This 4.8-mile ‘Hidden Gem’ Hike in a Gorgeous National Park Is One of the Best in the World, According to AllTrails

Travelers looking to enjoy the great outdoors have new expert-selected locations to add to their list. 

The Lost Mine Trail, located in Southwest Texas at the Big Bend National Park, was recently named as one of the top 25 different trails that AllTrails editors recommend people explore in 2025. 

The 4.8-mile out-and-back hike has 1,100 feet of elevation gain and provides dramatic views of the famed Big Bend National Park. The entire trail takes about two and a half hours to complete, and guides recommend starting early for the best views and to secure a spot in the limited parking lot. 

“From the very first step, the Lost Mine Trail leads hikers into a different world — a woodland-grassland ecosystem with some of the best scenic views in the park,” the National Parks Service shares about the trail on its website. “Walk this trail and learn why so many park staff and visitors alike list it as their favorite hike in Big Bend National Park.”

While hiking, the Park Service recommends that visitors look out for wildlife such as mountain lions and bears, as well as carry plenty of water and sun protection. For less advanced hikers or those constrained by time, the park recommends just hiking the first mile to a scenic overlook. The trail does not allow pets, and reservations are not required. 

The name ‘Lost Mine Trail' came from a mythical legend of explorers who spotted a small amount of silver at the top of the peak, however, geologists say it is extremely unlikely there is actual silver there, according to the NPS. 

The trail is 130 miles south of Marfa, Texas, and over 400 miles east of San Antonio. Despite the distance, outdoor enthusiasts share that it is worth the trek. With over 6,000 reviews, this hike has become a near-perfect activity with a nearly 4.9 rating. 

“The views are absolutely stunning,” one person shared in an AllTrails review. “The trail is moderate to hard and we recommend good hiking shoes as it has rocky patches.”

Another recent review shares how the trail is “more beautiful in person than the photos,” and another calls it “breathtaking.” 

As mentioned, the trail is just one of 25 that AllTrails editors recommend for the year. Other hikes include Mexico City's Cerro Pelón where hikers can see a migration of millions of monarch butterflies, as well as a network of bike trails in Bentonville, Arkansas.