Chisos Basin Hikes: Lost Mine & The Window ~ And The BBNP Lodge 09Apr25

Lost Mine Trail... Being in Big Bend was unknowingly very timely. Early April, and after TX spring breaks, is great for  weather & lower crowds but April 2025 is the last time we'd have been able to go into Chisos Basin for two years. And the original lodge is being torn down! Yep, the primary attraction in BBNP is Chisos Basin and hiking in the Chisos Mtns from there and the road in, and the entire area, will be closed through 2027. I did not even know that when booking our trip... phew. We awoke early and took coffee on the road after learning the 20 car parking area would likely fill before 8am ~ we arrived by 7:30 at the Lost Mine trailhead and got a fine spot. This is the most popular hike in BB for good reason. It's a somewhat tough hike to the top but rivals the South Rim as to views and is much shorter. We set out anticipating sunrise with a few other parties and not many septuagenarians. Kala grabbed my rest at the top.

Before we were at the top for these pics... we began at camp (who cares ~ too early Dave), and got to the TH early for the Crusher Too. We started up at dawn as this was gonna be our push day. It was completely awesome and Kala's fav. We did pass and get passed by another set of 70 yr olds but just one other set of UT fit gals.

Chisos Basin Lodge... We were back down and a bit peckish from the jaunt, 'bout mid-day. We checked out the keen old Chisos Basin Lodge, on it's very last legs, and we ate the tasty stuff served there. Very fun ~ a killer view & good food... this, when shared with a lifetime bestie, is exactly what is spectacular about Natl Pk lodges. RIP Chisos Basin Lodge and campground, and all your '60s funk.

Window Trail... we chose to take another 5 miler today after a good salad and French dip sammy. Few would be on this down-trail to a unique Natl Pk spot overlooking the deeper desert below... as we were already hot AF and starting DOWN in the afternoon and needed to get back to the basin before dark. Hmmm... I'm writing the blog entry so we did it, but it was not comfy. This was a classic K&D desert hike ~ agave aplomb, prickly pear aplenty, you get it. Remarkable on the trail were not only the spectacular Window feature (which we adorned nicely) but the many true stone steps required to get there. I think this is the 2nd most traveled trail in BBNP, but it too, is not easy. Kala crushed it and may be paying for it back at camp.