Sunset View from the Lost Mine Trail, Big Bend National Park

At the end of the Lost Mine Trail, you’ll find one of the best high-elevation views in Big Bend National Park. From this ridge, the Chisos Mountains stretch across the horizon in layers, with steep volcanic cliffs falling into deep basins. Desert plants like yucca and low shrubs fill the rocky foreground, adding interest to the scene. Long ridgelines reach out toward the eastern edge of the range, giving the view even more depth. At sunset, warm light shines across the peaks and valleys, bringing out the land's rough textures. When the sun is low, photographers using a narrow aperture can often catch a starburst effect. Because this spot is high up, there’s less haze than in the lower desert, so you can see the distant ridges clearly. Photographers like this spot because it offers detailed foregrounds, interesting shapes in the middle distance, and layers of mountains in the distance. A wide-angle lens works well here, especially if you set up near a solid rock or plant in the foreground to show scale. Since the trail ends facing west, it’s a great place to catch the sunset with steady side lighting on the Chisos.

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