the window

Great view at the end of the hike. Take plenty of water; this hike is downhill until you arrive, so is uphill all the way back. Save yourself a grueling last half mile in the hot sun by parking at the campground and starting/ending your hike there instead of from the visitor center - you won't miss anything except a sunburn!

The trail to the Window is easy going since it is all down hill. The trip back to the Chisos Mountain Lodge is a little more work but all the steps make it easier. The trip is a MUST to see the view through the Window and over the surrounding countryside. The rocks and streambeds are beautiful.

We stayed at the Chisos Mountain Lodge & dined at the dining room which offers a great view of the Window. We were fortunate enough to see a beautiful sunset while enjoying our dinner. The hike down there was just as rewarding!

This was a fun hike. We cut about a mile, and a bunch of switchbacks, off of the hike by starting at the campground rather than the hotel. The route takes you through the canyon floor and to a beautiful view at the end.

If you are not satisfied with the Window view that you get from the pull outs on the road or while sitting on the patio of the Chisos Basin Restaurant, then just be assured that is how you are supposed to feel. Just try this moderately easy hike that starts from the Chisos Basin campground and takes about 2 - 2.5 hours to complete. The only tiny downside is that the hike is uphill while coming back, so carry plenty of water and if possible some juicy candies to keep you refreshed. The trail takes you through the wilderness. Often you are surrounded by tall cliffs with stones intricately carved by nature. Sometimes the unique flora of this region extend their greetings. Don't miss the mountain stream that disappears into the ground like magic and leaves in its wake the mouth of a mighty waterfall, now dry. This is the reward at the end that is a must. Pack some light snacks to munch on while you sit and marvel at the magnificence of nature. It is an experience not to be missed if you are in Big Bend Country. Last but not the least, try to stick together and travel in groups as this is Bear country. One lady who shot off like an arrow in front of us while on our way back, was soon found rooted to the ground. She had seen the frame of a huge bear enjoyin' a break from his evening stroll right in the middle of the trail. By the time, we got to her the animal had disappeared and she refused to let go of our sight for the rest of the way back.

We did this trail from the oak springs trail which starts from a parking area at the end of an unmarked dirt road near mile post 3 on the Ross Maxwell Scenic drive. The unmarked dirt road is on your left coming from the main road and across across the drive for the Sam Nail Ranch. There is a small pull off area across from the dirt road where you can park your car if it has low clearance (note:this will add 1+miles to your hike each way making it 7miles). If you have a truck or high clearance vehicle drive up the dirt road and park in the parking area. The road does not end at the parking area however after the parking area it is a service road only. From this parking area walk up the road about 1/2 mile where you will see a lovely shade tree and signs showing that the path splits. If you go right the trail follows a stream that takes you to the base of a water fall that was not running while we were there. Stay LEFT at the tree for the Window. You will cross the stream immediately (easy crossing for us on this day) Follow the trail as it switch backs up an incline. After the trail flattens out it takes you across the mountain. The trail then descends steeply over slippery rocks/gravel and will eventually lead to the other window trail. (there is a sign)You will turn right. The trail is much easier now and takes you directly to the window (maybe 1/4 of a mile) Please practice caution as the rocks right up on the window are very smooth and slippery!We chose to do the hike this way instead from the lodge as we heard the scenery is much better this way- and as a bonus, the return trip is down hill vs up hill back to the lodge. There are also less people making the hike more peaceful.

Any time of day The Window is spectacular. It's a long walk down and back if you want to get up close. This is the number one location in Big Bend when the sun sets. Drive up to the lodge in the morning. Hike to the window during the day. Have dinner at the lodge restaurant and stay at the lodge for the night. Breakfast at the lodge and spend the day on the east side of the park.

This hike is best early in the morning or later in the afternoon. It is a 5 mile hike with half downhill and the return uphill. The path is well laid out and benign for the most part. Bring water and enjoy the view.

This is a moderately difficult trail, but the view is worth it. We met a deer along the way. Just breathe - and enjoy it!

The end of the trail is very slick!! Do NOT wander too close to the edge or you WILL slip and fall!The window trail is an easy hike down towards the fantastic end and a sad hike uphill back to camp. Definitely would hike again.

The valley beyond the Window was covered by clouds most of the time we were there. We did not walk down to the best viewing spot below the campground. I did walk out on the promontory one evening toward sunset but I did not wait for the full sunset as it began to shower. The last day we as we were leaving I did take one photograph out from the sidewalk bside our room as the sky was finally clear.

We reached the window at sunset, which is an awesome and less crowded way to do this hike. Of course, you will need headlamps for the way back. A great hike for fit kids to join you.

Really wanted to spot a bear while on this trip, but apparently we just missed it - a hiker showed the ranger a pic about 20 minutes ahead of us... This is the best location for the POSSIBILITY of seeing one... in the meantime, it is a really pretty trail with spectacular views. There are two access points - one up at the Chisos Lodge and one down at the campground... depends on how much you like hiking back up the trail I guess.

Take your time, walk quietly, listen, and observe. Lots of interesting plants, cactus, trees, birds, animals and insects. This is a beautiful trail that winds down from the Chisos Mt. Lodge into a wooded ravine along, sometimes a creek and other times a dry creek bed. Lots to explore, I'll say no more, or I'll spoil it. Bring water. The climb back up can be strenuous in the heat.

This is a fairly easy to moderate hike from the Chisos Mountain Lodge and campsite to the Window. The trail is well maintained and easy to follow. It gets a little challenging closer to the window as you have to maneuver over and around some rocks. But very doable. The photo opportunities are astounding along the way as well as at the window. If you time it to arrive at sunset, it is incredible. One person saw a black bear on their hike. Another saw a bobcat. YOu are surrounded by nature. Highly recommend.