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Follow the lesser-traveled Oak Springs Trail to access The Window from the west side.


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Map Key

7.8

Miles

12.5

KM

86%

Runnable

4,760' 1,451 m

High

3,649' 1,112 m

Low

1,422' 434 m

Up

1,422' 433 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

23%

Max Grade (13°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Spring · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Oak Springs Road is entirely closed to park guest's vehicles.

Overview

An out-and-back run with moderate elevation gains that follows the Oak Springs Trail to about halfway up the west side of the basin before meeting the Window Trail.

Description

The route starts at the Ross Maxwell Road. Park at Sam Nail Ranch Trail off of Ross Maxwell. Oak Springs Road is right across from Sam Neil.

Head down Oak Springs Road for about 2.3 miles until you get to the fork of Oak Springs Trail and Cattail Falls. Roughly, the first third of the trail has mild gains. The second third has more gain and several switchbacks. The west side vista opens up along this portion of the trail.

The trail crests and then drops down into the basin to Window Trail. Follow the Window Trail for a quarter mile to reach the Window itself. Then return back down the Oak Springs Trail and Oak Springs Road to the Same Neil trailhead.

Flora & Fauna

Coyotes and herbaceous flowering plants.

Contacts

Shared By:

Nathan Carroll

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 9 votes

#2695

Overall
  4.3 from 9 votes
5 Star
56%
4 Star
22%
3 Star
22%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#38

in Texas

#2,695

Overall
45 Views Last Month
2,958 Since Jan 30, 2017
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
0%
44%
0%
56%
0%

Photos

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
The Window provides one of the most unique sunset views in the park.
May 17, 2017 near Big Ben…, TX
View of the Window. Be careful at the edge, it's a long drop to the bottom of the Chisos Basin!
Dec 15, 2015 near Big Ben…, TX
Unique trail leading up to the Window.
Dec 15, 2015 near Big Ben…, TX
Getting closer to the Window.
Apr 7, 2016 near Big Ben…, TX
The end of the window trail.
Oct 28, 2017 near Big Ben…, TX

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