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

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.

Mule Ears Trail - 3.8mi Desert Spring Hike

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Distance

3.8 mi

Elevation Gain

880 ft

Est. Time

2 hours if you're fit and efficient; 3-4 hours if you stop to observe wildlife at the spring

Route Type

Out-and-back

Dogs Allowed

Best Season

October to April. Summer heat is a killer; avoid June through September.

Overview

About This Trail

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.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Moderate

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.

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.

Best Season to Hike

October to April. Summer heat is a killer; avoid June through September.

Hiking Tips

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.

Family Info

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.

What Hikers Say

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.

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 3.8 miles

Elevation Gain: 880 ft

Duration: 2 hours if you're fit and efficient; 3-4 hours if you stop to observe wildlife at the spring

Difficulty: Moderate

Route Type: Out-and-back

Surface: Rolling dirt and rock with loose gravel. Unsteady footing on steep climbs.

Getting There

Trailhead: Mule Ears Trail trailhead, 15 miles from the northern end of Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive

Parking: About 15 vehicles

Fills Up: By mid-morning on weekends; arrives early on weekdays

Requirements

Fees: $30 per private vehicle (7-day pass) or $15 per person

Trail Rules

Dogs: No. Dogs and other pets are not allowed on any trail in Big Bend National Park.

Biking: No

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.

Map/GPS recommended

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: 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.

Shade: Full sun across open desert terrain. Shade only near spring area and cottonwood trees in washes.

Cell Service: Yes. Cellular signal available at trailhead.

Hazards:

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.

Emergency: Call 911. Nearest ranger station at park headquarters. Nearest hospital in Alpine, TX (approximately 80 miles away).

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: Moderate

Peak Times: Weekends and holidays, October through April

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

Rolling terrain with loose gravel and unsteady footing. Multiple short, but steep, climbs out of washes. Not recommended for those with mobility issues.

Family Notes:

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.

What Hikers Say

FAQs

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?

Are there snakes?

How much water should I bring?

Is the spring water safe to drink?

What if I turn back halfway?

Is this a good introduction to Big Bend hiking?

🏞️ National Park Service 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works →

Visit Website