Nature and Adventure Texas Big Bend National Park | Chisos Basin - The Window View and Trail
 

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Texas Big Bend National Park | Chisos Basin - The Window View and Trail
Written by Shirley T   
Friday, 15 January 2010 08:25
If you are visiting Chisos Basin in Big Bend National Park, 'The Window' is a mandatory! Some even  described it as 'the best view in Texas'. Technically speaking, The Window is an opening between two peaks and plays an important role to preserve Chisos Basin's ecosystem. It is the only spot in Chisos Basin where all the falling rain is drained onto the desert floor below through a steep pouroff.
Window View - this way!
Cemented pathway to Window View
One fine spot of 'The Window' View
Another perfect spot of 'The Window' View
There are a couple of 'The Window' Trails that are accessible from the Visitor Center at Chisos Basin. The trailhead of both paths are located adjacent to the Basin Store. To be more precise, the shorter trail is called 'Window View'. A round trip is merely 0.3 miles. This route is a loop, almost flat and also a handicapped accessible pathway equipped with benches plus two viewing spots. Offering a great mountain view, this venue is regarded as the best spot to catch sunset at Chisos Basin through 'The Window'!
Breathtaking sunset through 'The Window' at Chisos Basin
We decided to go a bit adventurous, opting for the longer 'The Window' trail which round trip would take 5.6 miles or averagely 4 to 5 hours if you were to begin at Chisos Basin's trailhead. There is a shorter trail of 4 miles heading to the same destination which begin at Basin Campground. We started with a moderate steep descend, cutting through the light forest along an obvious dirt-pebble path. While descending, do not forget to turn back to catch the dramatic Casa Grande. Due to time constraint, we did not reach the narrow slot of 'The Window' which I read is a spot of the canyon wall at the top of a 200-foot drop.
Getting to 'The Window'
Casa Grande - shot from The Window Trail
Chisos Basin Lodge and Casa Grande
Advancing to 'The Window'
When I turned back, Casa Grande is watching us
Spotted the bird?
The bird is resting on Century Plant
Wild flowers
Mid afternoon view of 'The Window'
Sotol plants are everywhere
The season is fall
Fantastic Chisos Mountains
We turned back after a couple of miles. Despite that, the experience was excellent. Shrub vegetation, sights of birds, basin view and fantastic Chisos mountains peaks. Guess I am getting closer to unfold the secrets of this mysterious land and of course, fabulous photographs!
Lush vegetation in Chisos Basin
Last peek of 'The Window'
Before we left, the sun was almost setting. What a perfect spot to admire the sky changing colors and orange color hues lit up the west of Chisos Basin in-between two dark peaks of 'The Window'!
Romantic sight of sunset at Big Bend

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