Hiking Trails in Big Bend National Park
Here are some great beginner friendly hikes that will get you good workout and ending with a great view. There is more than 40 hikes in the park, we just did about 5 or so, but here is the few we actually enjoyed doing.
Distance: 1.7 mi
The Santa Elena Canyon Trail in Big Bend National Park offers an awe-inspiring adventure through one of the park's most iconic and dramatic landscapes. This moderately easy trail begins near the mouth of Santa Elena Canyon, accessible via Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive.
These cliffs, made of ancient limestone and volcanic rock, create a narrow and dramatic gorge that cuts through the desert landscape. As you hike deeper into the canyon, the trail offers breathtaking views of the sheer walls rising high above you, sculpted over millennia by the erosive forces of the Rio Grande. At the end of the trail you can enjoy the serene beauty of the Rio Grande and the towering cliffs that surround them.
Once you reach the top, you have the freedom to continue as far as you like—it's a one-way trail with the option to return the same way. We went about 15 minutes into the trail. We went before sunset and got some sunset photos, views are great especially seeing the sun hit the canyon and how the sun goes in the middle of the canyon.
Santa Elena Canyon Trail
The Window Trail
Distance: 5.6 mi round-trip journey
This trail is not so beginner friendly but it is definitely worth it. The Window Trail in Big Bend National Park is a breathtaking trek through stunning desert landscapes and rugged canyons. Starting from the Chisos Basin, the trail descends gradually into the narrow, steep-walled canyon known as Oak Creek Canyon.
As the trail progresses, it leads to a natural "window" formation—a V-shaped gap in the cliffs that frames a dramatic vista of the desert stretching out beyond. This viewpoint, aptly named "The Window," provides a mesmerizing perspective, especially during sunrise or sunset when the colors of the sky and landscape blend in a captivating display. This trail took us about 2 hours out and back, we were taking our sweet time. Make sure to go early in the day especially in summer it gets pretty hot in the early afternoon.
Balanced Rock Trail
Distance: 2.2 mi round-trip journey
The Balanced Rock Trail at Big Bend National Park features a rugged and rocky path that winds through a desert landscape dominated by unique geological formations. As you begin the hike, you'll navigate over rocky terrain, which can be uneven and requires sturdy footwear. The trail gradually ascends through a picturesque desert environment dotted with creosote bushes, yuccas, and occasional cacti, showcasing the park's diverse flora and fauna adapted to the arid climate.
The highlight of the trail is reaching the iconic Balanced Rock—a large boulder delicately balanced atop a rock pedestal. This natural wonder is a testament to the forces of erosion and time that shape Big Bend's landscape.
The return hike offers a chance to appreciate the tranquility and beauty of the remote wilderness that defines Big Bend National Park, making the Balanced Rock Trail a memorable outdoor adventure for nature enthusiasts and hikers alike.
Overall, these hikes were a great workout, especially for our first time hiking in a large park with many different trails. The park offers more than 40 hikes. To find the best ones, we used AllTrails, which provides detailed information about each trail. I love that you can download the trail maps since there’s no online service in the park.