Ward Spring Trail

2.8 miles round trip | ½ day hike candidate: yes, easy

About: Spectacular views, lush spring area, and intriguing geological formations adorn this hike to a quintessential Big Bend spring. You can always tell where a spring is by where the cottonwood and willows congregate. And in the late fall the springs are accented by prominent leaves that have turned a striking yellow.

 You begin the trail by heading east looking at the Chisos starting its rise while your return west holds a breath-taking view of the Burro Mesa. The destination begins to reveal itself in the distance in which looks like a massive stone wall, known as a volcanic dike, that was smashed through by something very large.

Pros: A relatively short yet rewarding hike that offers a lot of variance in picturesque scenery.

Cons: The springs source remains hidden by the dense wood or the fallen leaves, but no worries – let the habitat own this one and stick to the trail.

Tips: Keep going all the way to the volcanic dike. There are some great pictures you can get up there of the wall and the wooded spring area with the Burro Mesa as a backdrop.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️