We were the last hikers down in the evening of 10/26/2018. We are fairly active people in our 40s. For it to be rated as moderate isn't quite accurate. I've climbed peaks and trails (NM, AZ, MT, the Smokies, the Rockies, etc) that were simpler than and more moderate than this one. It was tough but enjoyable. It's definitely one of the most scenic hikes I've ever been.

The park closed the trail that evening due to bear activity. We only saw bear scats. Two days later, I did see a bear about 20 feet from me when we stopped by on our way home so I can take a picture of the closure sign. I didn't know it was off to the side scrounging for food. It was scary although I didn't run, just walked slowly back to our car. It didn't even look at me. I look forward to going back, not for the bears but for the scenery.  

It is one of my favorite hikes, with an incredible view, and full of places to admire the mountains from different angles all the way. It is very quiet, with beautiful vegetation and a variety precious birds. You can see pictures on my instagram http://www.instagram.com/usa_roadtrips. The Big Bend was our home for a week, and I can't wait to be back!

Pretty Trail, nice scenary. The last 1/4 mile is fairly steep and gives you a pretty good workout. The end of the trail gives you some impressive views of the backside of Casa Grande and Juniper Canyon. If you are looking for solitude beware. Lots of people on the trail and the noise from the road is quite irritating especially the motorcycles.

Every so often, I go for my Big Bend "fix".  Stark, with a big helping of solitude, and in the pleasant (and mutually respectful) company of things that thrive there, relying on their thick skin, spines, thorns, fangs, and stealth.  I had hiked in BB several times but never done the Lost Mine Trail due to the number of cars at the trail head, meaning more trail population than I was looking for.

Well, this was the time for the Lost Mine Trail.  It was fascinating; the cacti were mostly in bloom, the temp was a high of maybe 90°, the deer and the Mexican Jays were out, and the always unique scenery was there to entertain without end.  I went clear to the point where I climbed this end-of-trail rock, scooted to the edge, looked over, caught my breath and muttered something, scooted back (a good ways) and had my sandwich, certainly in no hurry at all to leave.  There was trail traffic, but not too much.  Everyone was excited and fascinated, so the company was welcome. 

If you're wondering about difficulty, I am 73 and in half-decent shape; it was a pleasant jaunt for me.  Be careful with the sun.  You're a mile+ high and the sun beats down directly and also ricochets off of the rocks, so one gets plenty of exposure.  I made it up and down, taking my time, with a liter of water, but was glad there was more waiting in the car.  I will go again next year, and the next, and I will hike this trail again, with an eye on Casa Grande that always looms above, and wondering about how one gets up there.  Maybe . . . . 

By the way, one of the contributors here boasted that he/she had traveled 600 miles to enjoy the Big Bend.  Who doesn't? (:-)  Some good news though: this may be THE place in the Lower 48 where one is farthest from a Walmart or a Big Mac.  Let's keep that our secret.

You can do all or part of this hike.  Getting to the top at the end is favuous, we have some great photos, if i can figure out how to add them.  I enjoyed this hike VERY much!  We had a group of 7 adults and 5 teens, it was awesome!

Going up (literally!) took quite a bit longer than coming down but once at the summit, you will witness a spectacular view! There was quite a bit of traffic on the trail but with everyone going at their own pace you can feel "alone" at times. Everyone that goes to Big Bend should do this hike preferably as one of your first hikes!

I have been to Big Bend twice; once by myself and once with my then wife-to-be.  In both cases, my first hike was the Lost Mine Trail.  It is a really pretty hike of moderate difficulty that gives a good overview of the flora and geology of the Chisos mountains.  The self-guided nature of the trail allows you to recognize the various plants and geological features you will encounter on numerous other hikes in the Chisos and even in the desert sections of the park. 

I was particularly impressed and took a picture at the overlook of the ridge which shows the difference in plant life between north and south facing slopes in Big Bend.

PS:  I saw a black bear one evening near the Lost Mine Trailhead.