Texas · National Park trail

Lost Mine Trail Stop #15

in Texas

More species of cacti have been identified in Big Bend National Park than in any other national park. Prickly pear cactus are the most common type of cacti found here, but in the lower elevations one can find other varieties such as cholla, rainbow cactus, eagle claw cactus, barrel cactus, and tasajillo. Shallow surface roots collect all available water, which the cactus stores in thick, waxy-covered pads, or stems.

The pads are a good source of moisture, fiber, and nutrients for animals that brave the spines. Rodents bite into the edges of the pads between the spines, while javalinas have tough mouths that allow them to eat the entire pad, spines and all. The juicy ripe purple fruits are also a good food source for many animals.

States: Texas
Trail type: National Park trail
Centroid coords: 29.2706°, -103.2745°

About Big Bend National Park

National Park

This trail is inside Big Bend National Park, a national park managed by the U.S. National Park Service. Conditions, road status, trail closures, and reservation requirements are published on the park's NPS page — check it before driving in, especially in winter or during major weather events.

Entrance fee: $30 per vehicle (verify current rate on the park page). An America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) covers entrance to all NPS units.

Official NPS trail page: https://www.nps.gov/places/lost-mine-trail-stop-15.htm

Park homepage: https://www.nps.gov/bibe/index.htm

Plan your hike

Practical notes

Maps + permits: long-distance trails like this often require permits for through-hiking, backcountry camping, or specific sections (especially in National Parks). Check with the maintaining organisation listed above and the relevant land manager before booking travel.

Water + supplies: water sources vary seasonally on most U.S. trails. Carry a filter and consult current trail-condition reports — through-hiker journals (PCT-L, AT Reddit, etc.) and the maintaining organisation publish regular updates.

When to go: hiking seasons vary widely with elevation, latitude, and snowpack. Through-hikers traditionally start the AT in March-April (Springer northbound) and the PCT in late April (Campo northbound). High-elevation western trails (CDT, JMT, Wonderland) generally aren't passable until July.

If you've hiked Lost Mine Trail Stop #15 and have current notes (water sources, trail closures, permit changes), tell us at /contact — we update pages as we learn.