The Lost Mine Trail is the last hike on my first day of my Big Bend visit, with a couple of hours of daylight left. I’d seen mixed reviews of this trail, with some comments that it’s “over-rated”, and others suggesting it was one of the best walks in the park. Either way, it’s one of the most popular trails in the park: by setting out at 5pm, apart from a few people on their way back, I had the trail pretty much to myself.
There’s a big sign at the Lost Mine Trail trackhead warning of wild bears and mountain, which is comforting when walking on your own, just before dusk 🙂 The well-made track starts climbing immediately through light juniper, oak and pinyon pine forest, and there’s no views for the first kilometre or so.
Shortly after the first kilometre (0.7 miles) of steady uphill walking, you start getting views to the south over Juniper Canyon and towards Mexico.
The Lost Mine Trail is now quite exposed; being very late afternoon means it’s still a comfortable temperature. But I wouldn’t like to be doing this section at midday in summer! After 1.5km (just under a mile) there’s a saddle, from where there’s great views south towards Mexico, as well the ridge above the track and Lost Mine Peak to the north of the trail.
After the saddle, the Lost Mine Trail gets more steep with multiple switchbacks. The quality of the track, built from 1940-42 by the Civilian Conservation Corps can be seen here with examples of some serious stonework.
Between some of the switchbacks, there’s a great view to the west to the Chisos Basin Campground, and to The Window at the end of the Chisos Basin.
I spot a Mexican Jay (formerly known as grey-breasted jay), which feeds largely on acorns and pine nuts and lives in montane pine-oak forest (in Mexico and parts of Arizona and Texas).
Finally, the Lost Mine Trail reaches the last exposed ridge is reached after 3.5km (just over two miles) – which is also the highest point of the trail. However, the best views are at the end of this 400m ridge.
From the end of the Lost Mine Trail there are spectacular views in most directions – to the south-east is Pine Canyon and the Sierra Del Carmen, in Mexico.
To the south-west is the east rim of the Chisos mountains.
I’ve got the summit to myself for over an hour, as I wait for the sun to set. It’s cold on the exposed ridge due to the wind, but tucked down in the rocks it’s the perfect temperature. I only wish I’d thought to bring some wine or a whiskey with me: it would have been the perfect end to the day (although, I still have the descent ahead of me!).
As the sun dips behind the Casa Grande peak, it’s time to head back to the car.
The Lost Mine Trail descent is much quicker than the ascent, despite the fading light (for the last mile I need to use my head torch). I’m at the Chisos Mountain Lodge by 8:30pm, in time for dinner. It’s been a magnificent walk, and I’m glad I ignored the advice that suggested avoiding this trail. I’m also very happy that I went late in the day, and avoided the crowds – in summary, I’d definitely put the Lost Mine Trail at the very top of the Big Bend “must do” list. But go very early in the morning or late in the day, and avoid the crowds. I can imagine that following a queue of people up through a series of switchbacks in the midday sun would put you off this walk.
Accommodation in Big Bend National Park
The best place to stay is Chisos Mountains Lodge, which has motel rooms and cabins – but it books out well in advance during peak periods. (There’s also a campground.)
The nearest town is Terlingua, which is about a 45min drive and has a few motels and restaurants. I stayed at Terlingua Ranch Lodge, which is even further away (1:15min drive) – but offers rustic cabins in a rural setting.
Booking.com
5 Comments
Paul Thorn · October 26, 2018 at 3:35 am
Was there 2 weeks ago bug failed to make it to the basin and these views. Thanks for sharing. Paul
oliverd :-) · November 17, 2018 at 11:07 am
Sorry for the slow reponse – thanks for the comment. Was (pleasantly) surprised by Big Bend – considering Texas is not really somewhere you’d think of as a hiking destination, Big Bend had a variety of fantastic walks!
Steve Draper · December 11, 2018 at 11:34 am
I’m thinking about going in mid May, is that a good time to go?
oliverd :-) · December 14, 2018 at 10:22 am
Sorry for slow response. Yep, good time to go! I’d still recommend going very early / late in the day to avoid the crowds, as it is one of the most popular walks.
The Best of Big Bend (Texas) – Hiking the world · February 1, 2018 at 12:49 pm
[…] Lost Mine – great views for a relatively short walk. Go very early – or late – to avoid the crowds as it’s a popular walk. I had the top to myself for over an hour in the late afternoon, and it’s good spot to watch the sun set (bring a good torch!) […]