Explore the most popular Forest trails in Big Bend National Park with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you.
B V. on The Window Trail
Beautiful hike with interesting things to see along the way. Did not see any bears around noon to 2. Going back up is a killer if you don't like a lot of stair type steps up at the last quarter of a mile.
An amazing trail! If you're scared of heights the scramble at the top can be uncomfortable but it's 100% worth it! Prepare with lots of water, pack lightly, and give yourself plenty of time to complete it.
My husband and I hiked this trail this afternoon; what a treat. The view at the end is spectacular. As others have said, the trail is downhill until you reach The Window; uphill all the way back. On the way back up we spotted a mama bear and 3 cubs. She and her cubs just sat and watched us and after about 10 minutes wandered off. It took us 4 hours but I take a lot of photos. I am also a little out of shape so probably slower than some.
Carter H. on The Window Trail
Nice hike. Saw some huge cacti and plants. Saw wildlife, including a black bear minding his business off to the side.
Super steep climb up to saddle. Views at the top were awesome. Took the trail all the way to the end of pinnacle. A couple great picture sites on other side of saddle looking into the valley outside of the basin.
Loved this hike. Go to the end for pretty little waterfall and the window view of the desert. We also hiked about a 1/4 mile up the springs trail for expansive views
Incredible hike, down from the Chisos Mountain Lodge area. Change in scenery and topagraphy are fantastic, make sure you hike all the way to the bottom!
Good introduction hike to Big Bend. My husband and I hiked the Lost Mine Trail in the morning and then did this one in the afternoon. The first section of the trail you descend into the basin and then move towards the towering rock formations that form the window. Keep in mind for about the first mile there is very little shade so bring sunscreen and a hat and a good amount of water. Once you descend the trail is pretty flat until you reach the last quarter mile. There is some scrambling (very little) over some rocks through the river bed but the trail is still well defined. This is also a pretty well traversed trail meaning that there are quite a few people who hike this trail. The views at the end are spectacular so make sure to go all the way!
Amazing views of surrounding rock formations with a great variety of vegetation forming shaded areas within the narrows close to the window. Window provided amazing views out to the desert below and made a great lunch spot with the kids.
Great hike, was difficult with 40+lbs on the back the first day, but worth the pain and effort. Pinnacles gets steeper as it goes, and the switchbacks become pretty difficult. Some of the steps were like doing a big plyometric box jump. There was tons of water all through boot canyon. Which should be there for the next monthish (Feb 2020) The Rim is everything and more what people tell you. No picture can do justice for the scale and beauty you see. We could clearly see St. Elena canyon in the distance and that was 20miles away. We could see at least 50miles into the mountains from the top of the SW rim. Highly recommend doing the extra elevation and get to the top of the rim, instead of just seeing it along the main trail. Descending via Laguna Meadows was very easy, not tough on the knees at all.
Yes the last 25 ft is a scramble and a bit intense— not great if you’re afraid of heights. It’s definitely doable, just go slow. There are two peaks, the summit is the right side one.
My favorite hike to date. The beginning is alright- interesting desert hike. At the end you hike into the window with the cliff/rocks on either side and walk along stairs cut into the rocks. At the very end there’s a drop off, and you get a nice view. The last little bit of the hike before you turn back was absolutely amazing.
It’s interesting to descend first but you have a great view in both directions.
we went over Thanksgiving just updating this now. such a great hike!
One of the best trails I’ve ever done. Round trip it was closer to 12 miles, and where the trail splits off from Pinncales onto the actual Emory Peak trail is definitely the hardest part. The rocky scramble at the end is SO much fun, and even though it seems a little scary I never felt like I was in danger. Did this trail two days ago and there were a few patches of ice along the trail, but nothing that impeded our hike! Bring plenty of water and a good meal to have when you’re at the top, because coming back down is rough on the leg muscles.
Incredible trail, it was perfect for a first day hike in the park. Love how the trail changes terrain throughout, going from more open and no shade to walking through trees to going through rocky crevasses. View at the end is awesome and perfect for lunch!
Awesome hike! It took my son and I 2.51 hrs 5.1 miles one way. We walked normal and made frequent stops for pictures. It is hard but not impossible; take your time and enjoy the views and peace of the journey up. Start early so you won't feel hurried. The beginning of the trail is behind the store next to the information building. The weather was excellent, 54/50 and sunny; it was windy up in the summit. However, if you bring a light jacket or windbreaker, you should be fine. We consumed 80 oz of water together, but if you do this on a hotter day you might need more. If you are scared of heights, the summit might give you a little scared as you are climbing on rocks to the top and the wind might give you an unbalanced feeling of dropping. Very doable; there were all levels of physical capabilities and ages, so, just take your time and enjoy it.
Really wonderful trail! The emery peak offshoot is pretty challenging, especially with a heavy pack, but absolutely worth it. Day 1 up pinnacle to the east rim is all uphill, and certainly a long day so plan accordingly! But day 2 down laguna is all significant downhill. The south rim is wonderfully vast and beautiful! Be sure to watch the subset while you’re up there. No places to filter water, so pack it all in with you.
Extremely beautiful. 4.8 miles round trip, scenic the whole way. Not very difficult and saw lots of families hiking this trail. Took roughly 2.5 hours including a break for lunch. Saw many people but hiked alone and out of earshot from people most of the way. Busy at the end.
