Laguna Meadow Trail: Access the Heart of the Chisos Mountains

There’s so much I wish I had known before hiking Laguna Meadow for the first time. Luckily, I can fill you in on everything I’ve learned since then!

For starters, it’s one of the two trails that used to create “the Rim” loop. If you want to get high into the heart of the Chisos Mountains, it’s either this or the Pinnacles Trail. Either way, you’re starting from the Chisos Basin visitor parking lot and trailhead, but the choices you make from there will determine the rest of your experience.

Laguna Meadows is generally easier than the Pinnacles Trail because it is less steep, with approximately 1,600 feet in elevation gain. It is 4.3 miles one way and most people can expect a rough average of 2 hours to hike that distance out.

Essential Gear

• Hydration: 2.5L water (minimum). You’ll need to judge your own thirst based on the season and past experience. I always toss an extra bottle of “oh shit” water into my pack on top of what I think I’ll need.
• Nutrition: 300-600 calories of food. This may not be the hardest hike in the area, but it’s no walk in the park. Keep your energy up.
• Safety: Bear spray. Black bear encounters aren’t necessarily common, but they are a definite possibility in the Chisos Mountains. In most cases, they aren’t interested in you, and just talking loudly will keep them at a distance. Yes, I talk to myself.
• Hiking poles: They’re not just for old folks! When you’re gaining elevation, these come in very handy.
• Rain jacket: The Chisos Mountains are like a magnet for random rainstorms. Be prepared, or be soaked.

Trail Overview

Typically, hikers use Laguna Meadows to link to Colima Trail, and return via Pinnacles. Those setting out to do the Rim often use Laguna Meadows to connect directly to the South Rim Trail.

When I did this hike, it was during my ascent to conquer the Rim.

Accessing Laguna Meadows

Starting at the Chisos Basin Visitor Center, follow the signs to the main trailhead. From there, follow the signs for Laguna Meadows. Easy, right?

Laguna Meadows and Pinnacles Trails share a path for the first quarter mile until Laguna splits off to the west. If you’re directionally challenged, that’s a right turn in this case.

Hiking Laguna Meadows Trail

The first 1.5 miles lulled me into believing this trail would be super fucking easy. At this point, the trail is fairly easy, with gentle inclines and sweeping views of the nearby mountains. It meanders gently along, gaining less than 500 feet of elevation and offering lovely views of the Window and Emory Peak.

After the first 1.5 miles, the trail begins to gain more elevation and the trees begin to close in around you. The path is mainly hard packed dirt and rocks. There are several switchbacks along this portion of the trail until you hit the eponymous Laguna Meadow.

The Laguna Meadow is an area of flat ground between two typically dry creeks; Oak creek to the North and Blue creek to the South. This picturesque spot offers a moment of tranquility and a chance to appreciate the surrounding natural beauty. There are backcountry campsites in this area (permit required). 

The trail continues beyond the meadow, eventually reaching a three-way intersection with Colima Trail and the South Rim Trail. From here, you can choose to turn around, venture onto Colima Trail, or continue towards the South Rim.

Wildlife Encounters

Be aware that mountain lions have been seen near and on this trail, although there have been no attacks or even aggressive encounters reported.

I unfortunately did not know about this on my first hike – didn’t fucking do enough research. Deer are not an uncommon sight in the area, and presumably other small prey animals are also present, which is likely the draw for the mountain lions. I’ll write more about mountain lions and safety in the future, so stay tuned.

Meanwhile, keep your eyes peeled out there, make noise as you hike to scare them off, and don’t let any little ones walk alone.

Final thoughts on Laguna Meadows Trail

So, is this trail worth the hike on its own? Let’s consider.

As noted above, the first mile and a half of the trail provides excellent views of the Window and Emory Peak, as well as other surrounding mountains. This section is also fairly easy, even for less-fit hikers After that though, the experience becomes both more challenging and more enclosed, though not necessarily unpleasant.

I don’t know that I’d recommend this trail simply for the sake of doing it. While I enjoyed the hike, Laguna is better done as part of a larger loop (in my very humble opinion). In short, there are other trails out there that offer more bang for your buck. But when linked with other trails in the Chisos, I would recommend it as an easier entry point than Pinnacles.

Too Long; Didn’t read.

Damn, did you really skip the whole article? Rude.

Here’s what you need to know:

• 4.3 miles one way
• 1,600 feet of elevation gain
• Easier than Pinnacles trail
• Mountain lion sightings reported but no attacks
• Good trail to start on if doing the Rim