Summary:
A varied and dramatic trail, past meadows and rugged peaks, to the high cliffs of the South Rim of the Chisos Mountains.

From the parking area, take the trail signed to Laguna Meadow, the Pinnacles and South Rim. After a few minutes, the trail forks; bear right to Laguna Meadow (the left fork is the return route). Now begins the long climb through woodland to reach the Basin rim, where the trail levels. Just beyond is Laguna Meadow, an open grassy area dotted with pine and juniper, around 3.5 miles from the trailhead.

Pass through the meadow, circling the south-west slopes of Emory Peak, the highest in Big Bend at 7,835 ft. The most southerly stand of aspen in the US grows amongst the boulders on these slopes. Keep left at the junction with Blue Creek Trail and right at the junction with Colima Trail (a shortcut to Boot Spring used by the horseback trips) to stay on the main trail heading south. All the junctions are well signed.

Around 1.5 miles later, at the 6 mile point, you finally reach the 7,400-ft cliffs of the South Rim. Views stretch in all directions: over the mountains of the Chisos range and the desert 2,500 ft below; Emory Peak looming to the north; the Sierra del Carmen mountains to the east; to the west the mouth of Santa Elena Canyon; and, on a clear day, south to distant Mexican peaks.

As you follow the trail along the South Rim, ignore the Boot Canyon short-cut trail on the left. This bypasses the scenic East Rim, reducing the overall hike distance to 13 miles (you may be forced to take this short-cut if peregrine falcons are nesting on the East Rim, making it off-limits from February to early summer). The trail continues along the edge of the South Rim for around 1.5 miles before bearing left along the East Rim, to some great views into Juniper Canyon.

At around 9 miles, intersect the Boot Canyon short-cut trail and turn right to drop into Boot Canyon, an oasis of cypress, fir and pine. Ignore the Juniper Canyon Trail on the right after 0.5 mile and keep ahead to the Park Service cabin and Boot Spring (the water here should be purified before use). Nearby is the “Boot” itself, a distinctive rock spire shaped like an upside-down cowboy boot. Shortly after, bear right at the junction with the Colima Trail to continue through Boot Canyon. In another mile, the Emory Peak Trail climbs away to the left (this 1-mile ascent and scramble to the summit is usually done as a separate day hike). Just beyond this, you reach the head of Boot Canyon and crest the Basin wall at 7,100-ft Pinnacles Pass.

There are now only 3.5 miles to go. Steep switchbacks descend into the Basin past rhyolite spires. It is very scenic, but you will need to watch your footing on the loose rock. A couple of level sections break the descent: the grassy flats of Boulder Meadow at the 13-mile point (strewn with boulders, as its name suggests), and Juniper Flat a little further on. Continue descending through a dense woodland of pinyon, juniper and oak. Keep right at the Chisos Basin Loop junction to return to the parking area in 0.5 mile.

Directions: Hwy 118 from Alpine to the west entrance, US 385 from Marathon to the north entrance. The Park HQ and main visitor center are at Panther Junction, in the center of the Park, at the intersection of these two roads – 29 miles south of the north entrance and 22 miles east of the west entrance.

Trailhead: Chisos Basin. At Basin Junction, 3 miles west of Panther Junction along Hwy 118, turn south onto the 7-mile paved road to the Basin (not recommended to RVs over 24 ft). The Basin Trailhead is at the road-end, close to the lodge and the ranger station.

Length: 14.5 miles / 23.2 km

Trail Type: Loop

Elevation Change: 2,000 ft / 610 m

Duration: 8 hours

Trail Condition: Clear and maintained with marked junctions. Steep and rocky in places.

Features: Woods and meadows, cliffs and canyons, rock formations, extensive views.

Climate: Best in early spring, late autumn and winter. Hottest months are usually May and June, with summer thunderstorms until October.

Accommodation: Chisos Mountains Lodge in the Basin has motel units and stone cottages (reservations essential well in advance). The Basin also has the most convenient campground to the trailhead (first-come, first-served). The closest motels outside the Park are about 3 miles beyond the west entrance.

Trail Notes: Trail maps available at Panther Junction and Basin visitor centers. Start early to avoid climbing at the hottest time of day and carry plenty of water.