South Rim Loop Hike

We'll meet up at the main trailhead in the Basin near the visitor center and lodge at 9.30AM.  In order to avoid retracing our steps to/from the South Rim, we'll take the Laguna Meadow Trail 6.3 miles all the way to the South Rim and the Boot Canyon/Pinnacles trails on the way back.  Along the way on the Laguna Meadow trail, we'll gain about 1,900 feet while passing under Emory Peak, rare Texas aspens, Douglas firs, Junipers, and pinyon trees.  Once we arrive at the South Rim itself, we should have a fine view of the Chihuahuan Desert, the Rio Grande, and Mexico beyond.  After a short segment along the South Rim, we'll turn back north and follow the Boot Canyon trail past Boot Spring up to its terminus at the Pinnacles - Emory Peak trail.  Here, we'll continue north on the Pinnacles trail all the way back to the Chisos Basin trailead, for a total of about 13 miles. 

The hike should take seven hours or so, so we should be back at the Chisos Basin by 4.30PM. 

Participants should wear sturdy boots, bring plenty of water, lunch, and snacks to eat along the way.

Remembers to check the weather forecast the day before for Big Bend National Park and dress accordingly.