Pros & cons
PROS
- Ancient rock art on the southernmost outcrop
- Flat, straightforward desert hike with big views
CONS
- No shade or water; brutal in midday heat
- Destination rock art can be easy to miss without exploring
Overview
A row of rugged volcanic outcrops rising from open desert, the Chimneys deliver a satisfying payoff after a flat walk across the Chihuahuan Desert. The southernmost "chimney" hides prehistoric petroglyphs and faint pictographs—plus bedrock grinding holes—so there’s real cultural weight alongside the scenery.
The Hike
Plan on about 4.8 miles round trip from the signed Chimneys Trailhead off Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. The route is nearly flat, crossing sandy washes and desert grassland with distant mountain views. There’s essentially no shade until you reach the rocks, so pace yourself and hydrate.
An alternate, longer approach comes from Old Maverick Road. Some hikers connect the two for a point‑to‑point day, but you’ll need a shuttle.
What Makes It Unique
Those spires are remnants of volcanic activity, aligned like a stone skyline above the flats. The real surprise is the Indigenous rock art: carvings and faint paintings clustered on the southernmost formation, along with grinding holes and metates that hint at everyday life here long before the park.
Wildlife & Safety
You’re in classic desert habitat—expect lizards, snakes, and birds more than big mammals. Give wildlife space and never feed or approach it. Heat and sun are the main hazards here; carry ample water, cover up, and turn around if conditions get to you.
Navigation Notes
Follow signed trail markers and the established path. Random piles of rocks (unofficial cairns) can lead you astray—ignore them. Cell service is unreliable away from the road, so don’t count on it.
Amenities
This is a remote, undeveloped stop: no restrooms, no water, no food or store. There is a signed trailhead and parking along Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive; bring everything you need.
Best Time to Visit
Go in the cooler months (late fall through early spring) and aim for early morning or late afternoon. You’ll dodge the worst heat and get softer light on the rock textures and the desert backdrop. Midday in warm seasons can be punishing.
Finding the Rock Art
Explore the base of the southernmost chimney and look closely—the petroglyphs are obvious once you’re in the right spot, while the pictographs are faint. Admire, photograph, and leave them untouched.
Where it is
29.2082, -103.4747Tips for Chimneys
- 01Start at sunrise or late afternoon to beat the heat and get better light.
- 02Carry at least 2 liters of water per person; there’s no water anywhere on this hike.
- 03The rock art is on the southernmost chimney—circle the base and look low.
- 04Follow signed markers, not random cairns, which can lead you off-route.
- 05Shuttling a car lets you hike point-to-point between Ross Maxwell and Old Maverick.
Amenities
Near Chimneys
All places →All trails →
3.1 mi awayChimneys TrailDesert walk to volcanic spires and ancient Native rock artModerate · 4.8 mi · 2.7 hr
3.3 mi awayGoat Mountain OverlookQuick roadside stop for dramatic volcanic layers and desert viewsExhibit · Pullout
3.7 mi awayLuna JacalA tiny frontier homestead tucked under Peña MountainPullout · Parking
3.7 mi awayMule Ears Spring TrailDesert stroll to a shady spring beneath the Mule Ears peaksEasy · 3.9 mi · 2 hr
3.7 mi awaySmoky Creek TrailRemote Chihuahuan desert ramble from Mule Ears to deep solitudeModerate · 18.3 mi · 9 hr
3.7 mi awayMule Ears OverlookRoadside sunrise vantage on the twin Mule Ears spiresTrailhead · Pullout
3.8 mi awayBurro Spring TrailQuiet desert walk to a lush spring overlook on Burro MesaEasy · 2 mi · 1 hr
4 mi awayTuff Canyon West OverlookTop‑down peek into a pale volcanic canyon, steps from your carTrailhead · Pullout
