Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Lost Mine Trail, Big Bend National Park
Hiking in the pine forests of Big Bend National Park's Chisos Mountains can be the highlight of any trip, but the marquee high country hikes can be too long and difficult. That's why I love the park's Lost Mine Trail, which begins from a parking lot on the main park road to the Chisos Basin. It's no piece of cake -- about five miles round trip (up and back on same route) with an elevation gain of 1,000 feet or so -- but the gain is gradual except for a few steep spots. Vegetation along the route is lush and varied, with dramatic views of the Chisos and Casa Grande peak at nearly every turn. With frequent stops, we took 3.5 hours for the hike on a recent visit. About half the hikers we met on the trail were over 60 years old, so it's not just for youngsters. For any hike in the park, I highly recommend "Hiking Big Bend National Park," a Falcon Guide authored by Laurence Parent.
--Pete Szilagyi, Fort Davis, Texas Mountain Adventures
Photo: Casa Grande from the Lost Mine Trail!
Regional Coordinator Tip: for more information about hiking in the Texas Mountain Trail region, including the Big Bend National Park trails, click here.
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