NPS/Eric Leonard

Hiking along the South Rim

Solitude, Scenery, and Mountain Highs...
Rising nearly a mile above the desert floor, the Chisos Mountains offer excellent year-tround hiking experiences, whether you're looking for a short day hike or an overnight experience.  If you haven’t explored these mountains before, read ahead, or check out the High Chisos trail system. 

What should I expect?
The South Rim is an all day or overnight trip. At 14 miles in length, give yourself at least eight hours to complete it. You can make it a loop or take the same trail up and back. If you’re making a loop, ascend the Laguna Meadows trail in the morning then hike to the south rim and back along the Boot canyon trail leading to a descent on the Pinnacles. Laguna Meadows is very open to the afternoon sun and can be warm. Either trail will take you through a dry oak forest filled with junipers, pinon pine, oaks and maples. This forest provides excellent bird-watching opportunities with a chance to see the Colima warbler, the endangered black-capped vireo, the racous Mexican Jay, and numerous other song-birds. The boot canyon trail will take you along the edge of a slickrock canyon at times filled with running water. It will also give you a chance to see the well-known "boot" formation. The south rim is an area where the trees meet the grassland. Here there are numerous sightings of Carmen Mountain white-tailed deer, and sometimes black bear

Emory Peak Summit
Emory Peak, the highest point in the park at 7,832 feet, is a five hour hike to the summit. Taking the Pinnacles trail you will ascend for three and a half miles to the rim then meet up with the mile long spur trail leading to the top. Shade covers much of the Pinnacles trail in the morning and into the afternoon. The last quarter mile of the trail is pretty open, but a constant breeze cools you. The summit is a rugged pile of volcanic boulders. Use caution when climbing to the top, some areas are very precarious. If you’re afraid of heights, wait on one of the stone benches in the shaded area just below the peak. But if you do get to the top, the 360 degree view of the Chihuahuan desert is unsurpassable.

What will I need?
As far as just the basics go, you will need water (one gallon per person per day), sturdy shoes, food, a trail map, sunscreen, and a hat. Don't forget your camera and binoculars.

Is it worth the climb?
That can only be answered by the individual. If it is scenery, solitude, or serenity one seeks the Chisos will deliver. Over 15 miles of mountain trails offer excellent views of the Chisos, desert panoramas, the Rio Grande, and far into Mexico. The only sounds you will hear are the birds, wind and the crunch of gravel under your boot. As far as a chance for solitude, there is plenty for all. However, if it is a black bear or mountain lion you seek, don’t expect to see one. Wildlife is unpredictable. If you happen to cross paths, consider yourself very lucky.

So whether you’re hiking to the South Rim, Emory Peak, or to the nearest Colima warbler, the Chisos Mountains will offer you a great way to enjoy Big Bend at its highest.