Hiking Big Bend National Park
More than 150 miles of trails offer opportunities for day hikes or backpacking trips are available in Big Bend National Park. Exploring this desert and mountain country on foot requires both mental and physical preparation. Trails vary from well maintained in the Chisos to primitive and barely visible in the desert. Plan hikes within your ability. Take along a map and compass and know how to use them. Flash floods may occur following thunderstorms so avoid narrow canyons or dry washes. Stay low and avoid ridges during thunderstorms. Carry a flashlight and a first aid kit. Let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to return. If you get hurt or lost, stay in one place to conserve water and energy. Signal for help; three blasts on a whistle is a well-recognized distress call. In remote areas, a large “X” marked on the ground by any means visible from the air will signify that help is needed. Carry a signal mirror. Remember to obtain a free backcountry use permit before heading out overnight. Make sure to carry enough water and energy sources to fuel and protect your health.
Self Guided Hikes:
Window View Trail
Easy, 0.3 mile round trip.
Begin at Basin trailhead.
This easy, paved, wheelchair accessible trail is a great way to see the mountain peaks surrounding the Chisos Basin, especially the view of the Window. Benches have been placed along the trail, where one can sit and watch the view to the west. Views of the sun setting in the Window are a Big Bend Classic. Enjoy this trail and observe many of the common cacti plants within the region.
Panther Path Trail
Easy
A short walking trail winds through the desert garden in front of Panther Junction Visitors Center. Here visitors will see a variety of plants from the Chihuahuan Desert.
Castolon Historic Compound
Easy 0.25 mile
This short easy walk features structures built as a cavalry post in 1920 and when the army withdrew a year later La Harmonia Company set up a trading post. A short trail from the compound leads to the Alvino House, the oldest standing adobe structure in the park.
Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail
Easy 0.5 mile loop
Located 5.9 miles east of Panther Junction at Dugout Wells. The trail has interpretive signs along the trail. The trail features both natural and cultural history with evidence of an early human settlement.
Hot Springs Historic Walk
Easy 1 mile round trip
The trail winds for ¼ mile past the remains of an early settlement and health resort and below a panel of American Indian pictographs on the way to Hot Springs. The 105 degree springs originate in the foundation of an old bathhouse. The trail forks past the Springs with the left fork looping up to the top of a bluff that offers a great view of Hot Springs Canyon and the right fork leads to Daniels ranch at Rio Grande Village. Soaking in the Hot Springs is a very popular attraction at the park.
Sam Nail Ranch
Easy 0.5 mile loop
The Sam Nail Ranch is located on the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive about 3 miles from the north end. A easy well maintained trail winds through the old homestead of Jim and Sam Nail and Sam’s wife Nena. The homestead consists of the adobe house, a chicken coop, exotic pecan and fig trees and two windmills. The combination of water and trees makes it a popular spot for birders.
Tuff Canyon
Easy 0.75 mile round trip
Tuff Canyon is located along Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. There are two trails that leave the parking area. The trail at the north end leads to a balcony overlooking Tuff Canyon with spectacular views of white volcanic ash cliffs. The other trail, at the south end of the parking lot, splits again with one of the forks leading to two more balconies and the other fork leading to the canyon floor.
Bura Mesa Pour Off
Easy 1 mile round trip
The trail begins at the end of Bura Mesa spur of the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. The pour off is at the end of the head of the narrow box canyon to the right. The top of the cliff can be reached via the “Top of Bura Mesa Pour Off primitive route.
Chisos Basin Loop Trail
Medium 1.8 miles round trip
The Basin Loop Trail connects the Laguna Meadow and Pinnacles Trail a short distance from the main trailhead making a loop. Hikers start at the main Basin Trailhead and follow the South Rim Trail. After about ¼ mile the trail splits into the Laguna Meadow and the Pinnacles Trails. The Laguna Meadow trail is the easier of the two. The Basin Loop Trail splits of the Laguna Meadow Trail to the left about a half mile along the Laguna Meadow Trail. The Basin trail then climbs about 200 feet and then combines with the Pinnacles Trail for the downhill hike back to the starting point. The Basin trail is one of the easier trails in the basin area but still gives hikers great viewing opportunities. The habitat in the area is enjoyed by both mountain lions and black bears so it is imperative you are aware of your surroundings.
Laguna Meadow Trail
Strenuous 5.8 miles one way
Trailhead is at the basin, and Laguna Meadow is 3.5 miles into the route and ends at the South Rim. Laguna Meadow was once a camping site for the Indians. Just past the meadow the trail begins a climb towards Emory Peak before intersecting at the Colima Trail. Aspen trees can be seen on the southwest slopes of Emory Peak. These trees are the southern most aspens found in the US.
Pinnacles Trail
Strenuous 6.3 miles one way
This trail is the other trail that leads from the basin to the South Rim. It is steeper, but also prettier, than the Laguna Meadow trail. The trail is usually hiked from south to north as part of the South Rim trail, allowing the hiker to hike downhill.
Beyond Boulder Meadow, the trail climbs steeply in a series of switchbacks to an elevation of 7100 feet at Pinnacles Pass and the head of north Boot Canyon, about 3.5 miles from the Basin trailhead. Hikers get an excellent view of the Basin and on a clear day one can see Cathedral Mountain which is just south of Alpine. Just after the pass, the trail drops into the North fork of Boot Canyon and technically becomes the Boot Canyon Trail.
Boot Canyon Trail
Strenuous Begins 3.5 miles from Basin trailhead and continues 2.8 miles to the South Rim
The trail begins at Pinnacles Pass, 3.5 miles from the Basin Trailhead. From Pinnacles Pass it winds 2.8 miles through Boot Canyon to the South rim. The “boot” formation is located above the junction of Boot and Juniper Canyons. The volcanic spire, shaped like an upside down cowboy gave the region its name. This protected canyon is home to vegetation that required wetter and cooler conditions. Hikers can view pines, firs, maples and cypress. Carolina warblers nest in the area each summer, the only place this bird is known to nest in the US.
Juniper Canyon Trail
Strenuous 6.2 miles one way from Boot Canyon to Juniper Canyon Road the Dodson Trail Junction
This is a side trail that begins 0.2 miles beyond the Boot Spring cabin, 4.7 miles from the Basin trailhead. It runs left off Boot Spring Trail, climbs over a high pass and descends to the end of the Juniper Canyon primitive road. Near the bottom of the hill the route passes Upper Juniper Spring.
East Rim Trail
Medium 3.3 mile loop from Boot Canyon to the South Rim Trail junction.
This trail offers beautiful views off the South Rim of the Chisos Mountains and of Juniper Canyon, Lost Mine Peak and Toll Mountain. Hikers can access it from either the South Rim or Boot Canyon. In the spring this trail may be closed to protect the nesting habitat of peregrine falcons. Check with park staff before planning the hike.
Colima Trail
Medium 0.8 mile
This trail provides a shortcut between Laguna Meadow and Pinnacle Trails. As the trail descends it passes a small stand of Douglas Fir, a rare tree for the Chisos Mountains.
Burro Springs Trail
Easy 1.5 miles round trip
The trail starts along the spur road leading to the Burro Mesa Pour off parking area. The desert trail leads to a beautiful overlook above Burro Spring. Past this point a steep unmarked route descends to the spring itself. Wildlife tracks including deer, javelin, coyote and gray fox can often be seen near the spring.
Hot Springs Canyon Trail
Medium 6.0 miles round trip
This trail, 3.0 miles one way connects the Daniels Ranch at Rio Grande Village with the Hot Springs area. This trail offers no shade so it is not recommended during summer months. There is a sign at Daniels ranch marking the beginning of the trail. The route takes hikers up the side of a limestone cliff and then levels off along the top of Hot Springs. The trail offers great views of the Chisos and Deadhorse Mountains.
Oak Spring Trail
Medium 1.4 miles with total walking distance from Basin Campground to lower parking area 4.1 miles
This trail is a connector trail between Chisos Mountains and Chihuahuan Desert. The easiest way to hike this trail is to leave a shuttle vehicle in lower parking area, then drive to Basin Area and begin the hike on the Window Trail. The Oak Spring sign is approximately 1.9 miles along the route from the Basin Campground. The trail goes up sharply, briefly levels off and then descends via a series of switchbacks into the desert. From the lower part of the trail hikers can see and hear the Window waterfall.
Lost Mine Trail
Medium, 4.8 miles round trip.
Begin at mile 5.1 on the Basin Road, limited parking.
This trail starting just past mile marker 5 on Basin Road, winds through the Chisos Mountains, climbing 1,100 feet while offering stunning views of Casa Grande and Juniper Canyon. If you have limited time, consider hiking to marker 10, where the views into Juniper Canyon begin (approx. 2 miles roundtrip). A brochure at the trailhead explains the markers.
Window Trail
Medium, 5.6 miles round trip or 4.4 miles round trip (depending on which loop you choose)
Begin at Basin trailhead.
This trail leads down to the Window, offering views of the Window and desert beyond along the way. The 5.6 mile loop has an elevation drop of 800 feet. The 4.4 mile loop starts at the Basin Campground site #51 and has an elevation drop of 450 feet. During wetter periods Oak Creek may be flowing, and must be crossed several times. Use caution on this trail: the top of the Window pour-off is slickrock with no railings, and the return hike is uphill. This hike is not recommended on hot summer days as there is little shade and the return hike is all uphill.
Emory Peak
Strenuous, 10.5 miles round trip.
Begin at Basin trailhead.
This trail brings you to the highest peak in Big Bend. Ascend using the Pinnacles trail until you reach the spur trail to the top of Emory Peak, the highest point in the park at 7832 feet.. The last 25 feet require a scramble up an exposed rock face, but the 360° view is superb. Boot Canyon is along the west side of the peak an Laguna Meadow is at the base of the talus slope to the west. The antenna and equipment are part of Big Bend’s two-way radio system and are run by solar power.
South Rim
Strenuous, 12-14.5 miles round trip.
Begin at Basin trailhead.
This challenging trail is well worth the 2,000 foot gain, as midway are the stunning vistas from the South Rim. This hike is often done as a loop hike starting and ending at the Basin trailhead. Ascend using either the steeper Pinnacles or more gradual Laguna Meadows Trail. The shortest route is from the Chinos Basin to the South rim via Laguna Meadow for a total of 5.8 miles. Hiing back via Boot Canyon and Pinnacles Trail makes the tripa total of 12 miles. You can also hike around the East Rim maing the trip a total distance of 14.5 miles.
The South Rim is located on the southwestern edge of the Chinos Mountains. From the South rim visitors can see Santa Elena Canyon 20 miles to the west and Emory Peak to the north. On clear days visitors can see mountain peaks in Mexico that are more than 30 miles away in the distance. The Sierra del Carmen, a long chain of mountains, can be seen to the East. A portion of these mountains called Dead Horse Mountains are located within the park boundaries.
During Peregrine Falcon nesting season, the Northeast and Southeast portions of this trail are closed.
Rio Grande Village Nature Trail
Easy 3/4 mile roundtrip
Although a very short and easy trail, the RGV Nature Trail is very scenic and offers fantastic opportunities for wildlife viewing, especially birds. A self-guiding leaflet describes the area’s natural and human history. Pick up the trailhead behind RGV campground site #18. After crossing a boardwalk through a spring-fed wetland, the trail gradually ascends a small limestone hill. A side trail leads to the banks of the Rio Grande. From trail’s end, hikers are rewarded by a magnificent panorama of the Sierra del Carmen, the river floodplain, Boquillas, Hot Springs Canyon, and the Chisos Mountains. This is probably the best sunset view in the entire park.
Boquillas Canyon Trail
Medium 1.4 miles roundtrip
From the parking area at the end of the Boquillas Canyon Road, the trail climbs over a low limestone hill and drops to the banks of the Rio Grande near some Indian mortar holes. Hikers enjoy great views of the river and mouth of Boquillas Canyon. Further down the trail is a huge pile of wind driven sand below a shallow cave.
Ore Terminal Trail
Strenuous 8 miles roundtrip
This strenuous day hike leads through rugged limestone desert following the remains of a 6-mile long ore tramway that once carried ore from the Mexican mines to a large terminal structure in the Ernst Basin. This is NOT a trail to hike during the summer months. This trail begins at the same trailhead as the Marufo Vega Trail. After one mile up the wash, the Ore Terminal Trail veers to the left and heads up the hillside. You will see the remains of the tram towers and cables. The trail ascends the hillside, veers around the head of a deep canyon, and generally follows the tram route to the old wooden tramway terminal in the Ernst Basin.
Marufo Vega Trail
Strenuous 14 miles roundtrip
For hikers searching for solitude and a longer loop trip, the Marufo Vega trail provides a strenuous but spectacular journey through the rugged limestone of the Dead Horse Mountains to the banks of the Rio Grande. This trail has NO WATER and is NOT recommended during the summer months when the heat is unbearable. From the trailhead along the Boquillas Canyon road, this trail heads 1 mile up a sandy wash and then turns sharply up a high limestone ridge to the east. After 3 more miles, the trail splits into two forks. The north fork descends for two miles to the Rio Grande. The south fork crosses another high ridge and after 3 miles also descends to the river through a steep 800 foot canyon. Between the two forks, a trail parallels the river from high above. Be sure to watch for trail markers, carry a good map and plenty of water whenever hiking this rugged yet spectacular trail.
Mule Ears Trail
Medium 3.8 miles roundtrip
This trail starts at the Mule Ears Overlook parking area at milepost 15 on the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. Always in sight of the prominent “mule ears” peaks, the trail crosses several arroyos before reaching the spring. A rock corral and cottonwood trees mark the end. Fantastic geology and spring wildflowers make this a delightful day hike.
Santa Elena Canyon Trail
Medium 1.7 miles roundtrip
This trail begins at the end of the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. Although a short trail, it is one of the grandest spectacles in the park. After crossing Terlingua Creek, the trail climbs several short switchbacks and then gradually descends along the banks of the Rio Grande. Hikers are surrounded by lush riparian vegetation and 1,500-foot towering vertical cliffs of solid limestone. The trail ends where canyon walls meet the river. Take a lunch and enjoy the scene.
Note: Following rains, flash floods, or periods of high water, Terlingua creek can be impassable, effectively closing the trail.
The Chimneys Trail
Medium 4.8 miles roundtrip
A relatively easy hike to a series of prominent volcanic dike formations in the scenic western end of the park. The “chimneys” have always been an important landmark and Indian rock art can be found along the base of these high pinnacles. The trailhead is well-marked along the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive 1.2 miles south of the Burro Mesa Pour-off spur road. The chimneys are easily seen from the trailhead and can be reached by hiking 2.4 miles. The trail actually continues west for another 4.6 miles to a point near Luna’s jacal on the Old Maverick Road. This would be an enjoyable 7 mile hike if you can arrange transportation on the opposite end. From the chimneys you can also head northwest 1.5 miles to the huge cottonwood tree that marks Red Ass Spring. Return the way you came.
Upper Burro Mesa Pour-off Trail
Medium 3.6 miles roundtrip – day use only
An awesome primitive trail that winds through a narrow, rocky gorge to the very top of the Burro Mesa Pouroff. From the trailhead 6.9 miles south on the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, the trail gradually descends into the narrow ravine. You will have to scramble over some rocks, but most of the trail is through soft sand. At the end, explore the sandy pothole cave carved by flash floods. A narrow slot in the cave wall is the top of the 100′ pouroff. Do not attempt this hike during stormy weather. Make sure you follow the route carefully and return the way you came.
Ward Spring Trail
Meium 3.6 miles roundtrip
A pleasant, rarely-used desert hike leading to a tiny backcountry spring. Enjoy the great desert views and interesting vegetation. The trailhead is along the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive at mile marker 5.5. From the trailhead you can see where a large volcanic dike dips into the canyon…this is the location of Ward Spring. You may see a hint of green vegetation signaling its location. This spring was used by the Homer Wilson Ranch and the trail follows an old pipeline. Water is usually present most of the year.
Red Rocks (Blue Creek) Canyon
Strenuous 3 miles roundtrip
The trail goesup a large canyon, past an old ranching property, to some of the most colorful rock formations in Big Bend National Park. Begin at the Homer Wilson (Blue Creek) Ranch Overlook, along the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. From the trailhead you will see the restored bunkhouse, and up-canyon, some of the “red rocks”. The trail takes you up the canyon through soft gravel and sand to a series of highly eroded formations of volcanic tuff. The bright colors of red, pink, and yellow are spectacular. This trail continues to climb steeply up the canyon for 5.7 miles into the High Chisos and Laguna Meadow.
Dog Canyon Trail
Medium 4 miles roundtrip
This medium-difficulty trail offers a glimpse into a narrow canyon cut between massive layers of limestone. Begin this hike from the park road 3.5 miles south of the Persimmon Gap visitor center. Look for the roadside exhibit. Dog Canyon is clearly visible, yet 2 miles away. Follow the cairned trail toward the canyon. After 1.5 miles, the trail enters a wash. Turn left and follow the wash directly into Dog Canyon. Return the way you came. This hike can be very hot, especially during the summer months…be sure to bring water and a hat.
Devil’s Den
Medium 6 miles roundtrip
Explore a dramatic limestone slot canyon in the northern backcountry of Big Bend NP. Begin this hike from the park road 3.5 miles south of the Persimmon Gap visitor center. Look for the roadside exhibit. Devil’s Den can be seen as a narrow cut across the mountainside to the south of Dog Canyon. Follow the cairned trail towards Dog Canyon. After 1.5 miles the trail enters a wash. Turn right here and follow the wash. After another 1/2 mile, take the large wash that intersects from the left. This will take you directly into Devil’s Den. Adventurous hikers may hike into the Den for about 1/2 mile. Numerous potholes sometimes hold water. For the best views and best adventure, exit the wash at the entrance of the “Den” and follow the trail to the top along the southern edge of the deep crevice. You can then enter the den and hike back through it. Try not to get wet in the numerous small pouroffs and tinajas!
Ernst Tinaja
Easy 1.4 miles roundtrip
A short walk up a sandy wash leads to a canyon of highly-convoluted rock layers. The large natural tinaja holds water all year long. Be careful near the tinaja’s edge. Over the years deer, javelina, and even mountain lions have been found drowned in this tinaja. The trailhead is located off the Old Ore Road, 5 miles from the southern end near Rio Grande Village. High clearance vehicles are necessary to reach this enjoyable trail. A primitive campsite is located near the trailhead.
Pine Canyon Trail
Medium 4 miles roundtrip
This beautiful hike begins at the very end of the Pine Canyon primitive road. A high-clearance vehicle is necessary to reach the trailhead. The trail gradually climbs through open desert grasslands for one mile before entering the actual canyon. Once in the shelter of the canyon, hikers are rewarded by a shady woodland comprised of Pinyon and Ponderosa pine, oaks, maple, and Texas madrone. The trail ends at the base of a 200-foot cliff that becomes a dramatic waterfall after any rain.
Grapevine Hills Trail
Easy Walking 2.2 miles roundtrip
An easy hike up a sandy wash surrounded by massive boulders. After 1 mile the trail ascends to a low saddle at the end of the drainage. Follow the signs to locate the giant “window” of boulders. This is one of the most picturesque spots in all of Big Bend NP. Kids love this trail! The trailhead is located 7 miles down the Grapevine Hills Primitive Road. Ask a ranger about current road conditions.
Mariscal Canyon Rim Trail
Strenuous 6.6 miles roundtrip No water
The drive to the trailhead is long and dusty, but once you begin to hike, the spectacular views of the Rio Grande and superlative cliff walls of Mariscal Canyon will make it all worthwhile. This trail begins at the end of the Talley Road via the River Road. It will take you at least 2 hours of driving on rough dirt roads to reach the small parking area that denotes the trailhead. There are four primitive roadside campsites located along the Talley Road. Be sure to have plenty of water with you, because this hike is hot and there is NO shade anywhere along the way. The first 1.5 mile is easy and level, but the last 1.8 miles is extremely steep as it climbs straight up to the top of Mariscal Canyon. The views here are unsurpassed, and the sheer drop-off will challenge your senses.
The Mesa de Anguila Complex
Rugged, primitive, hard to access, and spectacular
Situated along the far western boundary of Big Bend National Park, the Mesa de Anguila is rarely visited by park visitors. The mesa forms the right hand (U.S.) side of Santa Elena Canyon. It is a high uplift that extends well into Mexico. This area is for experienced hikers/backpackers only. The 7.5 minute USGS topographic map of the Mesa is essential, as are good map reading skills. The various trails are primitive and sometimes hard to follow. Water is always a problem on the mesa. Although there are several tinajas, they are frequently dry. What the Mesa de Anguila does offer is unsurpassed solitude, spectacular vistas, and magnificent desert wildness. Stop by park headquarters for more information on how to access the mesa and suggested routes.
Cross Canyon Trail
Strenuous day or overnight hike 14 miles one way
This is a primitive hike that is poorly defined and marked. Check with the Panther Junction headquarters before beginning this hike. There is no water available along the route. The trail begins at parking area across from the Solis Campsite #3. Deep sand is found in this area and vehicles can become stuck easily. The trail runs parallel to a wash for a short distance and then begins a gradual climb towards Mariscal Mountain. At the base of the mountain, and proceed South for about a mile to a fork. At the fork hikers can either head down into Cross Canyon and descend all the way to the Rio Grande or go up and over a small pass and hike to the rim of Mariscal Canyon and connect with Mariscal Canyon Rim Trail.
Strawhouse Telephone Canyon Trail
Strenuous Backpackers ONLY – No water 24 miles one way
This trail is for experienced hikers only. The trail starts at Old Ore Road at Telephone Camphouse Site #2 and runs east over the western ridges of the Dead Horse Mountains to join the Strawhorse Trail in Heath Canyon, then follows Heath Canyon to Adams Ranch. It is about 10 miles from the start of the Telephone Canyon Trail to the Strawhouse trail and the first 3 miles are steep and difficult to follow.
The Strawhouse Trail runs for about 14 miles between Heath Canyon and the Boquillas Canyon Road just below the Boquillas Canyon Overlook. The trail follows a broad creek bed all the way, passing through small canyons.
Slickrock Canyon
Strenuous 10 miles round trip No Water
Trail starts in the pullout west of the bridge over Oak Creek. The route follows Oak Creek Northwest and turns north into the drainage that passes along the south side of Slickrock Mountain.
Dominguez Spring
Strenuous day or overnight hike 14 miles round trip. Water source unreliable. Do not leave valuables in car.
The trail starts from the Dominguez Spring Campsite on the River road, 23 miles from the west end. The trail follows an old roadway through open desert for 4.5 miles and then enters the rugged Sierra Quemada canyons. The trail continues on, following a wash to the west and south of Dominguez Mountain. The remains of an old rock house and dam mark the spring site.
Banta Shut- In
Strenuous day or overnight hike 15 miles round trip. Water Source unsafe
This hike is a desert trail and very hot and not recommended for a summer hike. Most hikers begin the trail at K-Bar #2 campsite, at the end of the dirt road that begins 2 miles east of Panther Junction. A well define route begins the trail and further down the trail a large cairn marks the trail turning left and follows a low ridge to Estufa Canyon. Hikers reaching Estufa canyon follow the drainage downstream. Large cairns mark the junction of the canyon with Tornillo Creek. Turn left , go upstream and reach Banta Shut-In about ¼ mile along the route. Banta Shut-In is where a large igneous intrusion forces water to the surface.
Elephant Tusk-Fresno Creek
Strenuous day or overnight hike 16 miles round trip. Water source is unsafe
This trail is poorly defined that starts from the unmaintained Black Gap Road across the Elephant Tusk campsite and heads northwest towards the east side of Elephant Tusk. A metal stake adjacent to the roadway marks the start of the trail. A round trip loop can be made by continuing on this trail past Elephant Tusk to a point just below Tortuga Mountain where hikers can turn back and follow Fresno Creek all the way back to Black Gap Road.
Smoky Creek Loop
Strenuous Backpackers Only. 15.3 miles round trip
This hike is best done in winter. The north end begins at Dodson Trail, about 3 miles east of Homer Wilson/Blue Creek Ranch. The south end begins along the River Road where the road crosses the Smokey Creek drainage. Hikers can reach the middle of the Smokey Creek Trail via the Mule Ears Trail where it drops into the drainage about 1 mile east of Mule Ears Spring.
Most of the trail follows the Smokey Creek drainage. Markings are limited as only a few sections are defined trails as to bypass the wash where it goes over steep terrain. This trail gets little traffic and is truly a wilderness hike. The northern part of the hike passes through narrow canyons and over pour-offs but it opens up as hikers travel south. It is possible to hike from the Homer Wilson Ranch trailhead to the Mule Ears trailhead in one day but leaves little time for exploration. Hikers say it is better to day hike in one day and out the same route or to spend several days back packing the area.
Dodson Trail
Strenuous 11.5 miles round trip
The Dodson Trail crosses very rugged terrain and goes up and down steep hills. The trail is well marked in some areas and not marked at all in others. Hikers advise to carry a 7.5 minute map and consult it often.
The eastern part of the route between Juniper Canyon and the Dodson Ranch is easy to follow as rock cairns mark the way. There is an old fence line the parallels the route for the first 4 mile. Keep the fence line to your left all the way to Dodson Ranch even though other trails seem to be crossing it.
The Dodson Ranch was in operation from about 1919 to 1943. It was accessible only by foot or horseback from the end of a roadway that came within 3 miles of the house. A small unreliable seep exists west of the ranch house. The trail continues west around the south slope of the hillside below the ranch site.
After the junction with the Elephant Tusk Trail, the Dodson trail goes up and down a few hills, then drops into a drainage that make a sharp bend to the south. It is important to look for rock cairns marking the place where the trail leaves the wash after the bend, The Dodson Trail is easy to follow for the last few miles to the Homer Wilson Rand and the junction with the Blue Creek Trail.
Outer Mountain Loop
Strenuous 31.6 mile loop (with added loops available) suited for experienced backpackers only
This hike is for advanced hikers only and is a triangular hike covering parts of other trails including the Pinnacles and Laguna Meadow Trail, the Juniper Canyon Trail, the Blue Creek Trail and the Dodson trail.
Hikers can start and end in the Chisos Basin, Juniper canyon or at the Homer Wilson Ranch Overlook. The trail can be hiked either clock- wise or counter clock-wise.
The route layed out here starts in Chisos Basin, to Boot Canyon, down the Juniper Canyon Trail to the Juniper Canyon Primitive Road, west along the Dodson trail to the Homer Wilson/Blue Creek Ranch, up the Blue Creek trail to Laguna Meadow and back to the Basin via the Laguna Meadow Trail. There is water available along the first two thirds of the route but the last third are vacant from any springs. Hikers suggest you bring water, clearly marked with you name and date you will pick it up and hide it in the desert near the Homer Wilson ranch. DO NOT LEAVE water inside the ranch house.
Hikers suggest spending a day or two exploring the South Rim and up Emory Peak. The second part of the trail is from Boot Canyon to Juniper Canyon and then the third part to continue down Juniper Canyon to the Dodson Trail.