Epic Big Bend Hike You’ve NEVER heard of…| Chisos Escalada Route | Big Bend National Park Texas

[@Patriot-American]

Really enjoyed you sharing this with us. Big Bend is one of my favorite areas to hike and have been there many times over 49 years. Went last May with the wife and had a blast. My goal was to do the Emory Peak hike as when much younger. Made it about three quarters of the way before having to call it quits and start back to the Basin. My knees just said no way. Was disappointed but still had a fun time. Thanks for letting us hike along with you ...

[@TheNotLostNomad]

Of course! I appreciate you watching! Sounds like you guys have had some great memories out there! Big Bend is such a special place… And I can totally understand…this is a difficult trail. Very rough! Emory peak was my first summit and I was completely exhausted afterwards. Thanks again for watching!

[@gogerwi]

That was a nice long walk Clint. I did about half the Oak Spring Trail from the Windows trail down couple years back to see the Windows flowing from the back side after a big rain. The Window is super slick and dangerous with water flowing. I think every creek up there was flowing that trip. Been up there 7 times also. Just did 3 nights/ 4 days at Big Bend Ranch State Park last week, first trip there. 37 miles in from TX 170 to camp site. Very remote and a Night Sky Park. Good to see you out and about.

[@TheNotLostNomad]

Thank you! You know I was amazed at how slick the window was….it made me nervous getting out there…couldn’t even get to the edge to look down. I can’t imagine how it is when it’s wet. I also did Cattail falls on this trip…I’d love to catch those pour offs after a rain. I bet that was incredible. Thanks for watching!

[@AllThingsBeautiful444]

Awesome 👏🏻 😎 Clint your videos are amazing. Love everything about them! Great views, great music & very exciting. Good job 👏🏻 (That’s so cool about the nice people you met)

[@TheNotLostNomad]

Thank you Karen! This one was a huge box checked off of my list. And Butch and his wife were really great people. Thanks for watching!

[@hikerliz]

I have done all those trails, but not in the same day. Awesome dude, thanks for sharing

[@TheNotLostNomad]

Thank you! I was truly blown away by the Oak Springs trail…so cool entering the basin that way!

[@josh.explores]

Amazing video, Clint! I still haven't done Emory Peak yet. When we were there in mid-February, the winds were 40mph+ in the basin so we opted not to go up. We almost did the Oak spring and Burro trails, but went out to Boquillas instead. I might have to make another trip out there after watching this. Thanks for posting!

[@TheNotLostNomad]

Hey thanks Josh! Emory peak is a blast in itself...you'll love it! If you can make this hike happen...do it! it's totally worth it. Climbing up into the basin from the outer desert is just incredible! I appreciate you watching!

[@Kalani_938]

Awesome video man! So pretty out there. Definitely beats homeless camps in Tyler 😂

[@TheNotLostNomad]

You got that right! but hey, the homeless encampment sure was an adventure!

[@NObucketLIST]

👍 Beautiful & wild hike! Glad your truck was still there! 🤣 You are brave! After all, IT IS South-west Texas!!! 🤣

[@TheNotLostNomad]

Oh me too! BTW the bed of my truck always stays empty…when I park it close to the border I always roll back the cover to show it empty

[@NObucketLIST]

@@TheNotLostNomad 👍Stay safe! And keep a bind on it brother!

[@TheNotLostNomad]

Hey thanks! And you as well!

[@markbenson3017]

We have been going to Big Bend since 2020 and it is absolutely our favorite place on earth! We aren't capable of a hike like this so this is incredible to get to experience it through your video!! We do hope to attempt the Window Trail on our next visit!

[@TheNotLostNomad]

Totally agree! I love it out there. I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

[@davidferrier7869]

Thanks for the video, that brought the route to my attention. It was fun stopping at the lodge for lunch, going up and back down. Less food I had to carry. 🤣What a beautiful trail!!!

[@TheNotLostNomad]

I’m so glad you enjoyed this route! I was surprised when I found out that this was an option. That’s so cool that you went out there and did it!

[@tylerpriest8319]

Love the vid! I posted this route on AllTrails and Fastest Known Time a while back--glad you gave it a go and thanks for documenting so well! Smart work getting your truck back up to the Basin. Enjoyed the walk thru of the route at the end too.

[@TheNotLostNomad]

Dude…it was your post that inspired this whole trip. That’s nuts…I discovered the Oak springs trail and it intrigued me. I kept wondering why no one ever connected it to the Window Trail and then up Emory. It makes no sense that this trek isn’t the most popular hike in Big Bend. I’m thankful that I found your post on Fastest Known Time. Who coined the name “Chisos Escalade Route”? I love the name. Thanks for the compliment! Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for inspiring me to do this trek!

[@jmdazsol]

Well done! Loved that Window Trail quite a few years ago. Never thought to start from the desert floor and head up from there. But just to the Basin for me. Thanks for the idea.

[@TheNotLostNomad]

You should! I was shocked at how much I enjoyed this hike…that contributed to me taking a little too much time shooting the first sections. I’d like to go back and do Emory as an early morning hike…that way I can take my time and shoot that section better! Thanks for watching!

[@jeb112132]

Great video. I e been hiking in BBNP for last 5 years and love it. It’s full of these hidden gems. I’ve not heard of this trail and it looks awesome, I hope to do it this winter. I did hike up to Emory Peak, but that final 50 foot wall climb wigged me out and didn’t attempt it. Going up I could do, coming down looked pretty sketch, lol. I guess count me in on Team Terrified! Love your videos, really great work.

[@TheNotLostNomad]

I’m glad you are enjoying the videos…and thanks for the compliment, I appreciate it! Big Bend is such an awesome place...I still have so many trails on my list that I haven't done yet. I think you'll enjoy this trail...I loved climbing in all the way from the outer desert. It was such a cool experience. and as for Emory Peak... I did the same thing on my first trip many years ago. It freaked me out. On my second attempt I was able to calm down and find a solid path...it is to your far right. Just don't look down. The drop is so high but the climb is secure. Thank you for watching!

[@Thatcntrygirl1]

I can’t !!! I get such anxiety watching this I had to stop at 10:57 !! How exhilarating though .

[@TheNotLostNomad]

Haha! I love that kind of stuff! You’d probably handle it better than you think! Thanks for watching!

[@JerryArizona]

One of these days, we're gonna hike Big Bend. Awesome video, man.

[@TheNotLostNomad]

Most definitely man…there’s so much I want to show you out there! Thanks!

[@AirSalazar]

Thank you for making these videos , I enjoy them a lot I'm a fellow Texan and there's not many good quality videos. Texas has many underrated hiking trails but not much exposure, unfortunately our main problem is the lack of water which makes the logistics more difficult to go on multiple days backpacking and Backcountry camping.Keep up the good work 👍

[@TheNotLostNomad]

Thank you very much for the compliment. I’m so glad you are enjoying them. And I agree 100%. Texas has some amazing terrain…and some of the most challenging when you add the lack of water resources. Thanks for watching!

[@hikingwithjackieboy]

Awesome hike, for sure. You do meet some of the nicest people at the parks. Happy hiking.

[@TheNotLostNomad]

Thanks man! yeah they really went out of their way for me! I was worried I'd be walking all the way back!

[@hikingwithjackieboy]

@@TheNotLostNomad That would've been a long walk after a long hike.

[@TheNotLostNomad]

Oh man…yes it would. If I wasn’t able to get a ride I would not have done Emory Peak. I was barely walking by the time I got back to the truck

[@hikingwithjackieboy]

@@TheNotLostNomad Happy Hiking

[@TheNotLostNomad]

Thanks! You too! Where’s your next venture?

[@BrianAndrewStephens]

Awesome video! I can't believe that you don't have more animal encounters. Seems like you would occasionally see big cats. Beautiful trail! Thanks for capturing all this for us to see.

[@TheNotLostNomad]

Hey thanks Brian! I appreciate it man! Yeah you’d think I’d see more than I do but honestly I’m ok with that! Maybe when I have company with me on the trail.

[@outdoormary]

I spent 2 weeks in Big Bend this past February, and I didn’t know about this trail. It looks absolutely amazing! Thanks for posting this!

[@TheNotLostNomad]

You bet! I’m glad you enjoyed it! Definitely add this one to your list for your next trip. I cannot imagine having two weeks in Big Bend…that must have been an awesome trip!

[@gumotx]

Beautiful scenery! I know BIBE but not this hike so thanks for sharing your trip. Are you using the DJI pocket camera? Thanks! I appreciate you sharing your Faith on your videos! Amen🙏

[@TheNotLostNomad]

Thanks! Yeah this trail/combo seems to sneak by everyone. And as for camera…I’m using my GoPro 11 and my iPhone for some shots.

[@davidferrier7869]

Hi I was inspired by your video and did the route last Monday … I did it from the Oak Springs parking lot and did it as an out and back. I stopped after the summit at Pinnacle 2, to camp overnight. Really enjoyed the hike … Thank you for bringing to our attention!!!!

[@TheNotLostNomad]

Oh wow! That is so cool! I’m so glad you got out there and did it! It’s an incredible link of trails! That Oak Springs section is great isn’t it? All three of these trails provide so much diversity in a hike…I love it! I’m so glad you got out there and did it…congrats! And to backpack it as well. That’s not an easy climb with a full pack. Thanks for watching and thank you for sharing!

[@davidferrier7869]

Backpacking wasn’t that bad. When I got to the parking lot, I unloaded all my chair, extra food and started with 2 ltrs of water. At Chisos Basin I loaded up with 5 ltrs of water. I had a permit for a campsite at Pinnacle 2. So I hiked up to the campsite and put my water and most of my gear in the bear box and continued to the peak. The next day I did the trail in reverse. Great hike … Thanksgiving you!!!!

[@TheNotLostNomad]

Sorry to just now see your response. That was a great idea to stash your stuff…I may do that next time. Glad your trip went well!

[@richardwillis4363]

Awesome hike buddy!!

[@TheNotLostNomad]

Hey thank you Richard! You’ll need to add this one to your list for your next trip out there!

[@DESR1995]

I just visited Big Bend for the first time in late April/early May this year! I did basically every main trail in Big Bend, including the South Rim/Emory Peak loop, and it was absolutely gorgeous! I spent so much time out on the trail that I barely made it back before it got dark, somewhat similar to you haha. I did wonder about potentially doing a route like this once I saw Oak Springs trail on my Window Trail hike. So cool to see you do it! It's actually a similar distance and elevation gain as a hike back home here in SoCal; Topatopa via Sisar Road and Red Reef Trail if you're interested! Thanks for a great video! It was fun to relive a bit of my trip memories through it :)

[@TheNotLostNomad]

Sorry for the late response! It sounds like you had a heck of a good trip! Big Bend is a truly special place, I’m so glad you got to experience it! I’ll have to check out that hike…it sounds great. Cali has some amazing scenery out there! Thank you for watching!

[@GeezerAdventures]

Another great video! Knew about both trails but stopped once we got under the window. Wasn’t sure how far to connect through. So Thank you!

[@TheNotLostNomad]

Thank you very much! Yeah I was surprised to see that they fully connected. Oak Springs is a very underrated trail. It really should be high up on the list!

[@GeezerAdventures]

Did you see any rattlesnakes? When we hiked it we saw 3 right by the trail.

[@TheNotLostNomad]

No, and it’s crazy but I’ve never seen one out there before. I know they are there though!

[@dannylgriffin]

Although 99.9% of my hiking and backpacking has been in the Appalachians, I love BBNP! I usually just 4WD there, though. I can no longer do strenuous hikes so I am living vicariously through your videos. Thanks!

[@TheNotLostNomad]

Hey I appreciate you watching. The Big Bend 4WD roads are truly incredible and highly underrated. It’s an incredible park. I’m jealous of you Appalachian experience. I wish I could make it up that direction more often.

[@tangenttrails]

While I’ve hiked from Cattail Falls and over the Oak Springs trail to the Windows, I’ve never thought about making this a route farther into the Chisos. Good thinking man! My last trip I was lucky and got a hitch from Homer Wilson Ranch back to the basin from a park ranger/wildlife biologist. That was different.

[@TheNotLostNomad]

Oh man! talk about perfect timing! Yeah this is a really great combo and a beast of a hike. I'd highly reccomend it. This should be the premier hike of Big Bend. I also did Cattail Falls...thats a great little trail!

[@BrettParsons-uc1yz]

Sick truck

[@14erfinisher52]

Excellent Video Brother! Very Nice! #Subscribed 🏜🔥🤘🏆 Lets do a Couples Hike next time ya'll are in Arizona? God Bless 🇺🇲

[@TheNotLostNomad]

Hey thank you! Glad you enjoyed it! I just subscribed to yours as well…looks like you guys have quite a list of adventures. I’m looking forward to checking it all out. And yeah that sounds good! Hopefully we will make it back out that way soon!

[@HFDrifter-mq3de]

If pure elevation gain & distance are your goal...3 in GUMO: Salt Basin Dunes Trailhead to Guad Peak - approx. 5,100ft elevation gain Salt Basin Dunes Trailhead to Bush Mtn - approx. 5,000ft elevation gain Start of Williams Ranch Road to Guad Peak - approx. 4,650ft elevation gain All three would require a good bit of off-trail hiking/scrambling/bushwacking

[@TheNotLostNomad]

Yes! I definitely looked into all three of those…I opted to consider this one since there was no off-trail navigating. It would really be great if the NPS would connect them…it would be a simple addition. I know I would definitely tackle it.

[@michaelturano7522]

Next time give me a heads up Id be able to give u that ride or others😁

[@TheNotLostNomad]

Hey I might just take you up on that! Its an uncomfortable feeling having to find a ride!

[@michaelturano7522]

@@TheNotLostNomad ive been out there many times Headed back first of May Enjoy ur videos When u headed back?

[@TheNotLostNomad]

Thank you…I’m not sure just yet. I might try for early May…but it may end up being september. Lots of plans coming up and schedule is getting packed. I want to do a video for every trail there…so I will be back as soon as I can

[@michaelturano7522]

@@TheNotLostNomad We be heading to Roswell White Sands maybe to Tombstone and Bisbee Then head back east toward Guadalupe then south to Terlingua and Big Bend We from Lousyanna

[@BrettParsons-uc1yz]

Sick truck

[@TheNotLostNomad]

I know right! The company is ditching them this year…I’ll be losing ol big red