Hiking Project Logo
Climb
MTB
Hike
Trailrun
Ski

Window Trail

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate Intermediate
 4.5 (113)
  1. Areas
  2. TX
  3. …West Texas
  4. …Big Bend National Park
  5. Chisos Mountains
Explore in 3D
Use onX Backcountry to explore the terrain in 3D, view recent satellite imagery, and more. Now available in onX Backcountry Mobile apps! For more information see this post.
Previous Next

“A unique 5.6-mile tour that follows the Oak Creek to the overlook called the Window. ”

Caleb Joyce
Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List

5.6

Miles

9.1

KM

Out and Back

5,352' 1,631 m

High

4,452' 1,357 m

Low

914' 279 m

Up

914' 279 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (4°)

20%

Max Grade (11°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Views

Overview

Meander through the grasslands, trees and creek bed to end up at the edge of a cliff where water drains out of the Chisos Basin. The Window views are breathtaking and the hiking is great with the varied terrain.

Description

This is a beautiful and unique trail that takes off from the Chisos Mountain Visitor Center and ends with a spectacular gem. The trail starts in the basin's meadows and progresses down the Oak Creek drainage.

The creekbed is fun to follow, as it provides interesting built in steps that meander from side to side in the canyon. At the end of the creek, you'll find a rewarding view where water has sliced a narrow window in the Chisos Basin. Be careful at the windows ledge! The rock is extremely slippery and the fall would be fatal.

The return is uphill, so make sure that you save some water for the return journey.

Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - Big Bend National Park

Shared By:

Caleb Joyce
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 113 votes

#2

in Chisos Mountains

#83

Overall
  4.5 from 113 votes
5 Star
59%
4 Star
33%
3 Star
7%
2 Star
1%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#2

in Chisos Mountains

#2

in Texas

#83

Overall
42 Views Last Month
7,764 Since Sep 29, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate
3%
5%
69%
11%
12%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

The Window Trail
Apr 2, 2026 near Big Ben…, TX
Overlook at "The Window" in Big Bend National Park
May 10, 2016 near Big Ben…, TX
The Window Trail heading to the main event includes really neat built in steps making this hike fun to crawl over.
Dec 15, 2015 near Big Ben…, TX
Sunset from The Window trailhead
Jun 28, 2018 near Big Ben…, TX
The Window provides one of the most unique sunset views in the park.
May 17, 2017 near Big Ben…, TX
Heading down "the window" trail.
Oct 28, 2017 near Big Ben…, TX

1 Comment

Sort by: Oldest Drop down
Newest Oldest Popular
loading

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 3 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Apr 2, 2026
Stewart Carnes
Feb 20, 2026
Tom Herr
Desert gravel hike into a canyon with visual reward at the end. Many hikers, but peaceful and scenic. Loved it! Start at Chisos Basin Visitor Center. 5.6mi
Feb 4, 2026
Brian L
From campground 4mi
Jan 7, 2026
Anonymous
May 2, 2025
Steve Knapp
Trail can be shortened by almost a mile if you park in the amphitheater lot near the campground entrance. Trailhead by site 51 4.2mi
Mar 22, 2025
Cori W
Absolutely beautiful but the last bit going back uphill is pretty brutal in the heat. Have plenty of water and avoid the hottest parts of the day.
Dec 30, 2024
Grant Pennington
Dec 30, 2024
Jackie Steele

Nearby Recommended Routes

Welcome

Join the Community! It's FREE

Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started