Window Trail

Distance: 5.5 miles

Big Bend National Park, near Big Bend in Texas Parks

The Window

The Window

 

The Window trail, one of the most popular hikes in Big Bend, descends down Oak Creek Canyon to a dramatic, narrow gap in the high peaks surrounding the basin. A scenic canyon, narrow ravine and sheer red-rock walls add interest to the hike.

  • Distance: 5.5 miles (RT)
  • Elevation: 5,385-ft. at Trailhead
    Maximum elevation - 4,425-ft.
  • Elevation Gain: -960-ft.
  • Difficulty: easy-moderate
  • Basecamp: Big Bend
  • Region: Texas Parks

 

Trail Description - Window Trail

Note: This is one of the most popular trails in Big Bend National Park, so don’t expect solitude. Take water and remember that it is all uphill on the way back.

This trail starts to the west of the Chisos Basin Visitor Center and Convenience Store. (See driving directions below). From the parking area the trail heads northwest, descending on easy to moderate grades through scrub brush and scattered trees into Oak Creek Canyon. Along the way the path passes to the west of the Chisos Basin Campground.

This segment of the trail enjoys great views of the peaks rimming the north end of the Chisos Basin. To the west Carter Peak, a triangular summit, rises to the south of Vernon Bailey Peak, a rounded summit. The window is located in the saddle between the two peaks. Casa Grande rises to the east.

At 0.9 miles reach a junction with a spur trail, branching right (east), that offers easy access to the trail from the campground. This trail cuts 1.2 miles off the round-trip distance and 350-ft. of elevation. (See driving directions below.)

Beyond the junction the path curves to the left (west) and descends down Oak Creek Canyon on easy to moderately-easy grades through a healthy collection of trees and brush. Along the way enjoy more fine views of the peaks rising above the north and west side of the Chisos Basin.

As the path nears the Window the canyon constricts and travels through an area where reddish rock walls rise above the drainage. Here the trail crosses the wash a few times. Typically there is little or no water in the wash so the crossing should not present a problem.

At 2.5 miles the trail passes the junction with the Oak Spring Trail, branching to the right. The Window trail now descends along the floor of the wash amid lush vegetation. There is typically some water flowing through this section of the canyon.

Soon the path reaches a narrow ravine with rugged walls and a polished rock floor where water collects in small pools. Depending on water levels you may see water cascading down pour-offs along the canyon floor. A series of steps chiseled into the rock bypass pour-offs in the wash, facilitating the descent. Use care when walking on wet slickrock. It can be very slippery.

Beyond the steps the canyon opens a bit. Ahead the Window is now in sight. At 2.75 miles reach the Window, a dramatic, narrow gap between rugged cliffs. At the base of the Window is a pour-off where a seasonal waterfalls plunges 220-ft. down the west side of the Chisos Mountains.

The gap offers interesting views of a rugged rock outcropping and the desert to the west. The slickrock along the canyon floor leading up to the window has been polish and sculpted by water and sand flowing, creating an uneven, shiny and slick surface. Use care when walking across the slippery surface to the edge of the pour-off.

Hikers looking for a slightly longer day can climb up the initial segment of the Oak Spring Trail to an overlook high above the Window (0.5 miles round-trip detour). A short distance past the overlook reach a high point where views extend west across the desert to lower Oak Creek Canyon. In the distance to the west is Burro Mesa while the Christmas Mountains dominate the views to the northwest.

With a previously arranged car shuttle hikers can continue on the Oak Spring Trail as it drops down to the Chihuahuan Desert. Along the way are scenic views of the Window’s pour-off and the Window’s waterfalls (if water is present). See the Oak Spring trail for more information.

This trail can be very crowded. The first part of the hike is totally exposed to the sun. Keep in mind that the walk back is uphill. The best bet is to get an early start and visit the area in the cool of the morning before the hordes arrive. The trail is also popular later in the day with people who hike to the window to see the sunset.

Elevation Profile

Elevation Profile for the Window Trail hike

Driving Directions

From the Big Bend National Park Headquarters at Panther Junction: From Panther Junction, at the intersection of the Persimmon Gap Road and the West Entrance Road, head west on the West Entrance (Gano Springs) road toward Basin Junction for 3.2 miles. Turn left on the Chiso Basin Road and follow the road for 6.3 miles to the Chisos Basin Visitor Center and park. The trail starts along the west side of the parking area, just to the south of the Convenience Store.

There is also very limited parking at the Basin Campground, near site #51, which reduces the distance by 1.2 miles round trip.

Another option is to park at the overflow parking area near the campground, located just before the campground. If you park here, you will need to walk through the campground. At the northern end is a spur trail leading to the Window Trail.

From the Chisos Mountain Lodge Area: Park or walk to the west side of the parking are near the Visitor Center and the Convenience Store. Here you will find the trailhead for the Window just to the south of the Convenience Store.

There is also very limited parking at the Basin Campground, near site #51, which reduces the distance by 1.2 miles round trip.

Another option is to park at the overflow parking area near the campground, located just before the campground. If you park here, you will need to walk through the campground. At the northern end is a spur trail leading to the Window Trail.

 

Trail Resources