Day 3 – Grapevine Hills and Juniper Flats
We eased into the day with a slow morning, lingering over coffee and soaking in the views of the Chisos Mountains right outside our window. Nature provided an unexpected show as clouds appeared to pour over the mountain rim and spill into the Basin below—a mesmerizing sight that reminded us why Big Bend National Park is so special.
By late morning, we were ready to head out for our first hike: Grapevine Hills. Reaching the trailhead is an adventure of its own, with a gravel road that can be rough in spots but is well worth the effort.
The Grapevine Hills are a fascinating laccolith, formed when magma pushed upward beneath the surface and later erosion exposed the rock. Up close, the hills look like a chaotic jumble of massive boulders. The hike begins easily, following a dry wash through the center of the formation. That changes in the final quarter mile, where the trail climbs into the rocks and turns into a true scramble.
We took our time navigating the boulders, carefully picking our way upward. While keeping our balance, we couldn’t help but think how much our grandkids would love this kind of hands-on adventure. The payoff comes at the end: a massive boulder perfectly balanced atop two others, framing a stunning view of the distant Chisos Mountains—one of Big Bend’s most iconic sights.
After lunch back in the Basin, we set out for the final hike of this trip: the Pinnacles Trail to Juniper Flats. Like many Chisos trails, the views are rewarding all along the way, but the climb to Juniper Flats—about 240 feet above the Basin—opens up an especially impressive panorama. From this vantage point, we could take in Casa Grande to the east, Toll Mountain and Emory Peak to the south, the Window to the west, and the Basin spread out below us to the north.
The Pinnacles Trail continues deeper into the high Chisos, eventually reaching Boot Canyon and the South Rim. That kind of strenuous trek wasn’t in the cards for this trip, but it definitely got us wondering whether it might be possible in the future—with a more dedicated training program. Big Bend has a way of inspiring new goals.
We wrapped up our day with a short ranger-led walk near the Window View Trail, learning more about the park’s natural and human history. Just as we returned to our room, the Chisos Mountains ignited with deep reds and oranges as the sun set. It was the perfect ending to a memorable final evening in Big Bend National Park.
See our Short from today’s adventures…
