Window View Trail in Big Bend National Park

Window View Trail

One of the most popular hikes in the park, Window View Trail is a moderate 5.4-mile out and back trail that leads to a beautiful pouroff.

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Window View Trail Details

One of the most popular hikes in the park, The Window Trail is a moderate 5.4-mile out and back hike that leads down to the top of a pouroff, named The Window, because it beautifully frames the desert. The hike itself is downhill on the way to The Window and uphill on the way back, so take note of that when deciding whether this hike is for you. Wildlife sightings are plentiful on the trail and the close encounters with the Chisos mountains makes you feel like you are farther from the campground than you are. This is one of the more popular trails, so you are more likely to encounter fellow travelers here than in most other parts of the park. Be cautious when exploring the actual Window because the polished rock can be very slippery, but it is the perfect place for photos and exploring. To access The Window Trail, you can either begin at the Basin Trailhead behind the Chisos Basin Visitor Center, or you can pick up the trail at the Chisos Basin Campground.

Difficulty

Moderate

Distance

5.4 miles

Estimated time

3 hours

Region

N/A

Nearby Parks Around Window View Trail

Compare nearby parks around Window View Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.

7.0 mi away

Big Bend

National Park · TX

202.6 mi away

Guadalupe Mountains

National Park · TX

211.9 mi away

Carlsbad Caverns

National Park · NM

296.1 mi away

White Sands

National Park · NM

485.1 mi away

Saguaro

National Park · AZ

551.1 mi away

Petrified Forest

National Park · AZ

Nearby Points of Interest Around Window View Trail

Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Window View Trail while the map context is still fresh.

0.0 mi away

South Rim Trail

Must-do 11.9-mile, difficult loop that brings you to one of the best vistas in the park. South Rim is a highly recommended trail.

0.0 mi away

Chisos Mountain Window View

A paved 0.3 mile path leads to an amazing view of The Window that is especially popular at sunset.

0.0 mi away

Emory Peak Trail

The strenuous 10.5 mile hike takes you to the highest point in the park with an amazing panoramic view.

0.0 mi away

Basin Convenience Store

Providing everything travelers need year-round during regular business hours.

0.1 mi away

Chisos Basin Visitor Center

Open 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. year-round with daily, brief lunch-break closures and reduced hours on Christmas Day.