Big Bend National Park, Texas
Big Bend Chisos Loop
Desert rim country, hot springs and the darkest sky in Texas.
Moderate
Difficulty
14 mi
Distance
2,200 ft
Elevation
11 h
Drive time
Nov – Mar
Best season
Trail map
Trail to take
Big Bend Chisos Loop — 14 mi · Moderate
No coordinates for this one yet — open it on Trailforks by name.
Overview
Base in the Chisos Basin, climb to the South Rim for a 100-mile view into Mexico, then drop to the river for Santa Elena Canyon and a soak in the hot springs.
Permits: Park entry fee; backcountry permit for Chisos zone campsites.
Where to get your permit
Fees, lottery dates and quotas change every season — confirm on the agency page before you plan around them.
Where to camp or stay
Popular sites open on a booking window months ahead and sell out fast.
Highlights
South Rim overlook
Santa Elena Canyon at golden hour
Rio Grande hot springs
Milky Way from the basin
Suggested itinerary
Day 1
Window Trail + basin
Arrive, easy 5-mile Window Trail, sunset from the Window pour-off.
Day 2
South Rim
Early start up Pinnacles, lunch on the rim, descend via Laguna Meadows.
Day 3
River day
Santa Elena Canyon walk, hot springs soak, drive out in the evening.
Packing list
Checked against your gear closet — 6 items to sort out.
- 3L water capacity
- Sun hoodie
- Warm layer for cold nights
- Headlamp
- Trekking poles
- Swimsuit
Add gear for this trip
Suggestions shift with the trip length, activities and the forecast above.
2.5 L
Per person, per day
2 L
Heaviest carry
4.4 lb
Water weight (2.2 lb/L)
4.4 lb
Gear 0.0 lb + water
- Sources unconfirmed — this assumes one mid-day refill. Check conditions before you go.
Food plan
- Breakfast: tortillas + eggs at camp
- Lunch: trail wraps
- Dinner: chili + cornbread
Weather & conditions
Trail conditions
We don't have a trailhead pinned for this route yet.
Nearby camping
Gear recommendations
Know before you go. Routes, distances, elevation and conditions shown here are estimates and may be inaccurate or out of date. Trail conditions change, and closures happen. Check with the managing land agency, carry a topographic map and compass or GPS, tell someone your plans, and know your limits — you're responsible for your own safety in the outdoors.