Christmas Mountain

Made the morning trip up the mountain. Checked in at Terlingua Ranch to pick up the key and headed out. Actually made the trip in my 3/4 ton pickup this time, which added a little bit of difficulty compared to the usual jeep trip we make. There were two switch backs that I needed to backup and reposition to make the sharp turns, but other than that went right up the mountain. Weather was perfect, morning clouds lifted as we made it about half way up providing excellent views of the valley. We spent about an hour up top before making the trek back down. Always be respectful of the next groups time or the lodges time to make sure you are back within your reservation window. Happy Trails!

This was a great trail with outstanding views. It took us about three hours to complete and the cliffs definitely added the pucker factor :).

I would argue this is an easy trail with gorgeous views and some slight pucker factor due to the sheer dropoffs to the side of the trail. The path is plenty wide so there's never any danger but it's a great drive overall. You must have a (free) reservation to do this trail since it's one way and only one group is allowed on the mountain at a time. There's also a good bit of form filling-outage that must be done before they will hand you the key so be sure to arrive about 20 minutes early before your time window for the mountain. If you go solidly up and back down, it will take a full 2.5 hours. You get 4 hours for your timeslot so take your time, enjoy the view. Do some hiking at the top, it's a lot of fun up there. Also keep in mind there have been bears spotted up there before so you don't want to go too wild away from your vehicle. Overall this is one of my favorite things to do down near Big Bend.

We made the trek up Christmas Mountain (again) for Thanksgiving 2021. The heavy rains of 2021 had washed away much of the dirt off the trail, leaving a bit more rock exposed, ultimately making the trail a bit more bumpy. Overall however, I wouldn't say they trail had become more "difficult". The first time we came here, there was no "rock pile". Now however, it's become a tradition that each visitor add to the new rock pile (formed roughly in 2019).

Christmas Mountain was the perfect first "moderate" trail for my Tacoma TRD OR. Bill at the Terlingua Lodge was fantastic. He was not only enthusiastic about my Taco build, but also suggested other drives in the area. I'm looking for other moderate trails to build my experience before taking on some of the big boys in CO. Christmas Mountain was the perfect first trail. The angle gets close to 30°. Some tight tight turns and a baby step or two. The views are spectacular. Call ahead and make your reservation!

Drove this trail last year and other than my nerves being shot (first time leading a group) it was easy and beautiful. Can't wait to go back soon. Take a lunch with you to eat at the top.

Made a reservation prior to our trip, didn't want to take a chance and have the groups filled up. As it turned out, we were the only ones going up that day. Fun drive up & down. But the real treat is the view from the top, SPECTACULAR! We were gonna eat lunch at the top, but it was too windy to set table etc. If you're in the neighborhood, I highly recommend it!

Made the drive to the top one morning, the trail is tight in a few places but nothing terrifying. The view from the top is stunning. Worth the time to "sign in" at the Terlingua Ranch office and the drive up there.

pretty relaxed trail, i did this in a stock Tacoma.

Great Trail! Not too technical, just some relatively steep sections and switchbacks, very pleasant ride. A group of friends made a reservation, the folks at the sign-in were very nice and organized! The views at the top were spectacular!!!