Hiking Series: Mesa De Anguila

Big Bend National Park

Some hikes don’t ease you in and that’s exactly why I love the Mesa de Anguila Trail.

This trail is a full-body, lungs-burning, legs-on-fire kind of workout, and it rewards every step with some of the most stunning views in the Big Bend region.

One of the best parts? The trailhead is located right in Lajitas, which makes it incredibly accessible if you’re staying nearby. From here, the Mesa de Anguila trail can technically take you all the way to Santa Elena Canyon, but for this hike, we stick to an out-and-back route of about four miles total.

The hike starts off deceptively easy. You actually get to pass through Lajitas golf course on the way there. The trail is mostly flat as you move toward the base of the mountain, which makes it feel like a great warm-up. But don’t let that fool you. Once you hit the climb, it’s straight up, which is steep, steady, and demanding. This is where the cardio kicks in, and there’s no coasting your way through it.

As tough as the climb is, the payoff is immediate. Once you gain elevation, the views open up in every direction. You’re looking out over the vast desert landscape of Big Bend and the bend in the Rio Grande, with layers of mountains, winding terrain, and that endless West Texas sky. It will absolutely take your breath away, in more ways than one.

This is one of those hikes where you earn the view and that makes it even sweeter. I highly recommend Mesa de Anguila if you’re looking for a challenging workout paired with unforgettable scenery. Just know what you’re signing up for: this one is tough. Bring plenty of water, pace yourself on the climb, and give yourself time to soak it all in once you reach the top.

Hard hike. Incredible views. Worth every step.

Let’s do it again soon! - M