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The Chihuahuan Desert covers about 80% of the park and surrounds the Chisos Mountains. Bare, rocky ground and sparse vegetation are hallmarks of the desert, but there is plenty of life here. Look for termite nests along plant stems, exoskeletons of millipedes, animal scat, and rodent and reptile tunnels. Bird life is plentiful, especially in the morning; look for nests hidden in yuccas and cacti. In the spring, bluebonnets, paintbrush, bi-color mustard, desert marigold, yucca, ocotillo, and cacti blossoms add color to the desert landscape.
![]() NPS Photo/Cookie Ballou Chihuahuan Desert Nature TrailDifficulty: Easy; Distance: 0.5 mile round trip ![]() NPS Photo/Jennette Jurado Chimneys TrailDifficulty: Moderate; Distance: 4.8 miles round trip A moderate hike (due to distance) to a series of prominent volcanic dike formations. The "chimneys" have always been an important landmark, and Indian rock art marks the base of these high pinnacles. The chimneys are 2.4 miles away and easily seen from the trailhead. The trail beyond the chimneys continues west another 4.6 miles and ends on the Old Maverick Road near Luna's jacal. This is an enjoyable 7-mile hike if you can arrange transportation on the opposite end. ![]() Dog CanyonDifficulty: Moderate; Distance: 4 miles round trip Dog Canyon is a pleasant, flat hike in the early morning or late afternoon hours when temperatures are moderate. The destination canyon is visible across the desert flats from the trailhead, and trail is well-marked with obvious cairns. At 1.5 miles the trail drops into a wash, and a left turn down the wash takes you through Dog Canyon about a half mile further. At the far end of the canyon, visitors should note that the horizontal rock strata have been folded vertically by the geological forces that formed the mountain ridge the canyon traverses. The narrow slot canyon to the right (south) of Dog Canyon is the Devil’s Den. A hike along the rim of Devil’s Den offers good views into the slot canyon and expansive panoramas of the surrounding desert, but it is NOT recommended that you attempt a trip through canyon without a companion and proper gear. Check at a Visitor Center for information on this route. ![]() NPS / C. Hoyt Lone Mountain TrailDifficulty: Easy; Distance: 2.7 Mile Loop ![]() NPS Photo/Blake Trester Grapevine Hills TrailDifficulty: Moderate; Distance: 2.2 miles round trip This trail leads to a group of balanced rocks in the heart of the Grapevine Hills. Initially, the trail follows a gravel wash, then climbs steeply for the last quarter mile into the boulders. The last section requires crossing steep, rough bedrock, and negotiating a challenging landscape of boulders. Stay on the trail, and watch carefully for the directional arrows that point the way to the balanced rock. Use extreme caution, especially coming back down. No shade, watch for snakes! ![]() NPS Photo/Cookie Ballou Lower Burro Mesa Pour-off TrailDifficulty: Easy; Distance: 1 mile round trip ![]() NPS Photo/Bryan Frohbieter Marufo VegaDIfficulty: Strenuous; Distance: 12 mile round tripBegin at the Marufo Vega trailhead near Boquillas Canyon This strenuous but spectacular hike is not recommended for inexperienced hikers. The trail is rugged and passes through several miles of dry washes and hills before descending into Boquillas Canyon and along the Rio Grande for ~1.5 miles. There is no shade or water, temperatures can exceed 100°F, and the route is poorly defined in some places. Practice caution if attempting this trail as a day hike. Learn more. ![]() Mariscal Canyon Rim TrailDIfficulty: Strenuous; Distance: 6.5 miles round tripBegin at the Mariscal Rim Trailhead, along the primitive road to Talley. This trail is as rewarding as it is remote. This hike requires a major effort just to get to the remote trailhead in the backcountry along the park's River Road. The trail crosses open desert before steadily ascending the western flanks of Mariscal Mountain, eventually leading you to a 1,400 foot limestone precipice. You can see and hear the Rio far below. Do NOT attempt this hike during the warmer months. Learn More ![]() NPS Photo/Cookie Ballou Mule Ears Spring TrailDifficulty: Moderate; Distance: 3.8 miles round trip This hike leads through the foothills of the Chisos Mountains, skirts Trap Mountain, and crosses several arroyos. Near the spring is an old rock corral. The spring itself is overgrown with shrubs, but ferns and cattails also grow there. Remember, no contaminating/bathing in backcountry springs. ![]() NPS Photo/Blake Trester Panther PathDifficulty: Easy; Distance: 50 yard loop ![]() NPS Photo/Cookie Ballou Sam Nail RanchDifficulty: Easy; Distance: 0.5 mile loop ![]() NPS Photo/Blake Trester Tuff CanyonThe Tuff Canyon Trail is currently CLOSED due to a rockfall and potentially unstable slopes. Tuff Canyon's three overlooks offer great views into Tuff Canyon, but you can continue on the trail at the south end of the parking lot to go down into the canyon. Tuff, made of welded volcanic ash, comprises this whitish canyon. During the rainy season, the canyon fills with pools of water. ![]() NPS Photo/Jennette Jurado Upper Burro Mesa TrailDifficulty: Moderate; Distance: 3.8 miles round trip This route follows a dry wash downstream to the top of the 100-foot Burro Mesa Pour-off. The trail includes some large rocks to climb down, where some rock scrambling may be necessary. Pay attention on the return hike to ensure that you follow the same drainages. Trail subject to flash flooding. |
Last updated: March 24, 2023