Thursday, February 8 – What a difference being prepared for a hike! We started our day here in Big Bend National Park by driving the 30 miles back to Chisos Basin to take on the Lost Mine Trail. We were properly prepared for today's hike after yesterday's last minute decision to go ahead down the trail even though we didn't have our hiking equipment. Paul even packed in some pain medication for his arthritic hip. Lets go!
This is how Lost Mine Trail greets its guests.
The Lost Mine Trail begins with an uphill climb lasting about two hours until we reached the top of the mountain. The elevation change is about 1,600 feet. The trail is a series of switch backs with some trail type stairs mixed in. There are some areas of gravely rock and large rock surfaces and some slick rock type surface but most is a dirt surface. The trail is easy to follow and in good condition.
The trail.
Beauty along the trail.
Isn’t Nature amazing.
There is no mine at the end of the trail. It got it's name from an old story similar to the Lost Dutchman Mine tale in Arizona. The bonus at the end of the trail is the gorgeous panoramic view. We paused at the top for a relaxing snack, some water, and numerous pictures before heading back down.
That is the end…way up the hill.
This trail is marked moderate in difficulty on the trail map. We agree with that grade. We might give it a moderate+, if there is such a thing. The total distance was 5.1 miles and 14,103 steps according to our iPhone app. It took us about four hours to complete the hike including our lunch and picture breaks. The temperature was 49 degrees at the start (36 degrees overnight) and 76 degrees when we finished. Perfect weather for hiking!
Snack with a view.
We really enjoyed this hike and recommend it as “not to miss” if in the area. Equal in enjoyment to the Balance Rock hike and better than the Window hike. All the hikes have been very beautiful and quite enjoyable, but be prepared! We still have several more adventures planned, so stop back and enjoy Big Bend National Park along with us.
Thanks for stopping by. Hope to see y’all back real soon. Have a great day!
You're doing all of the best hikes in the park! (Well, all of our favorites. :-)) I agree, the Lost Mine Trail is not to be missed. What a great description and photos—I felt like I was hiking it again reading your account. What a perfect day you had!
ReplyDeleteThe sign said no picnicking in this area because of bears so you carried food to the top of the hike?!!!
ReplyDeleteWe still talk about this hike ... and still regret running out of time to finish it ... especially since the change of plans turned out to be unnecessary in the end ... sigh!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful and I so agree those temps are great for hiking...HIKE ON!!
ReplyDeleteWe did that hike 10 years ago. Not sure I could handle it today. Way to go you two.
ReplyDeleteWhen we go back Doug will make that hike.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful day! What a great hike! We love those vistas at the top. Sure makes the climb worth it. Perfect snack with a view spot.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great hike!! Whew!! I better get in better shape!! The trail looks really nicely done too!! You are so right...the view was awesome and nature is amazing!! Thanks for taking us along on your hike!!! Now I better get in shape!!
ReplyDeleteWe spent five days in Big Bend January 2017 and loved every minute. One of our favorite national parks.
ReplyDeleteThe hike sounds wonderful!! Sounds like you are really enjoying this trip.
ReplyDeleteAnother one to add to our list when we get there. Great pictures.
ReplyDeleteWhat a hike. Gorgeous views.
ReplyDeleteYour photos make me want to go back! Glad you are having a wonderful time. LuAnn
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