Window View Trail is a tiny loop in the Chisos Basin of Big Bend National Park that is easy for all hikers. This hike runs only about a quarter mile and loops down to see a large gap in the mountains called The Window. This is a very popular place at sunset, and we shared the moment with several dozen people who had come to see the sun go down through the window.
This Window View trail in Big Bend starts to the left side of the General Store in the Chisos Basin. After you have spent some time at the Visitor Center, walk past the general store heading west and you’ll come to a sign to all trailheads in this area. Leave the sidewalk and walk down the steps through the cactuses to where the trails split. The loop starts and ends at this point. The trail is paved all the way around, and there are animals in this area. We saw evidence of javelinas, and right at dusk we saw a gray fox run across this loop trail.
After only about 100 meters, the trail comes to a low wall and a wide space. Look out in front of you, and you’ll see a gap in the mountains to the valley beyond. This gap is the window. Since it is almost due west, the sun sets near there, though it does fade to the south at certain times of the year. People gather along this part of the trail to watch the sunset.
The paved Window View Trail in Big Bend turns south briefly before heading back to the car. The total distance for this trail might add up to a quarter mile, and the trail is wheel friendly. We saw people of all ages on this trail, too. Make sure to give this one a try around sunset! For the rest of our our hike recommendations in Big Bend National Park, check out this post.
