Big Bend's Lost Mine Trail

Hike Stats

Distance: 4.8 miles RT

Elevation Gain: 1100 feet

Location: Big Bend National Park

Date Hiked: February 2022

Getting Here

The Lost Mine Trailhead is located in the Chisos Mountains area of Big Bend National Park along the Chisos Basin Road. You’ll find a small parking lot near Panther Pass not far from the Chisos Basin Lodge and Campground area. Due to the size of the parking lot and the hike’s popularity, I would recommend arriving by 7 am.

The Hike

The Lost Mine Trail is one of Big Bend’s iconic hikes. It’s a doable hike for most moderately fit people and is one of the hikes I would recommend to visitors with limited time as it offers a great introduction into the park’s flora, fauna, and geological formations.

I started off the hike right at sunrise, being just the second one on the trail. The sun began to glow on the rocky cliffs as the trail immediately started steadily but gently gaining elevation through woodland-grassland. As I climbed higher I was rewarded with amazing views to the left of the basin.

After about a mile, I reached a saddle with amazing views to both sides, the hills and cliffs lit by the early morning sun. Past the saddle, the trail gets a bit steeper with persistent switchbacks and increasingly impressive views.

Once the switchbacks end, the trail heads off to the right for a short time before opening up to amazing views of the desert and mountains, all the way into Mexico. Don’t stop here though — continue on along the rocky ridge and across the essentially bald rock as far as you feel comfortable for ever expanding views. Once at the end I found a nice spot to sit and enjoyed a well-earned snack while watching a very noisy and entertaining Mexican jay.

The Mexican Jay bird entertainment:

There is a reason this hike is so popular — the views are absolutely astounding. While I think that the South Rim and Emory Peak Loop takes the cake for best overall hike in Big Bend, the Lost Mine Trail is 100% worth the time and energy to do and can be an excellent option for those with limited time in the park or for those who want to stick to shorter more manageable hikes. This hike gets crowded fast so be sure to start early, and be sure to bring more water than you think you’ll need — the cooler temperatures of the Chisos Mountains region can be deceiving and the desert environment will dry you out fast!

Nearby Adventures:

Big Bend Ranch State Park

Fort Davis National Historic Site

Davis Mountains State Park

McDonald Observatory

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