Trails I can do solo and safely!
All information taken directly from the Big Bend National Park website: https://www.nps.gov/bibe/index.htm
Trail Area: Desert / Trail: Chimneys Trail
Distance: 4.8 RT / Difficulty: Moderate (due to distance)
Begin at mile 13, Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive: A moderate hike (due to distance) to a series of prominent volcanic dike formations. The “chimneys” have always been an important landmark, and Indian rock art marks the base of these high pinnacles. The chimneys are 2.4 miles away and easily seen from the trailhead.
Trail Area: Desert / Trail: Chimneys Trail (alt)
Distance: 7.0 Point to point / Difficulty: Moderate
The trail beyond the chimneys continues west another 4.6 miles and ends on the Old Maverick Road near Luna’s jacal. This is an enjoyable 7-mile hike if you can arrange transportation on the opposite end.
Trail Area: Desert / Trail: Dog Canyon
Distance: 4.0 RT / Difficulty: Moderate
Begin at pull-off, 3.5 miles south of the Persimmon Gap Visitor Center. Dog Canyon is a pleasant, flat hike in the early morning or late afternoon hours when temperatures are moderate. The destination canyon is visible across the desert flats from the trailhead, and trail is well-marked with obvious cairns. At 1.5 miles the trail drops into a wash, and a left turn down the wash takes you through Dog Canyon about a half mile further. At the far end of the canyon, visitors should note that the horizontal rock strata have been folded vertically by the geological forces that formed the mountain ridge the canyon traverses. The narrow slot canyon to the right (south) of Dog Canyon is the Devil’s Den. A hike along the rim of Devil’s Den offers good views into the slot canyon and expansive panoramas of the surrounding desert, but it is NOT recommended that you attempt a trip through canyon without a companion and proper gear. Check at a Visitor Center for information on this route.
Trail Area: Desert / Trail: Mule Ears Spring Trail
Distance: 3.8 RT / Difficulty: Moderate
Mule Ears Overlook parking area, mile 15, Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive.
This hike leads through the foothills of the Chisos Mountains, skirts Trap Mountain, and crosses several arroyos. Near the spring is an old rock corral. The spring itself is overgrown with shrubs, but ferns and cattails also grow there. Remember, no contaminating/bathing in backcountry springs.
Trail Area: Desert / Trail: Upper Burro Mesa Pour-off Trail
Distance: 3.8 RT / Difficulty: Moderate
Begin at pull-off, mile 6.6, Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive.
This route follows a dry wash downstream to the top of the 100-foot Burro Mesa Pour-off. The trail includes some large rocks to climb down, where some rock scrambling may be necessary. Pay attention on the return hike to ensure that you follow the same drainages. Trail subject to flash flooding.
Trail Area: Desert / Trail: Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail
Distance: 0.5 RT / Difficulty: Easy (photo op)
Begin at Dugout Wells, 6 miles southeast of Panther Junction.
Both natural and cultural history are evident at Dugout Wells. On this easy desert stroll you will see remnants of human settlement and typical Chihuahuan Desert habitat. A shady oasis with cottonwood trees and tables at Dugout Wells provides a good area for picnicking and bird watching.
Trail Area: Desert / Trail: Panther Path
Distance: 50 yard loop / Difficulty: Easy (photo op)
Begin at Panther Junction Visitor Center.
This easy, wheelchair accessible loop winds through a desert garden in front of the Panther Junction Visitor Center. A trail brochure and numbered stops identify many of the cacti and common plants of the Chihuahuan Desert and explain their historic, cultural, and medicinal uses.
Trail Area: Desert / Trail: Sam Nail Ranch
Distance: 0.5 loop / Difficulty: Easy (photo op)
Begin at Mile 3, Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive.
An easy, well-maintained trail leads through the old homestead of Jim and Sam Nail and Sam’s wife, Nena. There are interesting historic remnants here, including part of the adobe walls of the house and two windmills, one which is still in operation. This is a beautiful desert oasis and a great spot for birding and wildlife viewing.
Trail Area: Mountains / Trail: Lost Mine Trail (takes about 3 hours out/back.. going up a lot)
Distance: 4.8 RT / Difficulty: Moderate
Begin at mile 5.1 on the Basin Road, limited parking.
This trail serves as an outstanding introduction the flora and fauna of the Chisos Mountains. With limited time, hike to marker 10 (about 1 mile), where a saddle offers stunning views of Casa Grande and Juniper Canyon. The remainder of the trail climbs steeply in and out of juniper, oak, and pine forest. The trail abruptly levels out at the ridge with superb views of Pine Canyon and the Sierra del Carmen in Mexico.
Trail Area: Mountains / Trail: Window View Trail
Distance: 0.3 RT / Difficulty: Easy (photo op) (2-3 hours down hill)
Begin at the Chisos Basis Trailhead.
This easy, paved wheelchair accessible trail circles a low hill with excellent views of the mountain peaks surrounding the Chisos Basin, and a view through the window. Benches along the trail offer a place to sit and enjoy a classic Big Bend sunset.
Trail Area: River / Trail: Hot Springs Canyon Trail
Distance: 6.0 RT / Difficulty: Moderate
Begin at Daniel’s Ranch or Hot Springs.
This 3 mile trail (either direction) connects Daniel’s Ranch and the Hot Springs. In places, it runs close to the river; in other areas along the rim of Hot Springs Canyon. This trail offers beautiful views of the Rio Grande, Chisos Mountains, and Del Carmen Mountains. No shade makes this trail a challenge in summer heat.
Trail Area: River / Trail: Santa Elena Canyon Trail
Distance: 1.7 RT / Difficulty: Moderate (about 30 min)
Begins at terminus of the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive.
This trail leads into the mouth of stunning Santa Elena Canyon. After crossing Terlingua Creek, the trail ascends on paved steps to a vista, then descends back to the water’s edge, continuing into the canyon until the canyon walls meet the water. A Big Bend classic. Be prepared for mud. Trail is impassable when Terlingua Creek floods.
Trail Area: River / Trail: Hot Springs Historic Trail
Distance: 1.0 RT / Difficulty: Easy (photo op)
Begin at Hot Springs parking lot.
This trail passes remains of a resort, pictographs, homestead, and hot springs; a brochure at the trailhead offers more information. The 105°F springs are a popular destination (0.5 mile roundtrip), but one can continue to where the trail forks, leading to the top of the bluff and back to the parking lot.
Trail Area: River / Trail: Rio Grande Village Nature Trail
Distance: 0.75 loop / Difficulty: Easy (photo op)
Begin at Rio Grande Village Campground, Site #18
Although short and easy, the trail is very scenic and has fantastic opportunities for wildlife viewing, especially birds. The first 100 yards is wheelchair accessible and crosses a boardwalk through a spring-fed wetland. Then the trail gradually climbs a limestone hill with panoramic vistas of the Rio Grande, and the Chisos and Del Carmen Mountains. This trail is great for sunsets.