Mule Ears Viewpoint and Trail
Hike to iconic rock spires in Big Bend, rewarded with stunning desert vistas and unparalleled stargazing.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Mule Ears Viewpoint and Trail
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike to iconic rock spires in Big Bend, rewarded with stunning desert vistas and unparalleled stargazing.
"The end viewpoint makes your aching legs feel worth it. Also, don't forget to look down- geodes in the rocks & TONS of crystal!"
💧 Pack Extra Water!
Crucial for this desert hike. Reviewers emphasize bringing more than you think you'll need.
🥾 Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The trail has lava rocks and uneven terrain. Good footwear is essential for comfort and safety.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mule Ears Rock Formations
Trail endpoint
Iconic rock spires resembling mule ears, offering a dramatic and rewarding vista after your hike.
Unique Desert Flora & Fauna
Along the trail
Discover fascinating desert plants, colorful geodes, and potentially unique insects like bright red dragonflies.
Stargazing Potential
Viewpoint
Experience incredible night skies, perfect for meteor showers or simply marveling at the vastness of the cosmos.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Hydration is Key!
Timing Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Big Bend Sunrises and Sunsets, south rim questions.
💧 Pack Extra Water!
Crucial for this desert hike. Reviewers emphasize bringing more than you think you'll need.
🥾 Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The trail has lava rocks and uneven terrain. Good footwear is essential for comfort and safety.
Great time at BBNP
Long day hikes and/or a couple shorter hikes per day
☀️ Sun Protection
Hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses are a must. The sun is intense, even on cooler days.
💎 Look for Geodes
Keep an eye out for geodes and crystals embedded in the rocks along the trail.
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Pack Extra Water!
Crucial for this desert hike. Reviewers emphasize bringing more than you think you'll need.
🥾 Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The trail has lava rocks and uneven terrain. Good footwear is essential for comfort and safety.
☀️ Sun Protection
Hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses are a must. The sun is intense, even on cooler days.
💎 Look for Geodes
Keep an eye out for geodes and crystals embedded in the rocks along the trail.
📸 Play with Perspective
Have fun with photos, making it look like the mule ears are yours!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning geological formations and the rewarding views at Mule Ears Viewpoint, calling it a 'must hike.' The unique desert nature, including colorful geodes and unusual insects, adds to the magic. While the hike can be challenging due to heat and terrain, the breathtaking scenery and incredible stargazing opportunities make it well worth the effort. Some noted the spring was minimal.
"It was hot, we packed extra drinks and were greatful we did! Loved the lava rocks, and so much wonderful nature to see on this hike! The spring had bugs we have never seen before, like a huge bright red dragonfly! We played with the pictures like the ears were ours and the end viewpoint makes your aching legs feel worth it. Also, don't forget to look down- geodes in the rocks & TONS of crystal! Magic. Beautiful. A must hike 💕"
Tara Ilalan Dean
"Beautiful scenery! Nice clean restroom."
Dawn M
"Easy and beautiful hike 4 or 6 mile round trip. The spring that you pass had just a tiny little puddle"
Ruben Jonker
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mule Ears Viewpoint and Trail is located within Big Bend National Park. Access is typically via the main park roads. The trailhead is often marked, but having a park map or GPS is recommended. Many visitors drive through the park, stopping at various points of interest.
No, Mule Ears Trail is not located in the Chisos Basin. It's a separate area within Big Bend National Park, often accessed from the main park road.
While you can drive to the general vicinity of the trailhead, the viewpoint itself is reached by hiking the trail. The trail offers varying lengths, with a 4 or 6-mile round trip option.
Downloading a tour guide to your phone or using a reliable GPS system can be very helpful for navigating the vastness of Big Bend National Park and finding specific trailheads like Mule Ears.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, you will need to pay the entrance fee for Big Bend National Park to access Mule Ears Viewpoint and Trail. The park fee is per vehicle and is valid for seven days.
Mule Ears Trail is accessible during park operating hours, which are generally year-round. However, it's best to check the official Big Bend National Park website for any seasonal closures or alerts.
No, there is no separate fee for hiking the Mule Ears Trail once you have paid the entrance fee for Big Bend National Park.
Park entrance fees are typically paid upon arrival at the park entrance stations. There's no need to book tickets for specific trails like Mule Ears in advance.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The Mule Ears Trail offers options, commonly cited as a 4 or 6-mile round trip. The longer option provides more exploration opportunities.
The trail is generally considered moderate due to the desert terrain and potential heat. While not overly technical, it requires good stamina.
Expect to see unique desert landscapes, lava rocks, geodes, crystals, and the iconic Mule Ears rock formations at the viewpoint. You might also encounter interesting insects.
Yes, reviews mention a nice, clean restroom facility available, which is a welcome amenity on the trail.
The spring you pass on the trail can be very small, sometimes just a tiny puddle, so don't rely on it for water.
📸 📸 Photography
Late afternoon offers beautiful golden hour light, perfect for capturing the rock formations. Sunrise and moonrise are also spectacular, especially for stargazing photography.
You can play with perspective to make it seem like the 'ears' are yours, and capture the intricate details of geodes and crystals found in the rocks.
Absolutely! Big Bend is known for its dark skies, and Mule Ears Viewpoint provides an excellent, unobstructed location for capturing the night sky, including meteor showers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🌌 Stargazers & Astrophotographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Big Bend's Trails
Many visitors utilize downloaded tour guides or park maps to navigate the park's extensive road system and locate trailheads. For longer hikes, like those in the Chisos Basin (Emory Peak, South Rim), planning for sunrise or sunset can enhance the experience and help avoid the harshest midday sun. Remember that cell service can be spotty, so offline maps and a physical compass are wise additions to your gear. Respecting the fragile desert ecosystem by staying on marked trails and packing out all trash is paramount to preserving these beautiful landscapes for future visitors.
The Magic of Big Bend's Night Sky
When planning a nighttime visit to Mule Ears, be prepared for potentially cold temperatures and strong winds, even when daytime temperatures are mild. Dressing in layers is essential. While the stars are the main attraction, the peaceful and quiet atmosphere of the park at night adds to the magical experience. Remember to bring a red-light headlamp to preserve your night vision and that of others. The sheer number of stars visible can be overwhelming and awe-inspiring, a stark contrast to the light-polluted skies many are accustomed to.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit