How to Hike the Emory Peak-South Rim Loop via Chisos Basin

Описание: Description: This hike through the mountains behind the Chisos Basin is one of the best hikes in Big Bend, and possibly the US. It goes through terrain you would not expect from Texas, as the hike goes through some sub-alpine meadow areas and pine forests, and the views off the South Rim is probably one of the grandest in Texas, as the mountains seems to drop off to desert valleys. It also goes through all of the main features of Big Bend, so this is a good hike if you only have one full day in the park. There is even a short, nice airy scramble up to Emory Peak, which is required if you want the nice views from the summit. Backcountry camping is plentiful along this trail, and only needs a permit from the visitor center, and is a once in a lifetime experience if you do it at the sites near the South Rim.
Highlights: Canyons, forests, amazing views, scrambling, backpacking, rock formatioms
Rating: 4.9/5
Links:
Music Used:    • West Texas + New Mexico Trip Song  
The whole loop (AllTrails) https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/te...
South Rim:
AllTrails: ​​https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/te...
Official Website: https://www.nps.gov/places/south-rim-...
Opposite direction of this guide, but good guide: https://hikebiketravel.com/south-rim-...
Emory Peak:
Official Website: https://www.nps.gov/places/emory-peak...
AllTrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/te...
Big Bend Guide: https://bigbendguide.com/inside-the-p...
EarthTrekkers: https://www.earthtrekkers.com/emory-p...







Day Visited: Thursday, January 8th, 2026
Distance: 15.3 mi (24.62 km)
Time Taken: 6 hours for a hardcore hiker. 13:50 for a regular person.
Max Elevation: 7,702 ft (2,347 m)
Fees/Permits: $30 to enter the park, free with NPS pass, valid for 7 days
Obstacles: Scrambles, long exposed sections, rocky trails, short Emory Peak steep section Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 3,196 ft (974 m)
Pets: No
Trails In Guide: Window Trail, Pinnacles Trail, Emory Peak Trail, Boot Canyon Trail, South Rim Trail, Laguna Meadow trail,
Yosemite Decimal System Grade: Class 1, small class 2 sections at Emory Peak last scramble
Gear Recommendations: Standard hiking gear, trekking poles, 3 liters water, way more if hotter, gloves for the Emory Peak scramble (not required), long sleeves and pants for light overgrowth sections, standard backpacking gear (if backpacking)