HAND-VERIFIED TRAIL · BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK

Window View Trail

0.3 midistance
50 ftelevation gain
10mmoving time
167 ft/miaverage climb

Window View Trail is a 0.3 mi trail with 50 ft of climbing — about 10m of moving time before you stop for anything. Dogs are not allowed, and it takes a stroller. About 5% 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 0 👶 Stroller OK 🚻 Restrooms at the trailhead 💧 No refill recorded ☀️ 5% shaded

Underfoot & overhead paved, wheelchair accessible

WHAT THIS CLIMB COSTS YOU

Window View Trail charges in hours, not miles.

0.3 mi and 50 ft of climbing work out to 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

10mmoving time, no breaks
0.1–0.1 Lwater, cool day → hot
0–10 gcarbs across that climb
HOW HARD IT FEELS

Steepness and shade

167 ft per mile 4th steepest of the 7 trails we've measured in Big Bend National Park
5% shaded Open ground — the hour you start decides the day

In June, Big Bend National Park runs around 95°F at the main visitor elevation, and this route gives you almost nothing to hide under. 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 View Trail take?

About 10m of moving time for 0.3 mi and 50 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 View Trail?

Planning figures for that much moving time are 0.1–0.1 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 Window View Trail?

No — Window View 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 View Trail good for kids?

We rate it comfortable from age 0. It takes a stroller. 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 View Trail?

About 5% 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.