The canyon is lush, fertile and even occasionally boasts water depending on rainfall that year – it’s the perfect place for apex predators to lie in wait for unsuspecting prey (me). Maybe I was wigging out but all my instincts screamed “danger, danger, danger!” the first time I hiked this trail and for once, I was not enjoying being alone.
Table of Contents
Recommended Supplies
- Minimum of 3L water
- Minimum of 500 calories
- Electrolytes
- Bear spray (optional)
- Paper map
- Navigational map
- Rain jacket
Beware of Bear & Hike in a Group
This trail is probably great with a group.
Unfortunately, my enjoyment of it was completely hamstrung by wild anxiety about running into bears and mountain lions. Where would I go if I ran into a bear? I was in a canyon for fuck’s sake – there was no way to give it space! What if a mountain lion jumped me from the rocks above?!
It turns out I was right to be concerned.
The NPS website does warn of frequent animal sightings in Boot Canyon and multiple other blogs have reported black bear sightings along the trail. So I’m not just a crazy, paranoid hiker – I have good instincts, too!
Bear scat on Boot Canyon Trail!
As I’ve mentioned many times, the best way to avoid wild animal encounters is to hike in a group and make lots of people noises. Talking, laughing, and even telling that rock you tripped on to fuck off will help keep bears and mountain lions at bay. As always, keep your littles ones close at hand, and leave the pets behind.
But let’s move on to the trail details.
Hiking Boot Canyon Trail: 2.5* miles one way
Boot Canyon Trail is 2.5 miles long. However, the kicker with this trail is that you have to hike a minimum of 2.3 miles on Pinnacles trail to even begin this grand adventure.
That’s actually a total of 4.8 miles directly away from civilization. Remember to plan (and pack) for the hike back.
I suggest simply doing the whole Rim trail (see my article on that here) since you’re going to be hitting so much mileage anyway, but you do you.
Accessing Boot Canyon Trail
If you are approaching Boot Canyon from Pinnacles trail you will hit a two way junction at the end of Pinnacles. Boot Canyon is to the left.
At this junction, there is a composting toilet (see my article on how to properly use it here) and the trail to the right takes you to Emory Peak – well worth seeing if you have time. This is a great spot to rest, have a snack and enjoy the views. There are some lovely overviews of the Chisos basin.
Boot Canyon gently rolls up and down as you move through it. The trail follows the base of Emory Peak before turning sharply onto the mountain’s southeastern flank.
Luckily, you’ve already done the hard work of getting up into the Chisos by grinding up Pinnacles Trail, and now you can take it (relatively) easy – fuck yeah.
The Search and Rescue Cabin
Almost immediately I ran into a backcountry cabin used by search and rescue teams, researchers, park rangers, and other folks. No historical significance here, folks – just an old cabin in the woods.
That said, I found a pile of black bear scat near the cabin. Told you there were apex predators in this area.
Boot Canyon Beauty
Moving on, the trail is fairly well shaded by various trees and shrubs, among them Arizona Cypress which is found nowhere else in the park. Oak and Maple trees can also be seen on this trail.
In addition to showcasing some fabulous foliage, Boot Canyon Trail is a totally awesome place to look for Colima Warblers, which are found nowhere else in the great US of A. They nest along this trail in Spring.
Despite my persistent fear of being jumped by a mountain lion, I enjoyed walking along the trail and peaking into the rocky canyon. Along many sections of trail there were enough leaves underfoot that I felt like I was walking in an old, magical forest.
Other times the rocks clattered underfoot and I felt like I was right back in the dry, hot, rocky Big Bend that I know and love. The section of Boot Canyon that runs immediately along the canyon is a special, quiet, magical place.
Restrooms on Boot Canyon Trail
There is a composting toilet near the end of Boot Canyon Trail at the three way intersection with Boot Canyon Campground 3 and Colima Trail.
Composting toilets are not like regular toilets, and there are actually special rules to follow if you don’t want to fuck your shit up. If you want to do things the right way, check out my composting toilet how-to here.
Boot Canyon Spring
Here, the map shows Boot Spring – but as always, don’t rely on the springs in Big Bend. Yes, there is a spring in Boot Canyon but it is unreliable and often dry. Never count on finding water there.
Finishing Boot Canyon
Further on, Boot Canyon Trail intersects with Juniper Canyon Trail, which is part of the Outer Mountain loop. Boot Canyon continues on until it T’s off into the East Rim Trail.
These both provide great options to continue your hike. If you want the best views in Big Bend, check out my article on the East Rim Trail. For a less intense experience, consider Juniper Canyon instead.
Too Long: Didn’t Read;
The quiet magic of Boot Canyon is a worthwhile experience in Big Bend National Park. This trail doesn’t awe the eyes or stun the soul, but it is enchanting with its small canyon views and quietude. Would definitely recommend.
- An easy trail, but requires hiking Pinnacles trail to reach it
- Be aware of bears and mountain lions in the area; stay together, make human noises
- Learn how to use a composting toilet the right way
- Don’t rely on the Spring for water – it’s almost always dry
- A pleasant and peaceful trail, perfect for connecting up other hikes in the Chisos Basin