Are dogs allowed on The Window and Cattail Falls?

No, dogs are not permitted on The Window and Cattail Falls. This is typical in many national parks and wildlife refuges — check for a nearby dog-friendly alternative.

Do I need a permit to hike The Window and Cattail Falls?

No, The Window and Cattail Falls 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 The Window and Cattail Falls?

The Window and Cattail Falls is rated expert. It is 12.0 miles long with 4,439 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.

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

ExpertOut and Back

Big Bend National Park/Texas

The Window and Cattail Falls

Big Bend National Park, Texas

12.0 mi

Distance

4,439 ft

Elev. Gain

5h 18m

Est. Time

Out & Back

Route Type

Expert

Difficulty

About This Trail

Imported description

Go to Chisos Basin, then hike down to The Window and return to your starting point.

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:1,199 ft

Max:1,645 ft

1,353 ft

Trail Details

No dogs
Kid-friendly

Route Type: Out & Back
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

Be the first to share your experience and help others plan their visit.

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

The Window and Cattail Falls

About This Trail

Trail Conditions

Trail Conditions

Elevation Profile

Trail Details

Reviews

No reviews yet

Nearby Trails

The Window Trail

Pinnacles Trail

Emory Peak via South Rim Trail and Boot Springs Trail

Emory Peak Trail

Basin Loop Trail

Emory Peak Loop via Pinnacles & Laguna Meadow

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

Juniper Flats 1

Toll Mountain (TM1) Campground

South Rim 4 Loop Backpacking Site

Primitive Roadside Campsites— Croton Springs

Government Springs (GH1)

Similar trails in Texas

Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail

Lady Bird Lake Trail

White Rock Lake Trail

Eagle Mountain Lake Park Trail

Knob Hill Trail

Dana Peak Park Trail