The Chisos Mountains can be accessed by a well-maintained trail system leading to the South Rim, Emory Peak, as well as other highlights. These trails are popular year round, as the higher elevation of the Chisos Mountains translates into cooler temperatures. Most High Chisos Trails begin at the main trailhead area in the Chisos Basin. Always remember to carry plenty of drinking water with you.

For additional information and descriptions of these trails, a variety of trail guides and maps are available through the Big Bend Natural History Association bookstore.

more information on shorter dayhikes in the Chisos Basin area...
more information on overnight backcountry camping in the High Chisos...

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NOTE: Smoking is prohibited on all trails in the Chisos Mountains.

The Window View Trail begins at the Chisos Basin trailhead area, and circles a hill to the west. This short, .3 mile walk provides excellent views of the Basin and the Window. A self-guiding brochure is available for this trail.
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The Window Trail is a popular day hike out of the Chisos Basin. There are two trailhead locations for this trail; one in the campground, and an upper one at the main trailhead area. A self-guiding brochure is available for this trail.
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The Basin Loop Trail is a 1.6 mile (2.6km) round trip that connects the Laguna Meadow trail to the Pinnacles trail. This short hike provides excellent view of the mountain ridges that form the Chisos Basin.

The Pinnacles Trail gains 1,700' (518m) in 3.5 miles from the Chisos Basin trailhead. This is the most direct route to Emory Peak and the Boot Canyon area.

The Laguna Meadow Trail climbs from the Chisos Basin to the meadow namesake of the trail with a elevation gain of 1,600' (4.9km) in 3.3 miles (5.3km).

The Emory Peak Trail is a two-mile roundtrip trail that leads to the summit of the tallest point of the Chisos Mountains. This trail begins near the top of the Pinnacles Trail and is scheduled for possible rerouting in the future. The last portion of the hike requires a rock scramble that may not be for everyone; use caution.

The Colima Trail is a one mile trail that connects the Pinnacles/Boot Canyon Trails to the Laguna Meadow Trail to form a ten mile loop hike.

The Boot Canyon Trail leads from the Pinnacles Pass to the South Rim, passing through the lushest environment in the Chisos Mountains. Depending on annual rainfall, water may be present in pools along the canyon during parts of the year. Arizona Cypress and other trees may be found here, and no where else in Big Bend National Park.

The Southeast/Northeast Rim Trail is a 3.3 mile trail that loops from the South Rim around to the middle portion of the Boot Canyon Trail. Most of this trail is closed seasonally to protect nesting peregrine falcons.
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The Southwest Rim Trail connects the Boot Canyon Trail to the Laguna Meadow Trail in 1.7 miles. This is the most common route visitors hike to view the South Rim.

Two trails exit the Chisos Mountains for the desert below. The Juniper Canyon Trail descends 6.2 miles one-way to the end of the Juniper Canyon Road. The Blue Creek Canyon Trail descends 5.5 miles from Laguna Meadow to the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. These two trails can be connected via the Dodson Trail to form the 30-mile Outer Mountain Loop hike.
more information about hiking the Outer Mountain Loop...