Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail,
Big Bend National Park

Located 64.7 miles from Marathon, Texas (TX)
4 Stars
1,077 Steps 1  (0.5 mi)
Trails › National Parks › Big Bend › Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail

Elevation

The Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail has a maximum elevation of 3,009 ft., a minimum elevation of 2,966 ft. and an elevation range of 43 ft.

Metrics

[ A to B ] or [ B to A ]
Length 2Min Ele 3Max Ele 4Range 5
0.5 mi2,966 ft3,009 ft43 ft
[ A to B ]
Time 6Floors 7Gain 8Loss 9
11 min3.137 ft37 ft
[ B to A ]
TimeFloorsGainLoss
10 min3.137 ft37 ft
Data Accuracy
No Star Rating
Data Reliability
No Star Rating

Calories

The following chart shows the total calories that you may expend on the trail while hiking in both directions. The chart is based on data derived from a statistical model of energy expenditure that relates gross weight, typical speed and trail topography.

Topo Maps

Download the PDF Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail topo map and the adjoining quads to plan your hike. These are full-sheet, 7.5 Minute (1:24,000 scale) topographic maps.

Adjoining 7.5' Quadrangle Legend

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  1. Northwest Topo Map: Sombrero Peak, TX
  2. North Topo Map: Grapevine Hills, TX
  3. Northeast Topo Map: McKinney Springs, TX
  4. West Topo Map: The Basin, TX
  5. Topo Map: Panther Junction, TX
  6. East Topo Map: Roys Peak, TX
  7. Southwest Topo Map: Emory Peak, TX
  8. South Topo Map: Glenn Spring, TX
  9. Southeast Topo Map: San Vicente, TX

Difficulty

The following chart illustrates the difficulty of hiking the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail compared to two other trails. The x-axis is cumulative elevation gain and the y-axis is maximum elevation. The length of the trail is reflected in the size of the bubble.

FAQ

What is the length of the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail?

The length of the trail is 0.5 miles (0.8 km) or 1,077 steps.

How long does it take to hike the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail?

A person in good physical health can hike the trail in 11 minutes in one direction and in 10 minutes in the opposite direction.

Warnings

Prevent tick bites: Treat clothing and gear, such as boots, pants, socks and tents with products containing 0.5% permethrin. (cdc.gov)

Footnotes

  1. Steps is a unit of distance equal to the sum of stride lengths that vary with the terrain.
  2. Length is the distance of the trail between the two trailheads, measured on the trail.
  3. Min Ele is the minimum elevation on the trail.
  4. Max Ele is the maximum elevation on the trail.
  5. Range is the difference between maximum and minimum elevation.
  6. Time is the typical total time required to hike the trail.
  7. Floors is the gain divided by twelve feet, the height of one floor.
  8. Gain (cumulative elevation gain) is the sum of every gain in elevation.
  9. Loss (cumulative elevation loss) is the sum of every loss in elevation.

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