HAND-VERIFIED TRAIL · BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK

Lost Mine Trail

4.8 midistance
1,100 ftelevation gain
2h 10mmoving time
229 ft/miaverage climb

Lost Mine Trail is a 4.8 mi trail with 1,100 ft of climbing — about 2h 10m of moving time before you stop for anything. Dogs are not allowed, and we rate it comfortable from age 9. About 40% of it is shaded, and no refill point is recorded on the route.

CAN WE ALL GO?

Who this trail suits

🐕 No dogs 🧒 Comfortable from age 9 👶 No stroller 🚻 No restrooms 💧 No refill recorded ☀️ 40% shaded

Underfoot & overhead log steps, switchbacks, small car park

WHAT THIS CLIMB COSTS YOU

Lost Mine Trail charges in hours, not miles.

4.8 mi and 1,100 ft of climbing work out to 2h 10m of moving time — before you stop for anything. No refill is recorded on the route — you carry all of it. Informational only, not medical advice.

Get the summer refuel plan →

NAISMITH · CDC · ACSM · how these numbers are worked out

2h 10mmoving time, no breaks
1.1–2.1 Lwater, cool day → hot
60–130 gcarbs across that climb
HOW HARD IT FEELS

Steepness and shade

229 ft per mile 2nd steepest of the 7 trails we've measured in Big Bend National Park
40% shaded Patchy cover — the sun finds you in stretches

In June, Big Bend National Park runs around 95°F at the main visitor elevation. With no refill recorded on the route, everything you drink starts in your pack.

TODAY AT THE PARK

Before you leave the car

Today

91°F · Sunny · wind 5 to 10 mph

NOAA forecast for Big Bend National Park — not for this trailhead specifically
⚠️ Boquillas Crossing Port of Entry is open Friday-Monday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Until further notice, the Boquillas Crossing Port of Entry will be open Friday through Monday, 9:00 am through 4:00 pm. It will not change to winter hours at this time.

Live NPS alert for Big Bend National Park
⚠️ Big Bend is a NO DRONE Zone

The use of drones is prohibited in Big Bend National Park. Thank you for preserving the peace and tranquility of Big Bend.

Live NPS alert for Big Bend National Park
NOT THIS ONE?

Other trails in Big Bend National Park

QUICK ANSWERS

Frequently asked

How long does Lost Mine Trail take?

About 2h 10m of moving time for 4.8 mi and 1,100 ft of climbing — that is Naismith's planning rule, so it counts walking only, with nothing for photos, lunch or the queue at the top.

How much water should I carry on Lost Mine Trail?

Planning figures for that much moving time are 1.1–2.1 L, cool day to hot. No refill point is recorded on the route, so you carry all of it. Informational only, not medical advice.

Can I take a dog on Lost Mine Trail?

No — Lost Mine Trail is closed to dogs. Our Big Bend National Park dog guide lists the trails where they are welcome, plus boarding and the nearest 24/7 vet.

Is Lost Mine Trail good for kids?

We rate it comfortable from age 9. It is not a stroller route. That rating is our own hand-check of length, footing and exposure, not an official NPS grade.

When is the best time of day to hike Lost Mine Trail?

About 40% of the route is shaded, and Big Bend National Park peaks around 95°F in its hottest month. The less shade a route has, the more of it you want behind you before midday.