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. It is just west of the Panther Junction Visitor Center and the Chisos Mountains Basin Junction.
The Drive In
Get ready for a bumpy ride! If you want to hike down this trail, you’ll first have to travel down a dirt road for 6 miles. 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. I would highly recommend 4-wheel drive on this road. However, we did see a little car go down the road and they seemed to be doing ok. It is definitely not a road for RVs. Hopefully, the road won’t keep you from hiking this trail. As you bump along to the trailhead, take a look around. The views are spectacular.
The Trail
At 2.2 miles, this trail is not very long and not very difficult. 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. Then, you have to turn around and go back the way you came. 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. The trail is very obvious and they have great signage so getting lost is highly unlikely. 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. Here is where you start your climb. You’ll experience about an 80 feet elevation gain, but it’s not too bad. The trail becomes very rocky at this point so watch your step. It’s definitely nothing you can’t handle. Just take your time. You’ll want to anyway since the view as you make your way to the top just keep getting better. Keep a close eye on the trail signs as you hike. They are small but essential. Getting to the balanced rock would be highly unlikely without the signs. At least for me anyway.
Once you make it to the top of the ridge, you’ll hike another 100 yards to Balanced Rock. After exploring the area, make your way back to the trailhead. The climb down should be much easier. This is a great trail for any time of day, expect for mid-day in the summer. Really anytime during summer at Big Bend is just going to be hot, hot, hot. 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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