Big Bend National Park is great for kids! There are many short hikes just right for all ages. Make sure to use our family guide to learn all about Big Bend and what it has to offer. While you’re there, try a few of these easy hikes. These are our recommendations for family friendly trails in Big Bend.
Rio Grande Village Area
Hot Springs
The Hot Springs hike is flat and walks through a few old buildings before arriving at the Rio Grande. There is a nice 105 degree hot spring right on the river that allows you to go from the warm to the cold water. Make sure to bring your swimsuit!
Rio Grande Nature Trail
Starting at Rio Grande Village, this 1 mile hike takes you through the marsh past turtles, frogs, burros, and birds to look across the Rio Grande into Mexico. This hike has a few cool green areas and is perfect for kids of all ages.
Boquillas Canyon
In the far south east corner of the park, the river enters Boquillas Canyon. This hike walks right along the bank of the Rio Grande. Before it narrows down too much, you’ll turn and head back the way you came.
Castolon Area
Sam Nail Ranch
Sam Nail Ranch is short trail with some shade on the road to Castolon. There is not much left of the ranch, but the oasis of trees and an ancient chicken coop can still be seen. This walk is mostly flat and very easy.
Tuff Canyon Overlook
Tuff Canyon Overlook is a quick, easy stop along the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. This walk is only 0.5 mile, but you get to look into an interesting canyon that was carved from volcanic ash (tuff).
Santa Elena Canyon Trail
This hike is the reason most people come to the far west side of Big Bend. The Rio Grande pours out of Santa Elena Canyon and you can walk right under its steep shady walls. The water is beautiful and we saw turtles and new birds.
Chisos Basin
The Chisos Basin road is not open to trailers or long vehicles.
Lost Mine Hike
The Lost Mine Hike is a longer climb to a peak overlooking the Chisos Basin. It is the perfect hike for early morning or sunset. Due to limited parking, plan to be flexible with this hike, but it is one of the best hikes in the park.
Chisos Basin Loop
This hike is two miles around the Chisos Basin Visitor Center. There is some up and down elevation change, but also a very high chance of seeing wildlife including deer, bears, birds, and foxes. If you do one hike in the Chisos Basin, this should be it.
Window View Trail
For those who can’t make the distance of the Chisos Basin Loop, the Window View Trail is perfect. It is paved for wheels and runs only a quarter mile. It is a very popular gathering spot to watch the sunset through the Window.
Panther Junction
Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail
Located at Dugout Wells, we love this short informative walk through the oasis. There were a lot of cool birds, and the signs are a great way to learn about the desert. This trail is perfectly flat, and though there is no shade for most of the walk, it does enter the trees. There’s also a nice picnic area.
Lone Mountain Trail
This trail is a nice walk across the valley floor near Panther Junction. It circumnavigates Lone Mountain. Since the hike is perfectly flat and runs 2.7 miles, it is easy enough for kids. But be prepared for this and all hikes in Big Bend, as there is no shade and the sun can be wicked.
Panther Path Trail
When you visit the main Visitor Center at Panther Junction, make sure to take the very short trail just outside the building. Starting right in the front and running parallel with the parking lot, it can barely be classified as a hike, but it does come with a special bonus Junior Ranger patch!
