Snakes are present but usually avoid hikers. Make noise as you walk, watch where you step, and maintain distance if you see one. Encounters are rare but possible.

Chimneys Trail

Q: How much water do I really need?

Carry 1 liter per hour of hiking minimum. For a 2.5–3 hour hike, bring 3–4 liters per person. No water sources exist on the trail—this is non-negotiable.

Q: Is it safe to hike alone?

Technically yes, but the exposed desert means no help nearby if you get injured or lost. Tell someone your plan. Bring a satellite communicator or emergency supplies.

Q: Do I need special gear?

Good hiking boots are mandatory (rocky terrain and sandy washes). Trekking poles help with the sandy sections and uphill return. Sun hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses are essential. No technical climbing gear needed.

Q: What's the rock art like—easy to see?

The petroglyphs and pictographs are on the southernmost chimney. They're real but subtle—you have to look closely. Some are several thousand years old. Spend time at the rock face studying it.

Q: Can I extend this to Old Maverick Road?

Yes. The trail continues 5.1 miles beyond the chimneys (7.5 miles one-way total). Plan for 6–8 hours and bring extra water. You'll need two vehicles or a shuttle.

Overview

About This Trail

A 4.8-mile moderate roundtrip to a volcanic dike with ancient petroglyphs and pictographs, some several thousand years old. Terrain: rock, gravel, and sandy washes through desert grassland. This is an exposed hike with zero water sources and a tactical challenge: downhill on the way out means uphill on the return. The rock art and ranching history relics are the payoff, but only if you prepare for heat and dehydration.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Moderate

Trail Highlights

The 2.5-mile approach crosses desert grassland and sandy washes. At mile 2.5, the volcanic dike appears—a dramatic column of rock cutting across the landscape. The southernmost chimney displays both petroglyphs and pictographs, some carved or painted thousands of years ago. Barbed wire and fence posts mark early ranching history. The rock art is subtle; spend time at the rock face to study it.

Insider Tips

• The trail drops on the way out, so the return is uphill—save your energy for the ascent.\n• The rock art is subtle; look closely at the southernmost chimney rock face. Several thousand years old—don't miss it.\n• Most hikers turn around at the chimneys (4.8 miles). The trail continues 5.1 miles to Old Maverick Road if you have two vehicles.\n• Arrive by 6:00 AM to secure parking and hike in cooler morning temperatures.\n• Bring trekking poles—they help on the rocky descent and sandy washes.

Best Season to Hike

October–April when temperatures are moderate and heat exposure is manageable.

Hiking Tips

Carry 1 liter of water per person per hour of hiking—non-negotiable in Big Bend's climate.\n
Eat salty snacks to replace electrolytes lost to sweat evaporating in dry air.\n
Sunscreen, hat, and sun-protective clothing mandatory; long sleeves reduce sun damage.\n
The trail is downhill going out, uphill coming back—save energy for the return.\n
Watch for snakes; maintain distance and make noise to alert them.\n
Don't stack rocks; random cairns mislead hikers off the correct trail.

Family Info

Suitable for families with hiking experience and older children (10+). Main concern: heat and hydration. Bring extra water for kids. Start early (before 6:00 AM) to avoid midday heat and allow rest breaks in cooler hours.

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 4.8 miles

Elevation Gain: 400 ft

Duration: 2.5 hours for the roundtrip (if paced well). Most hikers take 3–5 hours with rest stops and photography.

Difficulty: Moderate

Route Type: Out-and-back

Surface: Rock and gravel with portions crossing sandy washes.

Getting There

Trailhead: Chimneys Trailhead, 12.2 miles from northern end of Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive.

Parking: Paved pullout at trailhead; limited capacity for several vehicles.

Requirements

Permit Required

No permits required.

Fees: $30 — Entrance - Private Vehicle (valid 7 days)

Shuttle Available

Not required for the 4.8-mile roundtrip hike. Trail extends 5.1 miles beyond the chimneys to Old Maverick Road (7.5 miles one-way); shuttle or two vehicles needed if pursuing this extended option.

Trail Rules

Dogs: No. Dogs and other pets are not allowed on any trails in the park.

Trail Markers: Marked; be aware that random stacked rocks (cairns) can mislead hikers off the correct trail. Watch for official trail markers.

Map/GPS recommended

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: No reliable water along the route. The trail is exposed with zero water sources. Carry all water needed.

Shade: Full sun exposed. Almost no shade. Wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Cell Service: Yes. Cellular signal available at trailhead.

Hazards:

Extremely hot, dry climate with zero water sources—dehydration is a real threat. Snakes are present; maintain distance and make noise. Sandy washes can be slippery underfoot. The trail is exposed with minimal shade. The downhill-out, uphill-back structure means the return leg is physically harder when energy is already depleted.

Emergency: Call 911 in emergencies.

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

Rock and gravel with sandy washes. Uneven footing. Trail descends on the way out, ascends on the return—the uphill finish is the harder physical challenge.

Family Notes:

FAQs

Can I do this at a moderate pace without being super fit?

Yes. Most hikers complete the 4.8-mile roundtrip in 2.5–3 hours. Pace yourself, take breaks, and don't race. Moderate fitness is enough if you start early and bring water.

How much water do I really need?

Is it safe to hike alone?

What about snakes?

Do I need special gear?

What's the rock art like—easy to see?

Can I extend this to Old Maverick Road?

🏞️ National Park Service 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

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