Stats, trail tips and important information regarding this trail are located at the bottom of the blog post. Unless explicitly noted, all pictures in this blog are owned by me and should otherwise not be used without expressed written consent.

Sometimes you stumble across an amazing hike that you did not expect. With the Window Trail and Emory Peak nearby, it’s easy to overlook the Lost Mine Trail. Don’t do it. It’s a worthy hike at Big Bend National Park and the Chisos Basin. It is absolutely stunning, an iconic Texas beauty. Not long into the hike you’re already seeing some magnificent views. Let’s go ahead and crack that can open…

I wonder how far you can see from here? Pretty sure that’s Mexico!

Although there’s an annoying lens flare that showed up while on this hike, I thought this tree really complemented the mountainous background. Very Texas! Makes me proud of the state I live in.

As you get to the top, of course the views become more and more distant. Just beautiful…

Jason pondering “Why do they call them apartments when they’re not actually apart?” 😂 JK, it’s an awesome picture of him…

And now we are at the top. Check out that view! Ho-lee-chit! This never, ever gets old to me. I love how the two rocks frame the spectacular, distant view.

I try to do it for every hike. And yes, I’m purposefully calling them “self-pics” because I’m not a fan of the word “selfie”. 😎

And here is a video at the very top. We were still catching our breath…

As you can see, there’s a flat top to explore at the top, which I absolutely loved. I’m part monkey, so I was climbing around and checking out the different views. Some spots are a little dizzying height-wise. So although there are plenty of “safe” spots to be, those afraid of heights may find some areas at the top outside of their comfort zone.

Snapped some cool pics on the way down. Check out this pathway. I love shrubby, covered pathways like this. There is a hike near Yachats (Oregon) that reminds me of this…

I’ll probably hike this one again once the Chisos Basin Visitor Center is reopened. We visited Boquillas Hot Springs after this hike right before dusk and it was awesome. Here’s a preview below. I’m sure I’ll post the trip to my upcoming Fleur de Lis Traveler website that I’m launching soon…

Total Distance/Time: 5.21 miles in 2 hrs 20 min
Calories Burned: 1,529
Trail Type: Point-to-point
Trail Features: Mountain views, distant views, desert flora
Best Time to Hike: November through March
Difficulty Rating: 7.5/10
Trailhead Coordinates: 29.2745156, -103.2864638
Trail Tips:

• Popularity: Despite it being less known than other hikes, it’s close to the Chisos Basin Visitor Center so it’s a popular hike. Parking can be tricky at certain times of the day/year, I’m sure.
• Closing Soon: Hike it while you can. The Chisos Basin will largely be closed while the Chisos Basin Visitor’s Center is being rebuilt. That begins May 2025.
• Hydration: Being plenty of water, this hike is relatively intense.