Mule Ears Spring in Big Bend National Park

Mule Ears Spring

The Smoky Creek Trail is a moderate 7.6 mile out and back trail and the Mule Ears Spring is located at mile 2 of the trail.

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Mule Ears Spring Details

Mule Ears Spring is located at mile 2 of the Smoky Creek Trail, a moderate 7.6 mile out and back hike. The trail is used for hiking as well as horseback riding. Along the trail there are also great places for some scenic backcountry camping, but make sure to get your permit first! The trailhead is located at the parking lot of the Mule Ears Viewpoint which can be accessed on mile 15 of the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive.

Difficulty

Moderate

Distance

7.6 miles

Estimated time

2.5 hours

Region

N/A

Nearby Parks Around Mule Ears Spring

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Nearby Points of Interest Around Mule Ears Spring

Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Mule Ears Spring while the map context is still fresh.

0.0 mi away

Mule Ears Viewpoint

A crystal clear view of famous rock formations, the Mule Ears Peaks!

2.8 mi away

Chimneys Trail

4.8-mile moderate hike to the chimneys, one of the park's iconic structures complete with Native American rock art.

3.3 mi away

Tuff Canyon

Sporting some of the coolest geology in the park, the walls of Tuff Canyon are made of ancient volcanic ash.

4.1 mi away

Cerro Castellan

Cerro Castellan is an ancient volcanic butte that looms over the valley by the Santa Elena Canyon.

4.8 mi away

Sotol Vista

Sotol Vista is the best place to watch the sunset over the Chisos Mountains.