Big Bend National Park: South Rim Loop
Explore one of the Lower 48's last remaining wild corners on this 11.6-mile loop from the High Chisos Mountains to the South Rim escarpment.
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Trail Facts
- Distance: 18.9
Waypoints
SRL001
Location: 29.269196, -103.303581
Hike S behind Chisos Mtn. Lodge, then bear L onto Pinnacles Trail
SRL002
Location: 29.265629, -103.299767
Go uphill; Mexican jays jump branch to branch under dappled shade
SRL003
Location: 29.260004, -103.295921
Spur trail descends to Boulder Meadow, a primitive campsite
SRL004
Location: 29.253212, -103.302757
Trail doubles back; serious switchbacks ahead
SRL005
Location: 29.251911, -103.297333
Sidetrip: Put gear in bear box; climb .8 mi. SW up 7,825-ft. Emory Peak
SRL006
Location: 29.249269, -103.293869
Great views down Boot Canyon; trail runs level, then descends
SRL007
Location: 29.243147, -103.297119
Turn R onto Colima Trail; L @ fork for Boot Spring and water
SRL008
Location: 29.241905, -103.304863
Descend tight switchbacks, then turn L
SRL009
Location: 29.238369, -103.30526
Views down Blue Creek Canyon
SRL010
Location: 29.234739, -103.303108
Spur trail leads to primitive campsite on SW rim
SRL011
Location: 29.225796, -103.303009
Sweeping views of Chihuahuan Desert and Mexico from S. Rim; return to WPT 8, turn L @ Laguna Meadows Trail
SRL012
Location: 29.241234, -103.309914
Hike through old forest of juniper, madrone, and Arizona cypress; R @ Y with Blue Creek Canyon Trail
SRL013
Location: 29.244642, -103.31279
Laguna Meadows. Primitive campsites to W; permit required
SRL014
Location: 29.266771, -103.304626
L @ T; return to parking lot