Trail Overview

Christmas Mountain is the premier 4x4 trail in the Big Bend area! You start at the Terlingua Ranch Lodge and traverse up the mountain with numerous switchbacks and steep drop-offs. There's nothing technical about this trail, but there are some rocky areas and steep sections with loose gravel that might require 4WD. At the top, the views are phenomenal! Christmas Mountain is owned by the Texas State University System and access to the trail is by free permit only. Two permits per day are given out--one from 8 am to 12 pm and one from 12 pm to 4 pm. If you have the permit for the day, you will be the only one on the entire mountain! You are allowed to go as a group with other vehicles in your party, though.

Photos of Christmas Mountain Trail

Want to see more?
View All Photos

Difficulty

Steep, loose sections are possible on Christmas Mountain. There are a few light rocky areas and very steep drop-offs just on the edge of the road. Switchbacks abound as well.

Technical Rating

Victor Calonge

Apr 11, 2026

Open

Beautiful trail, some areas very rocky

David Lee

Feb 22, 2026

Open

Nice trail up to a wonderful view. Stock TRD Off-road 4Runner had no problems but did hit my rock slider on a rock once.

Thomas L.

Jan 01, 2026

Open

Took an hour up to the top and 50 minutes down. Some boulders at most 12” in the way but mostly easy if you don’t have an issue with shelf roads, which are most of the road.

Dave Brown

Nov 24, 2025

Open

Amazing views, a fun little climb. Nothing crazy, just a few washouts that you need to watch for. We had a blast.

John Matthews

Nov 17, 2025

Open

The road is dug into wide of mountain. Most of it has steep drop offs on one side. The road is wide enough. We ran across some rough parts of the road that required some consideration. Large rocks are in the trail along with some washout areas. I am afraid of heights. Won’t do this one again. If you are ok with heights should be fun for ya.

Willy TXpedition

Apr 14, 2025

Open

You must make a reservation for this trail. On this day it was clear and dry. It was a bit more washed out and rocky than my first time 11 years ago. It's bumpy and wide enough for a full sized 4x4, but you still need to watch your line in places. Some washouts around the curves, but nothing that would give way under you. The views are amazing on a clear day

Wes s

Jan 13, 2025

Open

Patrick Klumpyan

May 26, 2024

Open

Very rough/rocky trail. High clearance is a must. Great views so take your time and don’t rush. Make a slow go of it or you’ll bust a tire or worse.

Tas Moak

May 08, 2024

Open

Really fun trail, at first it may catch you off-guard because it is rated easy, but very rocky, and you will tilt a good amount, and if you go too far you will roll down the mountain. A lot of fun highly recommend.