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Chisos Mountain Loop

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
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 4.8 (61)
  1. Areas
  2. TX
  3. …West Texas
  4. …Big Bend National Park
  5. Chisos Mountains
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“One of Big Bend's most iconic routes, featuring canyon views and an Emory Peak summit detour. ”

Mikhaila Redovian
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Map Key

16.8

Miles

27.1

KM

Loop

7,729' 2,356 m

High

5,364' 1,635 m

Low

3,260' 994 m

Up

3,260' 994 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

32%

Max Grade (18°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views

Overview

This great longer route is one the best loop hikes in the park. Along the way, visitors will be treated to rolling terrain and spectacular views. Be sure to bring your camera, as you'll want to preserve the dramatic views available from the canyon rim, and from the summit of Emory Peak.

Need to Know

While it may appear that there are multiple drainages where water COULD exist, remember that Big Bend National Park is in a desert environment and you shouldn't count on there being water along the way. As such, make sure that you carry in enough water for your group. The park recommends 1 gallon per person, per day.

Description

To begin this strenuous route, there are a few things to keep in mind. Whether completing the route in a single day, or making a multi-day trip out of the journey, you'll need enough water. Due to Big Bend's climate, you'll likely need more water than expected, and it's recommended that visitors consume 1 gallon per day, and potentially even more if you're really exerting yourself.

This route leaves from the Chisos Visitor Center, where you'll need to take the Pinnacles Trail for a short stretch before heading west on the Laguna Meadow Trail. Along the way, visitors will navigate varied terrain while moving through mixed forests. While more gentle than the Pinnacles Trail, this route still has some steeper portions with multiple switchbacks, which shouldn't be underestimated. If you're seeing a campsite early on, you'll be able to branch off toward the Laguna West Campsites Access Trail, where there are multiple sites available.

Continue on the Laguna Meadow Trail, and take a southern turn at a junction with the Southwest Rim Trail. The grades will ease on this trail, and you'll end up working your way south through a thinning forest. Closer to the steep cliffs of the South Rim, the vegetation diminishes, and you'll be moving through more arid, open terrain. Once you pass the backcountry campsite, make sure that your camera is handy. You'll approach the South Rim, and the ground will fall away. As you work your way east along the rim, continue to soak in the incredible views, but don't get too absorbed to miss the junction with the Southeast Rim Trail. You'll essentially continue straight, but you'll want to make a note of the change nonetheless.

Visitors looking to spend the night closer to the half way point might choose to camp at one of many sites located near the NE-4 Backcountry Campsite Access Trail.

Just after the campsites, visitors will transition to the Northeast Rim Trail, which will begin to move back to the north. While the descent hasn't started in earnest, this portion of trail provides a respite from the steady climb to the South Rim.

Enjoy the relaxing trail portion, and continue moving north when you come to an intersection with the Boot Canyon Trail. The trail will continue to descend, though the Boot Canyon Trail will be a bit steeper. In any case, relish the scenery and easy navigation, because all too soon, the Emory Peak Trail will branch off to the left, headed west.

This short but challenging bit of trail will be strenuous, but rewarding. The trail switchbacks through mixed forest, so there will be some shade during this stretch. For those navigating the loop with heavy backpacks, conveniently located Bear Boxes make a perfect spot to leave your gear for the summit push. Make sure your camera comes to the summit with you, the views are well worth the extra effort! Once you've enjoyed the summit, head back down to the bear boxes, and continue north on the Pinnacles Trail.

From the top of Emory Peak, your journey back to the trailhead and your vehicle will be all downhill. The Pinnacles Trail is a bit steeper than the Laguna Meadow Trail, so watch your step, especially if you've had a long day already. The trail will wind through a forested portion of the park, so you'll be able to enjoy a shaded trail.

With a consistent downhill, the last few miles of the loop will be quick ones, and you'll soon find yourself back at the trailhead, visitors center, and your vehicle.

Flora & Fauna

You'll move from wooded portions of trail where pine trees will provide shade, out to arid areas where scrubby shrubs and grasses will be your only company.

Keep your eyes peeled for the rare gem that is the Colima warbler. It is a small, brown or gray bird with a patch of orange near the base of its tail feathers. In the summer months, this bird can only be found in the upper elevations of the canyons in the Chisos Mountains and not anywhere else in the entire world. It lays its nests on the ground and is often spotted foraging in thick undergrowth or around the lower levels of oak trees.

Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - Big Bend National Park

Shared By:

Mikhaila Redovian
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.8 from 61 votes

#3

in Chisos Mountains

#137

Overall
  4.8 from 61 votes
5 Star
79%
4 Star
18%
3 Star
3%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#3

in Chisos Mountains

#4

in Texas

#137

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Photos

South Rim overlook, Big Bend Nat'l Park
Sep 29, 2015 near Big Ben…, TX
Clouds cleared somewhat for a View of the Window.
Nov 20, 2016 near Big Ben…, TX
The Crown Mountain Fire burns below the Northeast Rim Trail.
May 24, 2017 near Big Ben…, TX
A hiker partner in the morning.
Sep 29, 2015 near Big Ben…, TX
Birds soaring high above the Chihuahuan Desert from the South Rim.
Jul 21, 2016 near Big Ben…, TX
The pristine Boot Canyon stands with Sierra del Carmen in the background.
Mar 22, 2017 near Big Ben…, TX

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Check-Ins

Apr 12, 2024
Atsuko Ohtake
Apr 11, 2024
Atsuko Ohtake
Nov 19, 2023
Daniel Izmerly
May 27, 2023
Alec Martin
backpacking, with Emory peak. east rim closed.
Feb 19, 2023
Melanie May
Oct 2, 2022
Auggie Bautista
Aug 11, 2022
Bobbidy Bob
16.8mi
Jul 10, 2022
Po-Jen Shih

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