Trails

Backpacking Big Bend

Hundreds of desert miles await. Chisos loops for prep hikers; true wilderness for the serious.

Birdwatch at Rio Grande Village Nature Trail

Boardwalk wetland, steep summit, big bird payoff. 0.75 miles, all-ages grit test.

Blue Creek Trail

High-desert grind into the Chisos. 5.5 miles, 2,693 ft gain—your water discipline makes or breaks this one.

Boquillas Canyon Trail

1.5mi limestone canyon walk. Heat and exposure are the true challenge—bring water.

Burro Spring Trail

2.4-mile desert gauntlet to a spring overlook. Hydration is non-negotiable. Bring it.

Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail

Easy desert loop. Thirty minutes. Learn plants, respect the sun, carry water.

Chimneys Trail

Ancient rock art in the desert. 4.8mi exposure—bring 2+ liters and respect the heat.

Dog Canyon Trail

Flat 4-mile desert hike to limestone canyon. Heat's the real enemy—carry water.

Dorgan Sublett Trail

Historic adobe ruins with views of Chisos peaks. Desert heat demands serious water.

Emory Peak Trail

Lung-buster to Big Bend's peak: 2,500ft, exposed rock scramble, 360° views. Hydration is your lifeline.

Grapevine Hills Trail

Grit-level scramble to balanced rocks. Loose descent demands caution. Desert hikers only.

Hike Into Santa Elena Canyon

1.6 miles into 1,500-foot canyon walls and Rio Grande views. Cross Terlingua Creek. Muddy terrain, water hazards.

Homer Wilson Ranch Trail

1-mile historic ranch walk. Distance is nothing; desert heat is everything—bring double water.

Hot Springs Historic Trail

1-mile historic loop past desert resort ruins and a hot spring. Brutally hot—carry 2L water minimum and start by dawn.

★ 4.6 338 reviews

Hot Springs Trailhead

0.5 mi to springs; 1.5 mi loop total; sun-drenched effort with a hot soak at the end.

List of Hiking Trails in Big Bend

Multiple trails, one survival rule: brutal heat, brilliant solitude, no cell service. Start at dawn.

Lost Mine Trail

Steep 1,100-foot climb to ridge views of the Sierra del Carmen. Bring double the water you think you'll need.

Lower Burro Mesa Pouroff Trail

Easy walk to a 100-foot pouroff carved in volcanic rock. Flash-flood risk in storms. Pack water—dehydration kills fast here.

Mariscal Canyon Rim Trail

6.5-mile desert furnace with canyon views. Zero water, zero shade, deadly heat. For committed hikers only.

Marufo Vega / Ore Terminal Trails

Three remote backcountry trails demand water discipline and early starts. Only hike below 80°F.

Mule Ears Trail

Desert spring hunt: 3.8 miles, 880ft gain. Bring water. Lots of water. The heat is relentless here.

Rio Grande Village Nature Trail

Boardwalk over wetland, then ridge climb for 360° Rio Grande and mountain views. Birding paradise.

Santa Elena Canyon Trail

1.6mi roundtrip to the Rio Grande. Creek crossing varies; summer flooding closes it. Bring water, old shoes, heat tolerance.

See the Rio Grande

Scramble into Santa Elena Canyon to touch the Rio Grande. Paved start, intense finish, unforgettable walls.