4.8 miles round trip | ½ day hike candidate: Yes
The Chimneys Trail is a remote desert hike on the west side of Big Bend National Park, known for its unusual volcanic rock formations and historic Native American rock art. The trail crosses open desert terrain with wide views of the Chisos Mountains, Burro Mesa, and the surrounding volcanic landscape.
The main destination is a cluster of tall rock spires called The Chimneys, located about 2.4 miles from the trailhead. Around the formations, hikers can find petroglyphs and pictographs left by earlier peoples who traveled through and lived in the Big Bend region.
This is not a shaded trail, and the exposed desert can become extremely hot. Bring plenty of water, avoid hiking during the heat of the day, and treat the rock art with respect. Do not touch, trace, climb on, or disturb any cultural features.
Best for: Desert scenery, geology, solitude, and cultural history
Distance: About 4.8 miles round trip to The Chimneys
Difficulty: Moderate due to exposure and lack of shade
Trailhead: Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive
Good to know: The trail continues beyond The Chimneys, but many hikers turn around at the rock formations.
