Window Trail

4.4 ( 67 )

Trail

5.6 mile 9.1 kilometer out and back
89% Runnable
Intermediate

Elevation

Ascent: 914' 279 m
Descent: -914' -279 m
High: 5,352' 1,631 m
Low: 4,452' 1,357 m

Grade

Avg Grade: 6% (4°)
Max Grade: 20% (11°)

Dogs

Unknown

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Trail shared by Caleb Joyce

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Unknown See History

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

— Caleb Joyce

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 running 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

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Check-Ins

Mar 12, 2018

5.6mi

Nov 26, 2016

Minnie Gan

Thanksgiving trip 2mi

Trail Ratings

4.4 from 67 votes

#2

in Big Bend National Park

#57

Overall

4.4 from 67 votes

5 Star		52%
4 Star		37%
3 Star		10%
2 Star		0%
1 Star		0%

Rankings

#2

in Big Bend National Park

#2

in Texas

#57

69 Views Last Month

5,254 Since Sep 29, 2015

Intermediate

Intermediate

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Photos

Sunset from The Window trailhead

Sunset from The Window trailhead

View of the Window. Be careful at the edge, it's a long drop to the bottom of the Chisos Basin!

View of the Window. Be careful at the edge, it'…

The Chisos Basin on the Window Trail.

The Chisos Basin on the Window Trail.

Heading down "the window" trail.

Heading down "the window" trail.

The Window Trail heading to the main event includes really neat built in steps making this hike fun to crawl over.

The Window Trail heading to the main event incl…

The Window provides one of the most unique sunset views in the park.

The Window provides one of the most unique suns…

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