Mule Ears Trail

Thick maidenhair ferns grow above the spring pool at Mule Ears Spring.

A 3.8-mile desert hike crossing rolling terrain to a year-round spring and historic rock corral. The trail demands serious hydration strategy—bring 1 liter of water per person per hour. Full sun exposure, unsteady footing on climbs, and heat that exceeds 100°F in summer make this a grit-test. The payoff is real: maidenhair ferns, dragonflies, and the sound of water in the desert.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 3.8
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Elevation Gain Feet: 880

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 3.8
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Elevation Gain Feet: 880
Estimated Time: 2 hours if you're fit and efficient; 3-4 hours if you stop to observe wildlife at the spring
Trail Surface: Rolling dirt and rock with loose gravel. Unsteady footing on steep climbs.
Trail Features: Historic rock corral
Year-round spring
Maidenhair ferns
Cottonwood trees in washes
Wildlife habitat
Trail Highlights: Historic rock corral and year-round spring with maidenhair ferns and dragonflies. The cool, shaded slope at the spring provides critical relief in the exposed desert. Cottonwoods mark underground water; watch for birds, leopard frogs, and dragonflies.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Mule Ears Trail trailhead, 15 miles from the northern end of Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive
Parking Lot Size: About 15 vehicles
Parking Fill Time: By mid-morning on weekends; arrives early on weekdays
Shuttle Required: 0

Permits & conditions

Fees: $30 per private vehicle (7-day pass) or $15 per person
Trail Status: Open
Seasonal Closures: Rare. Big Bend is open year-round, but summer heat (100°F+) makes this trail dangerous.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 0
Water Sources: Spring at mile 1.9 (end of trail). Filter before drinking. Carry minimum 1 liter per person per hour. Do not rely on the spring alone.
Accessibility: Rolling terrain with loose gravel and unsteady footing. Multiple short, but steep, climbs out of washes. Not recommended for those with mobility issues.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Extreme desert heat
Sun exposure
Dehydration
Loose gravel
Unsteady footing
Snakes
Steep climbs
Hazard Details: Extreme heat (can exceed 100°F in summer). Loose gravel and unsteady footing on multiple steep climbs. Snakes present—maintain distance and make noise. Sun exposure is intense; burns happen fast here. Dehydration is the real killer—your body loses water invisibly in the dry air.
Cell Service: Yes. Cellular signal available at trailhead.
Crowd Level: Moderate
Peak Crowd Times: Weekends and holidays, October through April
Best Season: October to April. Summer heat is a killer; avoid June through September.
Best Time To Visit: October to April. Start before 6 AM; desert heat is unforgiving in afternoon. Summer temperatures exceed 100°F—only attempt with serious water discipline. Winter nights are cold; layer up.
Tips Advice: Carry 1 liter of water per person per hour of hiking. Bring 2-4 liters minimum.
Eat salty snacks to maintain electrolyte balance; desert sweats evaporate instantly.
Sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat are mandatory. Long sleeves and lightweight pants protect skin.
Start before dawn. The 15-car lot fills by mid-morning.
Don't stack rocks. False cairns mislead hikers off the correct trail.
Make noise constantly. Keep distance from all wildlife (snakes, coyotes, javelinas).
Bring map and compass. Stacked rocks can send you off-course.
Turn back at the first sign of heat exhaustion or dehydration. Pride kills in the desert.

More details

Park Area: 15 miles from the northern end of Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive
Trail Markers: Well-worn trail with natural landmarks, but bring map. NPS warns: randomly stacked rocks (cairns) can mislead hikers off the correct trail. Do not rely on cairns alone.
Dogs Allowed: No. Dogs and other pets are not allowed on any trail in Big Bend National Park.
Biking Allowed: No
Shade Level: Full sun across open desert terrain. Shade only near spring area and cottonwood trees in washes.
Emergency Contacts: Call 911. Nearest ranger station at park headquarters. Nearest hospital in Alpine, TX (approximately 80 miles away).
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: Rare. Big Bend receives minimal snow; winter is the preferred season.
Mud Season: Not applicable. Flash flood risk during rare heavy rains in summer.
Bug Season: Minimal throughout year. Insects concentrated around spring area in summer.
Insider Tips: The spring is the turnaround point. Don't miss the fern-covered slope immediately downstream—this is where wildlife congregates.
Cottonwoods in the washes mark proximity to water or underground seepage.
The historic corral is just before the spring drainage. Worth the inspection.
Start before 6 AM. Afternoon heat is lethal.
Rattlesnakes are real. Make noise constantly while hiking.
The false summit mentality will trick you. The trail continues past apparent endpoints.
Family Friendly Notes: Suitable for fit families ages 10+. Steep scrambles and heat exposure require constant adult supervision. Not recommended for children struggling with heat sensitivity, elevation gain, or young hikers without heat discipline.
Nearby Facilities: Nearest supplies in Study Butte (~30 miles). Rio Grande Village Campground (approximately 50 miles) has water, restrooms, and limited amenities. Cottonwood Campground and Chisos Basin Campground offer other lodging options.
Review Summary: Hikers report the 3.8-mile distance is deceptive; the elevation gain and heat demand serious hydration strategy. The spring payoff and historic corral justify the effort, but only for hikers who arrive prepared with 2+ liters of water and heat discipline.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Can I actually do this hike?

Only if you respect the heat and water demands. It's not technically difficult, but the desert is unforgiving. You need heat tolerance and hydration discipline. If you can carry water and handle 880 feet of elevation gain in full sun, yes.

Do I need a map?

Strongly recommended. Bring topographic map and compass. NPS warns that stacked rocks (cairns) can mislead you off the correct trail. Navigation is important here.

Are there snakes?

Yes. Rattlesnakes present. Stay alert, make constant noise while hiking, maintain safe distance (10+ feet), and never reach into rock crevices. Encounters are rare if you follow these rules.

How much water should I bring?

Carry 1 liter per person per hour. For a 2-4 hour hike, bring 2-4 liters minimum. The spring is at mile 1.9, but don't rely on it alone. Filter before drinking.

Is the spring water safe to drink?

Filter or purify before drinking. Carry a lightweight filter or purification tablets. The spring is real and flowing year-round, but treat it.

What if I turn back halfway?

Smart. The spring is the payoff at mile 1.9. If you're struggling, heat-stressed, or out of water by mile 1, turn back immediately. Pride doesn't keep you alive in the desert.

Is this a good introduction to Big Bend hiking?

No. This is a solid moderate-to-difficult desert hike. Start with Lost Mine Trail (easier, more shaded) or Rio Grande Village Nature Trail if you're new to the park.