Chisos Mountains and ChihuahuanDesert Hiking

Most of our overnight trips take place in the Chisos Mountains in Big Bend National Park.  Our favorite trip is a 3 day adventure called the South Rim Loop. The first day we hike 5 miles to camp near Boot Spring, the only reliable spring.  In the Chisos, we stay at designated (and reserved) backcountry campsites.  This hike is up the Laguna Meadows trail that has beautiful views down into the Chisos Basin and out the Window with an elevation gain of around 1,300 feet.  On day 2 we hike the Colima, South Rim, and East Rim trail to make a 6 mile loop.  If time and desires warrant more hiking, then we go down the Juniper Canyon trail as well.  This is a stunning loop as the South Rim boasts spanning views across the Chihuahuan Desert into Mexico with no man made objects in sight.  Some say it is the best view in Texas and we would agree.  This night we have the option of camping in the same campsite and could have left our tents, etc. there or we can change campsites but will be in the same area next to the spring.  On day 3 we hike the Boot Canyon trail to the Emory Peak Spur trail.  We hike Emory Peak, the tallest mountain in the Chisos, and then head down the Pinnacles trail for a total of 7 miles. This trip can be completed in 2 days by just omitting day 2, we call it the High Mountain Loop. 

Another great option is the Marufa Vega loop trail, 14 miles, 2 day trip. This hike starts on the desert floor, climbs to the Rim of Boquillas Canyon, then descends, steeply in a few sections, to the Rio Grande in the canyon where we camp alongside the river.

For higher mileage, we love to backpack to the entrance of Santa Elena Canyon, 16 miles, 2 days. This trail starts in the low desert, follows the Mesa de Anguilla trail to the rim of Santa Elena Canyon, then descends to the Rio Grande, where we camp riverside. This trail is longer than the Marufa Vega, but easier hiking. 

You will be travelling with a local expert with many stories to be told along the way.  If you have any of your own equipment, you are more than welcome to bring and use it.  Just let us know so we don't double pack the gear.  Also if you have any dietary preferences, we can accommodate you with advanced notice.

 

The price of the trip is $200 per day per person.

 

There is something about hitting the trail with nothing more than life's necessities on your back. To determine what you need to bring on the trip is largely due to what the weather forecast has in store. Some last minute adjustments may be needed.

 

Items that we will provide are:

• Navigation: map, compass, personal locator beacon, satellite phone

• First aid, Water Filter and Collapsible water container, Whistle

• Stove and Fuel, Lighter/Matches, Camp Dishes including utensils and cup, Biodegradable Soap

• Food, including snacks, let us know of dietary request

• Backpack with Rain Cover, Tent, Sleeping Bag, Sleeping Pad (if you have your own and prefer to use them, that is great) 

Items for you to bring:

• Water Bottles or Bladder to carry 1 gallon of water (water sources are scare in the Chihuahuan Desert) I often use Gatorade Bottles as a lightweight option

• Headlamp or Flashlight

• Sun Protection: Sunglasses, Hat, Sunscreen

• Clothes: Moisture-wicking underwear, moisture-wicking T-shirt, Quick drying pants/shorts, Long-sleeve shirt, Lightweight fleece or jacket, socks (synthetic or wool) including a spare set of socks, and an extra layer of long underwear to wear at night  If you do not have a stuff sack for clothing, a pillow case works great, and can serve as your pillow.

• Additional items for rainy/ and or cold weather: Rain Jacket or Poncho, Rain Pants, Long Underwear, Warm insulated jacket or vest, Fleece pants, Gloves or Mittens, Warm Hat 

• Personal Hygiene: Toothpaste, Toothbrush, Floss, Hand Sanitizer, Toilet paper with a Ziploc bag to carry the used squares out (TP does not decompose in the desert)

• Medications

• Optional Items: Hiking Poles, Book or Magazine, Camp Shoes, Blow-up Pillow or just use some clothes rolled up, Powdered Drink Mix, Flask, Baby Wipes, Camera, Bandana 

Some items can be shared among the group, such as toothpaste, so make sure to work out the details with your hiking partners so you can lighten your load.