Are dogs allowed on Sam Nail Ranch Trail?

No, dogs are not permitted on Sam Nail Ranch Trail. This is typical in many national parks and wildlife refuges — check for a nearby dog-friendly alternative.

Do I need a permit to hike Sam Nail Ranch Trail?

No, Sam Nail Ranch Trail does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Sam Nail Ranch Trail?

Sam Nail Ranch Trail is rated easy. It is 0.3 miles long with 20 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

Is Sam Nail Ranch Trail suitable for kids?

Yes, Sam Nail Ranch Trail is considered kid-friendly. As always with children, bring water and snacks, pace yourself, and watch for weather changes and wildlife.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See Texas trail conditions

EasyLoop

Big Bend National Park/Texas

Sam Nail Ranch Trail

Terlingua, Texas

0.3 mi

Distance

20 ft

Elev. Gain

Est. Time

Loop

Route Type

Easy

Difficulty

About This Trail

Imported description

The Big Bend Ranching example was from the early 1900's. It is an easy trail to follow through the old homestead of Jim and Sam Nail and Nena. There are some interesting historic remnants here, including the adobe walls of the house and two windmills. This is a great place to view birds and wildlife.

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Elevation Profile

Min:1,104 ft

Max:1,110 ft

6 ft

Trail Details

No dogs
Kid-friendly

Route Type: Loop
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

Managed by National Park Service

Verify before you go

Source of truth

National Park Service unit page
Alerts, conditions, and the unit's plan-your-visit page.

Verify by phone or mail

Operator:432-477-2251
Address:1 Panther Junction · Big Bend National Park, TX · 79834

Reviews

No reviews yet

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Legacy import — verify before navigating

Path geometry came from our pre-launch legacy database. Routes have not yet been re-verified against the operator and may differ from the actual trail.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

Sam Nail Ranch Trail

About This Trail

Trail Conditions

Trail Conditions

Elevation Profile

Trail Details

Reviews

No reviews yet

Nearby Trails

Chisos Mountains and Window Trail from Oak Spring Road

Cattail Falls

Oak Spring Trail

Ward Spring Trail

Upper Burro Mesa Pouroff

Lower Burro Mesa Pouroff Trail

Other trails in Big Bend National Park

Lost Mine Trail

The Window Trail

Emory Peak via South Rim Trail and Boot Springs Trail

Emory Peak Trail

Balanced Rock Trail

Boquillas Canyon Trail

Campgrounds near this trail

Chisos Basin Campground - Big Bend National Park

Primitive Roadside Campsites— Croton Springs

Juniper Flats 1

Toll Mountain (TM1) Campground

South Rim 4 Loop Backpacking Site

Government Springs (GH1)

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