Grapevine Hills Trail in Big Bend National Park follows a trail through massive boulders, up and onto a ridge, and ending at a giant balanced rock.
Location
This trail is located in the central part of Big Bend National Park. Â It is just west of the Panther Junction Visitor Center and the Chisos Mountains Basin Junction. Â
The Drive In
Get ready for a bumpy ride! Â If you want to hike down this trail, you’ll first have to travel down a dirt road for 6 miles. Â Big Bend says it’s “improved” but I would say that the 1st, maybe 2nd, mile is “improved” and the last 4 miles or so are just bump after bump after bump. Â I would highly recommend 4-wheel drive on this road. Â However, we did see a little car go down the road and they seemed to be doing ok. Â It is definitely not a road for RVs. Â Hopefully, the road won’t keep you from hiking this trail. Â As you bump along to the trailhead, take a look around. Â The views are spectacular.
The Trail
At 2.2 miles, this trail is not very long and not very difficult. Â I say not very difficult because the first 0.85 miles of the trail are flat and the last 0.25 miles are a climb up to the ridge. Â Then, you have to turn around and go back the way you came. Â It’s worth it though!
Once you’ve survived the road to the trailhead, you’ll start out just past the information sign in the “not a lot” parking lot. Â The trail is very obvious and they have great signage so getting lost is highly unlikely. Â Depending on the time of day, the beginning of the trail, which is flat, is mostly shaded.
At almost 1 mile in, you’ll come to a sign for Balanced Rock .25 Mi. Â Here is where you start your climb. Â You’ll experience about an 80 feet elevation gain, but it’s not too bad. Â The trail becomes very rocky at this point so watch your step. Â It’s definitely nothing you can’t handle. Â Just take your time. Â You’ll want to anyway since the view as you make your way to the top just keep getting better. Â Keep a close eye on the trail signs as you hike. Â They are small but essential. Â Getting to the balanced rock would be highly unlikely without the signs. Â At least for me anyway.
Once you make it to the top of the ridge, you’ll hike another 100 yards to Balanced Rock. Â After exploring the area, make your way back to the trailhead. Â The climb down should be much easier. Â This is a great trail for any time of day, expect for mid-day in the summer. Â Really anytime during summer at Big Bend is just going to be hot, hot, hot. Â Make sure to grab some water whatever time of year you are there.
Consider the Wonders is not affiliated with Big Big National Park or the National Park Service.
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