Discover West Texas hiking trails with beautiful views in 2025.
Leave the Katy Trail in Dallas, Lady Bird Lake Hike in Austin, and skip Hill Country for West Texas. Popular Amazon series, ‘Landman’ has many seeking Texas destinations offering wide open spaces and miles of trail. This year, experience something different in the outdoors-explore scenic trails in the great state filled with natural beauty, fantastic views, and desert terrain that are off-the-beaten-path.
Guadalupe Peak Trail – Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Celebrated as one of the best hiking experiences in Texas, Guadalupe Peak Trail is well known for its breathtaking panoramic views of the Chihuahuan Desert and surrounding mountains. Hikers can climb to the summit at 8,751 feet and have clear views for miles, seeing New Mexico and sometimes even Mexico. Nature enthusiasts are given the best of both worlds, contrasting arid desert and lush alpine forests. After reaching the summit, hikers can experience rich cultural heritage as a distinct pyramid monument stands, signifying the transcontinental stagecoach that passed through the area years ago, providing stunning backdrops for hikers.
The trail itself is 8.4 miles with an elevation gain of about 3,000 feet, and while this might sound challenging, the views are sure to make up for the trek. After reaching the summit, hikers can experience rich cultural heritage as a distinct pyramid monument stands, signifying the transcontinental stagecoach that passed through the area years ago. Not only does the historical element add depth, but it also allows visitors to connect with the region’s past, making the experience all the better.
Guadalupe Peak Trail is exceptionally well-maintained, helping hikers easily navigate the route. The trail remains open year-round, offering unique views and experiences each season. If explorers wish to extend their adventure, a backcountry campground near the peak allows for overnight stays, enhancing the experience for people wanting more time to explore the area.
Lost Mine Trail – Big Bend National Park
The Lost Mine Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Big Bend National Park. It is known for offering a blend of scenic beauty and memorable adventure. Spanning 4.8 miles round-trip and increasing in elevation by 1,100 feet, this hike takes around three hours to complete, but the views are worth it.
Throughout the trail, hikers experience a wide array of panoramic views, starting with Casa Grande Peak, a stunning backdrop offering visitors glimpses of this iconic mountain from various points along the trail. Be sure to catch lookouts where hikers can see expansive views of Juniper Canyon, an area showcasing the dramatic topography of the Chisos Mountains and surrounding desert. In the distance, guests can enjoy views of Sierra del Carmen, a breathtaking mountain range with vantage points extending into Mexico, giving adventurers a unique perspective on the vastness of this region.
The Lost Mine Trail offers year-round appeal to hikers. With wildflowers blooming in the spring and snow-capped mountains in the winter, each visitor is sure to enjoy the scenic views. A hike filled with historical significance, the trail is named after a legendary lost mine where supposedly Spanish explorers discovered silver and gold. However, they were blindfolded upon arrival to keep the location secret.
Arriving early is recommended, as parking space is limited, and this hike is popular with park visitors. Remember to leave pets at home—this park is for human hikers only!
South Rim Trail – Big Bend National Park
Deemed one of Texas’s most remarkable hiking experiences, the South Rim Trail will surely attract all outdoor enthusiasts. With 360-degree views of the Chihuahuan Desert, surrounding mountain ranges, and even bits of Mexico, this trail will surely provide stunning panoramic views. The trail covers 12.5 miles with an elevation gain of 1,700 feet, with steep ascents and gradual sections, providing a diverse hiking experience.
The South Rim Trail offers a dramatic cliff lookout point, allowing hikers to view the rippled mountainous terrain below. While the actual trail isn’t 11-15 miles round trip, you do have to take other trails to reach it. South Rim Trail is divided into two sections, the Southwest Rim and the Southeast Rim, divided by the Boot Canyon Trail. Some recommend hiking up Laguna Meadows Trail and cutting onto Pinnacles Trail down because the biodiversity in that area is rich with wildlife. For those seeking more, try the East Rim Extension, connecting to the Northeast Rim trail. Hikers can also add a detour to view Emory Peak, the highest point in the Chisos Mountain Range.
Taking around 6 to 7 hours to complete, it is best to hit the ground running in the early morning to avoid heat and enjoy optimal lighting conditions. For geology enthusiasts, the hike provides interesting formations such as the Sierra Quemada range, believed by some to be an ancient caldera. Also known for its expansive, dark skies, several stargazing opportunities give visitors views of the dazzling night skies.
Where to Stay: Alpine Bed and Breakfast in the heart of the Big Bend of Texas.
