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Window Trail

 33 votes
  1. Areas
  2. TX
  3. …West Texas
  4. Big Bend National Park
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Length

5.6 Miles 9.1 Kilometers

89%

Runnable

Elevation

914' 279 m

Ascent

-914' -279 m

Descent

6%

Avg Grade (4°)

20%

Max Grade (11°)

5,352' 1,631 m

High

4,452' 1,357 m

Low

Conditions

All Clear 67 days ago
Dry History
Getting forecast...

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

— Caleb Joyce
GPX File — Driving Directions

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.
Features: Views

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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Your Check-Ins

Check-Ins

Mar 12, 2018
Teri McLeod
5.6mi
Nov 26, 2016
Minnie Gan
Thanksgiving trip 2mi
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 33 votes

#2

in Big Bend National Park

#96

Overall
  4.3 from 33 votes
5 Star
52%
4 Star
30%
3 Star
18%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Rankings

#2

in Big Bend National Park

#3

in Texas

#96

Overall
255 Views Last Month
2,863 Since Sep 29, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate
4%
29%
54%
13%
0%
0%
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Photos

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'…
 3
The Chisos Basin on the Window Trail.
The Chisos Basin on the Window Trail.
 3
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…
 3
Heading down "the window" trail.
Heading down "the window" trail.
 3
The Window provides one of the most unique sunset views in the park.
The Window provides one of the most unique suns…
 4
View from The Window. (Though this picture doesn't do it justice at all!)
View from The Window. (Though this picture does…
 2
Unique trail leading up to the Window.
Unique trail leading up to the Window.
 2
The Window Trail, Big Bend National Park, Texas.
The Window Trail, Big Bend National Park, Texas.
 3

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Nearby Gems

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South Rim Viewpoint

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