Texas · National Park trail

Lost Mine Trail

in Texas

Trail Information Roundtrip Distance: 4.8 miles (7.7 km) Elevation Change: 1100 feet (335 m) Average hiking time: 3 hours Dogs and other pets are not allowed on any trails in the park. This trail serves as an outstanding introduction to the flora and fauna of the Chisos Mountains. With limited time, hike in about one mile and stop at the saddle for stunning views of Casa Grande Peak and Juniper Canyon.

The remainder of the trail climbs steeply in and out of juniper, oak, and pine forest. The trail abruptly levels out at a ridge with superb views of Pine Canyon and the Sierra del Carmen in Mexico. Accessibility Parking is limited.

The small parking lot holds 15 vehicles and regularly fills between 8 am and 9 am from November through April (peak season). A wheelchair-accessible sidewalk leads to an information panel. Behind the panel, the dirt and rock hiking trail ascends along a drainage with trees and desert plants.

States: Texas
Trail type: National Park trail
Centroid coords: 29.2745°, -103.2867°

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.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 and have current notes (water sources, trail closures, permit changes), tell us at /contact — we update pages as we learn.