boquillas del Carmen. Remember to bring your passport and cash for this unforgettable cultural exchange.
Remember to always check current trail conditions at the visitor center, carry plenty of water, and practice Leave No Trace principles. Big Bend’s remote location and diverse ecosystems demand respect and preparation from all visitors.
Whether you’re conquering the South Rim or soaking in the hot springs, Big Bend National Park offers adventures for every type of hiker. So lace up your boots, fill up your water bottles, and get ready to explore one of America’s most extraordinary national parks. Happy hiking!
