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Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop – Big Bend National Park

As a followup to a June 2016 trip, I needed to make a Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop. My June trip left me wanting more. August is still a great time to go to Big Bend. There are no crowds, and it is the rainy season. The higher elevations of the Chisos Mountains are cooler than the desert and cooler than Houston – my home. I planned on an extended version on my June hike, extending to 3 nights in the back country. I would spend most of my Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop over 7000′. Three different campsites on each of the three nights. Relaxation, photography and solitude were my objectives. As you read on, I think you will agree that I met the goal.

By way of Sonora

I again had an activity in Sonora, Texas last weekend and decided to extend that trip again. Big Bend National Park is a 10 hour journey from my home in Houston. Sonora is 6 hours. It was the perfect excuse to tack on the additional four and continue farther west.

After finishing the weekend up in Sonora, I headed west on Sunday and on arrival, picked up my entry permit and back country permit at the Persimmon Gap Ranger Station. I arrived at a campground that was mostly empty. I snagged campsite #2 again and setup in the afternoon.

Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop
Clouds in the Basin

Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop- The Plan

My plan was to head out early Monday morning with enough water for at least 2 days. The rangers would not confirm the availability of water in the high Chisos, so I counted on water from Boot Canyon to allow me to complete the full 4 day/3 night outing. Water is the heaviest thing I carry, and I loaded up 7 liters. This is about 15 1/2 pounds and is about the limit I could carry. There is a significant amount of total elevation change on my planned Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop. With food, camera and necessities, i think my pack was about 40 pounds. After a quick trip to the lodge for dinner, I retired to my campsite and settled in for the night.

Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop
Need water!

It was quiet and cool the next morning. The low temperature overnight was about 62 degrees as I parked near the Basin Store near the trail-head. It always takes me about 1/4 mile to get in rhythm at the beginning of my hikes. This day was no different as I headed up the Laguna Meadow Trail. My destination was Laguna West 1 campsite. I planned to arrive early and rest that afternoon.

Laguna West

Laguna West or Laguna Meadow is a good staging point for the High Chisos. It’s only about 4 miles from the trail-head and has good views of Emory Peak. Occasionally, water is found in the Upper Cattail Canyon drainage.  Two day hikers passed me in the first mile. However, I did not see anyone else that day. After a final series of thigh burning switchbacks, I crested the saddle and cruised down and then up again to Laguna West. Although everyone agrees that the Laguna Meadow Trail is the gentlest grade to reach the high Chisos, elevation is still elevation. Achieving elevation with a 40 pound pack takes its toll and I pretty much lazed away the rest of the day. I wandered the hills above my camp, napped and listened to an audiobook.

Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop
At Laguna West
Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop
View from LW1
Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop
Chrysactinia mexicana – Damantia – Near LW1
Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop
Morning at LW1

Later, after a hearty Mountain House meal and a cup of hot green tea, I slid off to sleep under the stars. It was a clear night with no moon and the Milky Way blazed overhead. Life was good.

Destination – Boot Canyon

I awoke to a cool (low 60’s ?), slightly foggy morning and washed down 400 mg ibuprofen and a cold pop-tart with a quart of water for breakfast. Today’s plan was to cross the Colima Trail to Boot Canyon to replenish water. Finding water was crucial to be able to complete my full Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop. Without it, I would probably have to bailout after 2 nights and head back to the Basin. I was confident that there would be water in Boot Canyon. Hopefully the spring would be flowing. If not, there is usually some water in pools above the spring. Depending on recent rainfall, the water ranges from excellent to stagnant. I had a pump/filter and Cl O2 tablets with me for any situation.

The Hike

It was a cool beautiful morning as I headed out of Laguna West toward the Colima trail. The Mexican Jays (Gray Breasted), scolded me as I left Laguna West and the sun was burning off a very light mist. As I passed the boulder field on the southwest side of Emory Peak, I considered looking for the Quaking Aspen trees that are rumored to be there. This has been on my bucket list for a long time, but I cruised on past with just a glance through the trees. Hold that thought…..we’ll get back to that later!

Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop – Colima Trail

My legs were warming up by the time I reached the Colima trail Junction. I observed a lone Band Tailed Pigeon near the trail. Normally these birds are a bit gregarious, but I haven’t seen one in years, so it was a welcome sighting. I like the Colima trail. It climbs sharply for a bit through some really pretty forest and the descends slowly through a shady gap to the Boot Canyon trail. I rarely see anybody on this trail. I stopped for a few photos before arriving at Boot Spring.

Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop
Colima Trail

Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop – Boot Spring

To my delight Boot Spring was flowing clear, cool water from the pipe at about 1/4 gal per minute. The pour off just above the spring was dry. After topping back up to my full 7 liters, I hydrated well and had lunch at the picnic table near the old cabin. I lingered at Boot Spring for quite awhile. Boot Spring is one of my favorite places in the Chisos.

Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop
Boot Spring Flowing
Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop
Pour off dry
Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop
Near Boot Spring Cabin
Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop
Sign at Boot Spring
Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop
Boot Spring Cabin
Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop
Boot Spring Area
Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop
Near the NE Rim Trail Junction in Boot Canyon

Northeast Rim

As I finally headed away from Boot Spring, I saw numerous accessible pools before I reached the Northeast Rim Trail. There was very little flow between the pools, but the water still looked pretty good. The Chisos are a little on the dry side for this time of year, and the pools are going to get nasty if it doesn’t rain pretty soon.

After about 8/10 mile, I reached the Northeast Rim Trail junction. I hadn’t been on this trail for years and didn’t remember it well.

Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop
Trail head

The trail immediately is very rude!  A steep, rocky, uphill beginning was my reintroduction. The trail climbs through some shade and breaks out into an exposed section of sun. There is a good view into Juniper Canyon but the last 1/4 mile before reaching NE1, is hot and steep. I was pretty bushed. However, I soon arrived at my destination. – NE4.

Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop
Along NE Rim Trail
Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop
Juniper Canyon View
Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop
NE Rim Trail
Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop
Rim Trail

NE4 Campsite

NE4 Campsite is about 1/10 mile off the Northeast Rim Trail and offers views into Juniper Canyon and also a south view of the desert below the South Rim. After setting up my meager camp, I rested in the shade, re hydrated and enjoyed the cool breeze. Although the temperature was only about 80ish degrees, the sun was hot. I sat on the rim for a long time resting. I had a lizard friend for awhile and we both enjoyed our quiet spot for the rest of the afternoon.

Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop
NE4 Campsite
Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop
Mileage and Elevation Check
Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop
Near NE4
Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop
Pine Sap
Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop
Near NE4
Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop
Sitting on the Rim
Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop
Life is tough for a flower
Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop
Near NE4
Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop
Clouds building in the afternoon

After a Mountain House Lasagna dinner, I headed back to the rim for sunset. Photos and enjoying the breeze were in order and I headed back at sunset with a thunderstorm moving in.

Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop
Dinner
Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop
Maybe Rain?

I hunkered down, just in case of rain, but the storm fizzled out at sunset with only wind and some lightning and thunder. The clouds eventually disappeared and gave way to a brilliant sky. The Milky Way was amazingly bright and meteors captivated me until I finally drifted off.

Southwest Rim

I awoke early the next morning to catch sunrise on the rim. It was chilly that morning, and I was reluctant to get out of my bag. I only had shorts and a short sleeve shirt and I believe it was sub 60 degrees that morning. I snapped photos at sunrise and then headed back to my campsite for breakfast. After more ibuprofen, another pop tart and a cup of coffee, I packed up and headed out.

Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop
Sunrise from NE Rim
Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop
Agave Sunrise from NE Rim
Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop
Quemada Sunrise NE Rim

Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop – Along the Rim

My hike today was short. I was only going as far as SW4. This is only about 2 miles, but it would give me the best opportunity in a long time to be able to “stop and smell the roses”. It was really nice not to have to rush and head back to the Basin. I had all day to wander, rest, and catch the sunset.

Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop
Day 3 Morning
Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop
Heading toward SW4
Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop
Color on the Rim

Southwest Rim

I finally arrived at SW4 and set up camp. After a brief rest in the shade and lunch, I headed back to the rim and found a shady spot in the cool breeze. I watched Vultures, Ravens, Red-tailed Hawks, Violet-green Swallows, and White-throated Swifts navigating the breeze. I also saw numerous Broad-tailed and Lucifer’s Hummingbirds, a female American Redstart (early migrant?), and a Virginia’s Warbler (also an early migrant?).

Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop
Emory from SW Rim

It was then back to camp for dinner – Mountain House Spaghetti and Meat sauce. A nice cup of hot green tea and a short rest were in order before heading back to the rim for sunset. It is about a 5 minute walk back to the rim from SW4 and it is very convenient.

Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop
Dinner
Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop
Hot Tea

I arrived back at the rim about 2 hours before sunset and set up in the shade.

Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop
SW Rim View
Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop
Looking NW
Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop
Sierra Quemada from the SW Rim
Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop
Sierra Quemada and Elephant Tusk

Peregrine falcon and afternoon rain

The ravens started making quite a racket that got my attention. They were being brutally harassed by a Peregrine Falcon about 300 yards east of my position. It was like watching a dump truck versus a Lamborghini. The Peregrine is the King of all birds, in my opinion. There are three subspecies of Peregrine Falcon found North America. Firstly,  Falco peregrinus tundrius is found in the Arctic tundra. Second, Falco peregrinus anatum is found south of the tundra into northern Mexico. Falco peregrinus pealei is found from Washington state north through western Alaska. In Texas the resident population is Falco peregrinus anatum in Big Bend. Migrant birds throughout the state are both Falco peregrinus tundrius and anatum.

Shortly after,  a Red-tailed hawk floated by my vantage point and suddenly a Peregrine popped up and drove him off. He passed about 40 ft from where I was standing. Unfortunately I don’t haul a long lens up the hill. I did manage to get 2 photos with a 24 mm lens. While the wrong tool for the job, the highly cropped result is below. Nonetheless, a great close encounter of the best kind.

Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop
Falco Peregrinus anatum
Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop
Long shadows toward sunset
Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop
Rain in the Southeast
Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop
Thunderstorm evolving
Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop
SE storm getting a little more developed
Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop
An iconic desert thunderstorm
Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop
This one was headed my way

As sunset approached, so did a few isolated thunderstorm cells. It was a beautiful evening and after getting these shots I retired back to SW4 for the night. The skies cleared and it was another dazzling night of the Milky Way and more meteors.

The Last Day

The last morning of my Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop came cool and quiet. This was the coolest morning of the trip. I  didn’t have a thermometer with me, but it felt sub 60 degrees. I wandered over to the rim about 30 minutes before sunrise and took a final round of photos before packing up and completing my journey.

Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop
Last Morning Sunrise
Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop
Iconic SW Rim Sunrise
Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop
Emory Peak (7825′) –  Sunrise
Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop
Sierra Quemada Sunrise
Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop
Sierra Quemada
Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop
Pure Big Bend

My pack was much lighter as I headed down the Laguna Meadow Trail toward the Basin. I had 1 1/2 liters of water left and only a few snacks left for the journey. I always enjoy the section of the trail that overlooks Boot Canyon on the way. As I worked my way closer to Laguna Meadow, I slowed and re-looked at the boulder field below Emory Peak.

Aspens in Big Bend

I felt light and spry and decided to revisit the idea of finding the elusive Big Bend Quaking Aspen trees.The boulder field is a jumble, and I climbed up through the woods on the east side of the boulders until I was about the same elevation as the lowest aspens. I then cut across the field until I finally reached my goal. There are quite a few trees, some dead and some living. The largest of the trees are the highest upslope and a scramble is required to reach any of them.

Texas Quaking Aspens
Emory Boulder Field
Texas Quaking Aspens
They are there!

About the Aspens in Big Bend

I have been meaning to check out these trees for years. FINALLY it’s been done! This small grove of Texas quaking aspens, is the southern-most stand in the United States. These trees are the last few remnants from ancient, wetter times thousands of years ago. Texas quaking aspen trees are only found in a few places in the state.  In the high Chisos, Davis and Guadalupe mountains. Aspens may be North America’s most widely distributed tree. They are found from the arctic to Mexico’s Sierra Madre Mountains.

These trees have shallow roots and reproduce vegetatively. Roots throw up young shoots which can become individual trees. All the trees from a common root system are clones. This area of cloned trees can cover many acres with varying sized trees. Individual aspen trees are known to reach 200 years in age but some clone parents in Minnesota are estimated to be up to 10 thousand years old. In the Rocky Mountains, some of the clone parents may be up to 2 million years old. I wonder how old the Big Bend Quaking Aspens are?

Texas Quaking Aspens
Texas Quaking Aspen

Unusual succulent

I was really pleased to finally get a closer look and headed back towards the Basin. Shortly after cresting the pass on the Laguna Meadow Trail i spied a very unusual flower(s) close to the trail. I don’t know what they are. They appear to be an Lithophyte. Possibly a wild orchid or a succulent of some type. If anyone recognizes this species, I’d appreciate any info. I have found wild orchids in the park before. You never know what the next turn will show you.

UPDATE: After some research, I have determined that this plant is Echeveria strictiflora  –  The Desert Savior. It is a native succulent limited to 3 counties in the Big Bend region – Jeff Davis, Brewster and Presidio. It is also found in Chihuahua, Coahuila and Nuevo Leon Mexico

Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop
Close up of the inflorescences – Echeveria strictiflora
inflorescences
Full View – Echeveria strictiflora

Back in the Chisos Basin

I arrived back in the Basin, hot tired and hungry. But mostly I needed a shower. Headed to Study Butte and spent $4.00 at the Motor Lodge showers and got some ice and a big bottle of Topo Chico. I returned to the Basin and scarfed down a bacon cheeseburger and about 4 glasses of iced tea. That evening I snagged a campsite in a virtually empty campground. After taking some not so good night sky pictures, I slept on the ground in the open and left the next morning for home. UPDATE: I decided to add one of the night sky photos. This photo was taken with an 8 mm fisheye lens.

Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop
Basin Night Sky taken with 8mm

The Long Way Home

I managed a few pictures on the way between Marathon and Ft. Stockton. The Hawk is an Intermediate morph 1st year Swainson’s Hawk. According to Sibley, less than 10% of Swainson’s are the dark intermediate morph.

Swainson's Hawk
Swainson’s Hawk
Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop
Swainson’s Hawk
Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop
Curious, but dumb with the Swainson’s Hawk nearby

 The long way home was uneventful and I arrived home in about 10 hours. I was road weary but mentally refreshed. I’m planning another trip this year, but waiting for some cooler weather to hike the desert.

Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop – Trek Summary

Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop mileage – 16.68 miles + wandering around

Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop
Mileage Check

If you are interested in these things

Gas was:
$1.95 in Ft Stockton
$2.48 in Marathon
$2.78 at Panther Junction
The campgrounds and lodge were VERY empty.

Below is an elevation profile – Total elevation change = 6860′

Thanks for reading and feel free to comment or question.

Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop
Hike Profile
Google Earth Perspective
Google Earth Perspective

10 thoughts on “Chisos Mountain Summer Hike Loop – Big Bend National Park”

  1. David Bradford

    Love the Google earth perspective. It gives a nice view of the various rims. I recall visiting the aspens many years ago. Amazing they are still hanging on with such a small amount of rainfall compared to a thousand years ago. David

    1. Thanks for the comment! The aspens were on my bucket list for a long time. A bit of a scramble to get there, but in the end, worth the effort.

  2. Fantastic summary! I’m using this to plan my upcoming trip. Thank you for such a detailed account and heads up on the hit or miss on water @ Boot Spring.

  3. Kenneth Lagleder

    I’m glad I found this, Richard. I was seeking information about the backcountry (especially regarding water) beyond Emory, and your work was helpful and will guide my next trip (via Blue Canyon). Lovely pictures also. Thanks!

  4. What a pleasure meeting you at the campground, Richard. Your pictures are truly fantastic! Thanks for the great read on your trip. We look forward to coming back to Big Bend.
    Thanks again!
    Donyale & Paul

    1. Hey!! Glad you checked in. I was thinking about you guys. Hope the rest of your trip went well? I also hoped you enjoyed the Lost Mine trail hike.

  5. Chief Cool Arrow

    Richard
    Once again a phenomenal accounting of your trek in Big Bend!
    Many of the photos are unbelievable!
    As Maria said, you should submit them to a magazine for publication.
    A lot of people would enjoy seeing them.
    Sounds like the weather was great.
    May want to pack you a pair of long johns for those sub 60 degree mornings.
    Thanks
    Chief Cool Arrow

    1. Thanks Chief. We missed you in Sonora. I figured out what the mystery plant was and updated the post. It was a succulent found only in 3 counties in the Big Bend Region and in Northern Mexico

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