Chimneys Trail

Ancient abstract images pecked into a dark rock face.

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.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 4.8
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Elevation Gain Feet: 400

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 4.8
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Elevation Gain Feet: 400
Estimated Time: 2.5 hours for the roundtrip (if paced well). Most hikers take 3–5 hours with rest stops and photography.
Trail Surface: Rock and gravel with portions crossing sandy washes.
Trail Features: Volcanic dike stretching across desert floor
Petroglyphs (carved rock art, several thousand years old)
Pictographs (painted rock art, several thousand years old)
Barbed wire and fence posts from early 20th-century ranching
Desert grassland
Sandy washes
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.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Chimneys Trailhead, 12.2 miles from northern end of Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive.
Parking Lot Size: Paved pullout at trailhead; limited capacity for several vehicles.
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: 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.

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: No permits required.
Fees: $30 — Entrance - Private Vehicle (valid 7 days)
Trail Status: Open.
Seasonal Closures: Rarely closed. Park is open 24 hours daily, all year.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 0
Water Sources: No reliable water along the route. The trail is exposed with zero water sources. Carry all water needed.
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.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Dehydration (no water sources)
Heat exposure (full sun, exposed terrain)
Snakes
Slippery sandy washes
Altitude-related fatigue on uphill return
Hazard Details: 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.
Cell Service: Yes. Cellular signal available at trailhead.
Best Season: October–April when temperatures are moderate and heat exposure is manageable.
Best Time To Visit: Start by 6:00 AM to beat the heat and maximize daylight on the rock art. Cooler months (October–April) preferred for water discipline and comfort.
Tips Advice: 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.

More details

Park Area: Southwest Big Bend, 12.2 miles from northern end of Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive.
Trail Markers: Marked; be aware that random stacked rocks (cairns) can mislead hikers off the correct trail. Watch for official trail markers.
Dogs Allowed: No. Dogs and other pets are not allowed on any trails in the park.
Shade Level: Full sun exposed. Almost no shade. Wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Emergency Contacts: Call 911 in emergencies.
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: No snow expected.
Mud Season: Minimal. Desert terrain drains quickly after rain.
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.
Recent Updates: No recent trail closures or major reroutes reported.
Family Friendly Notes: 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.
Review Summary: Hikers praise the ancient rock art and stark volcanic landscape. The main challenge is the exposure and heat—this is relentless desert sun with zero water sources. Hikers consistently recommend starting early, bringing 2+ liters of water per person, and respecting the uphill return leg. Those who prepare for the heat and dehydration rate the experience highly.

Location

Frequently asked questions

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?

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.

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.

What about snakes?

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.

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.

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.

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.