Lost Mine Trail

Hike along the base of Casa Grande Peak.

NPS/M. Schuler

Quick Facts

Location:

5.5 miles up Chisos Basin Road

Amenities

6 listed

Animal-Safe Food Storage, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Parking - Auto, Recycling, Trailhead, Trash/Litter Receptacles

Trail Information

Roundtrip Distance: 4.8 miles (7.7 km) 
Elevation Change: 1100 feet (335 m)
Average hiking time: 3 hours

Dogs and other pets are not allowed on any trails in the park.

This trail serves as an outstanding introduction to the flora and fauna of the Chisos Mountains. With limited time, hike in about one mile and stop at the saddle for stunning views of Casa Grande Peak and Juniper Canyon. The remainder of the trail climbs steeply in and out of juniper, oak, and pine forest. The trail abruptly levels out at a ridge with superb views of Pine Canyon and the Sierra del Carmen in Mexico.

Accessibility

Parking is limited. The small parking lot holds 15 vehicles and regularly fills between 8 am and 9 am from November through April (peak season).
A wheelchair-accessible sidewalk leads to an information panel. Behind the panel, the dirt and rock hiking trail ascends along a drainage with trees and desert plants. There are numerous log steps that assist with the challenging 1,100 feet of elevation change.

Hike Smart

Bring plenty of water!
Carry 1 liter of water per person per hour that you plan to hike. The importance of carrying enough water in this hot, dry climate cannot be overstated!

Eat
Your body needs food for energy and salts and electrolytes to replace what it's losing from perspiration. The dry climate at Big Bend means that sweat often evaporates almost instantly; your body is likely losing lots of moisture and salts without you even realizing it. Eat plenty of salty snacks to keep your body's salt-to-water ratio in balance.

Sun protection
Carry sunscreen and use it liberally. Hats are also strongly recommended. It may seem strange to wear long-sleeved shirts and pants in hot weather, but many hikers choose lightweight, breathable clothing which covers their arms and legs to protect themselves from the sun. 

Don't leave people behind
If you're hiking in a group, make sure the person in the back always has someone to help.

Be aware of wildlife
Keep an eye out for snakes, and remember to maintain a safe distance between yourself and all wildlife. Animals in the park are wild and should never be approached, harassed or fed.

Don't stack rocks
Cairns are stacks of rocks which are sometimes used to mark trails in areas where they are hard to follow. Randomly stacked rocks can lure hikers off the correct trail.