To start off, Penny and I thought it a good idea to "take it easy" and only try one 4-6
mile hike that day. The Lost Mine Trail met the distance criteria, but we found the
hike challenging enough. This is probably one of the better all around hikes for a few
reasons. First, it provides some fantastic views of the Chisos mountains without being
too long (the South Rim hike can be a killer). Secondly, this trail includes an
interpretive guide with stops along the way to let you know what you are seeing. Very
useful for becoming a little more knowledgable about Big Bend later in the trip.
One of the more exciting moments during this hike was coming across a rattlesnake along
the trail, sunning himself on a rock. Some other hikers tried to nudge him completely off
the path to no avail. Just walking on the opposite side of the trail was the solution to
everyone's problems. The snake did not rattle at us and made no threatening moves.
We saw hikers all day going up and down the mountain and this was easily the most crowded
of any of the hikes we would do that week.
Looking at at the end of the trail from the start of the trail. |
A view of the trail headed up hill. The trail will eventually pass right by the large rock above. |
A closer look at the big rock. |
Penny on the Lost Mine Trail. Her newly acquired hiking stick has become a favorite. |
Another view of the trail. |
Penny on the trail. This view is looking downhill. Just off of Penny's shoulder you can see the road where the trail began. |
One side of a ridge provides drastically different micro climates for differing vegetation, as this ridge shows. |
As the trail nears the peak (above center) the mountain turns a little bald. |
A view down Juniper Canyon along the trail. Several large crows were patrolling the area, including this one here. |
A view of the South Rim off in the distance. We had a heck of a hike through it the next day. |
This is Sotol. Somewhat common along the Lost Mine trail it is very abundant throughout Big Bend. |
A view towards the Chisos Basin from the trail. You can just make out some of the camping areas near where we were staying. |
Penny at the peak of the trail. To her left you can see the South Rim. |
Penny near the summit of the trail. Casa Grande is in the background. |
Me at the peak of the trail. The actual Lost Mine peak (not on the trail) is behind me and to the left, outside of the picture. |
After hiking we drove around the park to see a fossil exhibit. This was on the desert floor, very different from the Chisos Mountains. |
Although a small stream ran nearby (dry when we visited), it's hard to believe that people settled here. Here's the grave of one settler. |
