Pros & cons
PROS
- Shady oasis with cottonwoods and cattails deep in the desert
- Ranch‑era stone corral ruins add a dose of park history
CONS
- Spring flow can be just a trickle in dry periods
- Undulating terrain creates more cumulative gain than the map suggests
Park at Mule Ears Overlook along Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive; the small lot can fill on holidays but turns over quickly as many visitors stop only for the view.
Full sun exposure and desert heat; no reliable drinking water on route; do not drink from or disturb the spring; expect loose rock and dry wash crossings.
Overview
A classic Chihuahuan Desert hike with a payoff you can feel: shade, greenery, and water. The Mule Ears Spring Trail leaves from Mule Ears Overlook on Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive and heads toward the twin volcanic dikes that resemble, well, mule ears. It’s an easy–moderate outing most hikers can handle, with broad desert views and a surprising oasis at the turnaround.
Route and What You’ll See
Plan on about 3.8–4.0 miles total out and back to the spring, typically taking around 2 hours. The path undulates over rocky, sandy desert singletrack, crosses a few dry washes, and offers little to no shade until you reach the spring. Expect modest net gain (around 225 feet) but more cumulative up-and-down, which some sources peg much higher because of the rolling terrain. The “ears” themselves are volcanic dikes; along the way you’ll pass volcanic tuff and other igneous features. Near the spring, watch for a ranch-era stone corral—an evocative piece of Big Bend history. The spring area is lush by desert standards, with cottonwoods, ferns, and cattails. Sit quietly and you might spot birds, dragonflies, or even a leopard frog.
If you’re feeling good, continue past the spring to a higher vantage point for a roughly 5.9‑mile round trip, with more elevation gain. The trail also continues toward Smoky Creek if you’re linking routes.
Best Time to Hike
Fall, winter, and early spring are prime—cooler temps make the exposed miles pleasant. Summer heat can be dangerous. Start early to beat the sun and enjoy softer light on the Mule Ears. The overlook lot sees steady turnover because many visitors stop just for the viewpoint; once you’re past the overlook, the trail often feels quiet.
Know Before You Go
Bring plenty of water and strong sun protection—there’s essentially no shade until the spring, and the desert heat is the main difficulty. Do not drink from the spring and don’t disturb this fragile oasis. Pets aren’t allowed on park trails, and no permit is required for day hiking (standard park entry fees apply). Expect some loose rock and minor wash crossings; sturdy footwear helps.
Elevation
3.9 mi · 2 hrWhere it starts
29.1664, -103.4354Wildlife on this trail
Near Mule Ears Spring Trail
All places →All trails →
0 mi awaySmoky Creek TrailRemote Chihuahuan desert ramble from Mule Ears to deep solitudeModerate · 18.3 mi · 9 hr
0 mi awayMule Ears OverlookRoadside sunrise vantage on the twin Mule Ears spiresTrailhead · Pullout
1 mi awayGoat Mountain OverlookQuick roadside stop for dramatic volcanic layers and desert viewsExhibit · Pullout
2.5 mi awayMule Ear PeaksTwin rhyolite spires with a desert hike to a hidden springTrailhead · Pullout
2.8 mi awayChimneys TrailDesert walk to volcanic spires and ancient Native rock artModerate · 4.8 mi · 2.7 hr
3.3 mi awayTuff Canyon TrailShort, easy dive into a pale volcanic canyon off a scenic driveEasy · 0.8 mi · 24 min
3.3 mi awayTuff Canyon West OverlookTop‑down peek into a pale volcanic canyon, steps from your carTrailhead · Pullout
4.6 mi awayBurro Spring TrailQuiet desert walk to a lush spring overlook on Burro MesaEasy · 2 mi · 1 hr
