Texas
Big Bend National Park's Lost Mine Trail is a desert-mountain classic, and Guadalupe Peak reaches the state high point. Big Bend is remote, so arrive with all…
Big Bend National Park's Lost Mine Trail is a desert-mountain classic, and Guadalupe Peak reaches the state high point. Big Bend is remote, so arrive with all the water and fuel you need.
Why Texas trails stand out
Texas is so large that its trails feel like several states in one. In the west, Big Bend National Park pairs desert floors with rugged mountain paths such as the Lost Mine Trail, while Guadalupe Peak climbs to the state's high point with wide views in every direction. Distances are long, services can be far apart, and the sun shapes every plan. The reward is scale: quiet desert, dramatic rock, dark-feeling remoteness, and hikes that feel like genuine journeys rather than short park strolls.
What to do, step by step
- Choose your park and route, then check official conditions, alerts, and weather for that exact area before travelling.
- Confirm reservations, entry timing, and any permits in advance, especially for popular parks and busy seasons.
- Plan around heat and distance: start early, check your fuel, and tell someone your route and return time.
- Arrive self-sufficient with all the water you need, sun protection, sturdy footwear, food, and downloaded offline maps.
- Stay on trail to protect fragile desert ground, respect wildlife, and pack out everything you brought.
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