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Window Trail in Big Bend

Big Bend National Park, Texas

4.6/5
based on 5 reviews

Details

Distance

4.21 miles

Elevation Gain

500 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Chris Mongeau

This hike offers beautiful views into Mexico from Big Bend National Park as well as of the mountains surrounding the Chisos Basin. 

The Window Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Big Bend National Park. Whether you're visiting for a day or camping at one of the sites in the park, the Window Trail is a hike worth doing, and can be done in just a couple of hours at a leisurely pace. The Window itself is a V-shaped canyon that overlooks the desert into Mexico and offers stunning panoramic views, especially at sunset.

To begin the hike, you can either start at the Basin Trailhead (roundtrip 5.6 miles) or at the Chisos Basin Campground (roundtrip 4.4 miles). If you don't feel like hiking the first mile from the Basin Trailhead, you won't be missing much in terms of the hike's views and experience.

The hike begins in Chisos Basin and descends to Oak Creek Canyon, which, depending on the season and amount of rainfall, may have a stream running through. During our hike in August, there was a small stream, but nothing more than about an inch of water at any point. The total descent from the Chisos Basin Campground is about 500 feet over 2.2 miles (the way back is all uphill). The last .5 miles of the trail travels over a rocky canyon area that can be pretty slick to climb, so you'll definitely want decent hiking shoes with good grip.

Once you're at the Window, the view opens up to the desert plain below. There are no rails/ropes at the end of the Window—it's just a straight 220 foot drop from the edge, so be careful and don't get too close, the rocks can be deceivingly slick. Enjoy the uninhibited view and wait for the sun to set if you can.

Hiking back, the views are equally beautiful and look out at Casa Grande and Emory Peak. While we were on the trail, we spotted a black bear, two different groups of deer, and javelinas. Wildlife is abundant throughout the basin area, and Big Bend is also home to the mountain lion, so it's best to do this hike with at least another person and to follow safety information in the event of an encounter.

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Features

Camping
Photography
Hiking
Family Friendly
Scenic
Wildflowers
Wildlife

Reviews

It was a pretty easy out and back trail. Very busy at the end and it can be rocky on that last half mile.

My buddy and I did this trail in roughly an hour and 45 minutes while taking photos at the Window for 25 minutes. We did this on a Sunday evening and we met only one couple at the Window. After a few minutes, we had the entire sight to ourselves. If you go to Big Bend, don't skip this trail. I heard sunset is popular and an amazing view.

There are two Window trails. The short one which I recommend to watch the sunset and the longer one which takes you to the actual window. Both are great and beautiful.

This was the very first hike I did at Big Bend when I was 14. I wish you would have added a pic of the actual window. As stated there are no ropes or anything so just be careful when you get down there. Looking over the edge is thrilling but don't get too close.

This hike is perfect for the family or day hiker passing through Big Bend! If you are looking for a little exercise after hours in the car, this is the perfect trail run with a rewarding view, The way back is slightly uphill the entire way, so save some energy for the way back!

I absolutely love this hike! I grew up doing the Window hike with my dad when I was young, and every time I return to Big Bend I always make a point to hike the Window. The first part can be deceiving since you're going downhill, so prepare yourself for a total uphill hike on the way back.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Chisos Mountains Loop

Catch a Sunset on the Window View Trail

Emory Peak via Pinnacles Trail

Backpack to the Southeast Rim of the Chisos

Hike South Rim Trail Boot Springs Trail

Hike the Outer Mountain Loop