Big Bend National Park: South Rim via Pinnacles

Hike across twisted, tortured landscape on this 11.2-mile overnighter through the High Chisos Mountains to the South Rim escarpment. Bring plenty of water; this is dry country.

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Trail Facts

  • Distance: 9.0

Waypoints

SRP001

Location: 29.269196, -103.303581

Trail begins S behind Chisos Mountain Lodge; bear L onto Pinnacles Trail ahead

SRP002

Location: 29.265629, -103.299767

Climb uphill, Mexican jays jump branch-to-branch under dappled shade

SRP003

Location: 29.260002, -103.295921

Spur trail to Boulder Meadow and a primitive campsite

SRP004

Location: 29.253212, -103.302757

Trail doubles back; serious switchbacks ahead

SRP005

Location: 29.251911, -103.297333

Optional sidetrip: Stash gear in bear box; climb SW for .8 mile to bag Emory Peak (7,825 ft.)

SRP006

Location: 29.249269, -103.293869

Great views down Boot Canyon; trail runs level then downhill

SRP007

Location: 29.243147, -103.297119

Turn R onto Colima Trail; take L fork to refill water bottles at Boot Spring

SRP008

Location: 29.241905, -103.304863

Descend switchbacks, then turn L

SRP009

Location: 29.238369, -103.30526

Views down Blue Creek Canyon

SRP010

Location: 29.234739, -103.303108

Spur trail leads to a primitive campsite on the SW rim

SRP011

Location: 29.225796, -103.303009

Super views of wrinkled landscape from South Rim

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