Boot Canyon Loop

Boot Canyon Loop is a 23.3-mile lollipop route through Big Bend National Park in southwest Texas. Starting and ending at the historic Homer Wilson Ranch trailhead, the route heads northeast through Blue Creek Canyon. It follows the South Rim Trail to Boot Canyon, making a scenic loop through the heart of the national park. The route features remote canyons, well maintained singletrack trails and diverse landscapes. Boot Canyon has lush valleys and mountainous vistas, while the South Rim offers dramatic views of the Chihuahuan Desert.Located between the South Rim and Pinnacles Pass, Boot Canyon cannot be accessed by vehicle. The canyon is a little oasis with some of the lushest environments in the Chisos Mountains. The area is home to a variety of habitats, plants, animals, and vegetative environments, including pinon, juniper, and oak woodlands as well as a variety of desert shrubs. This is a moderate to strenuous route that can be completed as a day trek or an overnight camping trip and is accessible for hikers, trail runners, and backpackers.DIRECTIONSFrom Home Wilson Ranch, follow the Blue Canyon Creek Trail through open grassland and pine woodlands gradually climbing into the Chisos Mountains. At the junction with the South Rim Trail, turn right and follow it to Boot Canyon. Take the Boot Canyon Trail north to the Pinnacles Trail and continue north until you reach the Visitor Center. From there, head south on the Laguna Meadow Trail and continue all the way back to the Blue Canyon Creek Trail.Descend the Blue Canyon Creek Trail, retracing your steps back to the Homer Wilson Ranch Trailhead. WHEN TO VISITIn Big Bend National Park, summers are extremely hot, while winters are pleasantly warm, making it a great place to escape cold weather. CONSIDERATIONSAlthough the trails are easy to follow, the rugged, steep terrain can be challenging. WATER This trek requires visitors to carry sufficient water. Even in Boot Canyon, the springs are unreliable and water can be scarce. Check with the local park rangers to find current water information and plan to carry all that you will need.CAMPING AND PERMITSPermits are required for backcountry camping in Big Bend National Park. Some permits are only available for reservation 24 hours in advance and must be picked up in person. Other areas allow for reservations to be made further in advance by visiting www.recreation.gov. For more information please visit https://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/bc_usepermits.htm.SEASONAL CLOSURESSome portions of Big Bend National Park are closed between February 1 and May 31 to protect nesting falcons. For more information about this seasonal closure please visit: https://www.nps.gov/bibe/learn/news/peregrine-falcon-closures-to-begin-february-1.htm.ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONBig Bend National ParkNPS - Water Sources in the Backcountry