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Rolling desert terrain leads visitors to ancient pictographs and a fantastic hot spring!


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Map Key

0.6

Miles

0.9

KM

100%

Runnable

1,853' 565 m

High

1,850' 564 m

Low

5' 1 m

Up

5' 1 m

Down

0%

Avg Grade (0°)

1%

Max Grade (0°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Cave · Hot Spring · Views

Overview

Journey along the Hot Springs Canyon Trail amidst a stunning desertscape juxtaposed with the meandering green waters of the majestic Rio Grande.

Description

Starting at the Hot Springs Canyon Trail/Daniels Ranch Picnic Area Parking Area, travel west along the trail, ascending moderately to the top of the canyon's north wall before beginning a rolling descent on a mixed tread to the trail's end. Along the route, keep your eyes peeled for ocotillo, cactus, and numerous other types of desert florae.

On the route, be sure to turn off on the Hot Springs Historic Walk to view the hot springs, historic resort buildings, and ancient pictographs left sometime during the last 8,000 years of Big Bend's occupation by various Native American peoples. While there are over 26,000 recognized archaeological sites in Big Bend National Park, many of these sites have not been studied, and an unfortunate result is that relatively little is known about the prehistory of the area.

The Hot Springs Canyon Trail is most pleasingly traveled during the spring, fall or winter, as the combination of West Texas' summer heat and a lack of shade along the route can make even the most gorgeous trail miserable. If taken during the summer months, visitors should be sure to bring at least one gallon of water per person in order to properly protect against the threat of dehydration. In a similar vein, wearing either sun-protective clothing or high-SPF sunscreen is a must.

Flora & Fauna

Ocotillo, cactus, and other scrubby desert plants abound along this section of the Rio Grande.

Contacts

Shared By:

Hunter R

Trail Ratings

  3.7 from 19 votes

#2942

Overall
  3.7 from 19 votes
5 Star
26%
4 Star
26%
3 Star
37%
2 Star
11%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#44

in Texas

#2,942

Overall
11 Views Last Month
3,456 Since Jul 6, 2016
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate

47%
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53%
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Photos

Ruins mark the entrance to the Hot Springs Historic Walk.
Mar 7, 2017 near Big Ben…, TX
Tornillo Creek Meets the Rio Grande
Sep 29, 2015 near Big Ben…, TX
Hot Springs old store
Sep 29, 2015 near Big Ben…, TX
Hot Springs Canyon
Jul 14, 2016 near Big Ben…, TX
A group enjoys the canyon's namesake hot springs.
Jul 14, 2016 near Big Ben…, TX
Hot Springs Trail at Big Bend National Park
Oct 15, 2019 near Big Ben…, TX

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