HAND-VERIFIED TRAIL · BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK

Window Trail

5.5 midistance
1,000 ftelevation gain
2h 20mmoving time
182 ft/miaverage climb

Window Trail is a 5.5 mi trail with 1,000 ft of climbing — about 2h 20m of moving time before you stop for anything. Dogs are not allowed, and we rate it comfortable from age 10. About 35% 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 10 👶 No stroller 🚻 Restrooms at the trailhead 💧 No refill recorded ☀️ 35% shaded

Underfoot & overhead descends to a slickrock pour-off

WHAT THIS CLIMB COSTS YOU

Window Trail charges in hours, not miles.

5.5 mi and 1,000 ft of climbing work out to 2h 20m 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 20mmoving time, no breaks
1.2–2.3 Lwater, cool day → hot
70–140 gcarbs across that climb
HOW HARD IT FEELS

Steepness and shade

182 ft per mile 3rd steepest of the 7 trails we've measured in Big Bend National Park
35% 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 Window Trail take?

About 2h 20m of moving time for 5.5 mi and 1,000 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 Window Trail?

Planning figures for that much moving time are 1.2–2.3 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 Window Trail?

No — Window 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 Window Trail good for kids?

We rate it comfortable from age 10. 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 Window Trail?

About 35% 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.