Laguna Meadow Trail

Approach

The trailhead begins on the SW side of the Chisos Mountain Visitor Center parking lot. The trailhead sign is visible from the parking lot.

Route Description

This trail will immediately begin hiking south toward the mountains. After a short distance from the signed trailhead, the trail will junction with the Pinnacles Trail/Emory Peak Trail. Go right at this junction, following the signs to Laguna Meadow and the South Rim. A short distance later, the trail will junction again with the Basin Loop Trail. Again, stay right, following the signs to Laguna Meadow and the South Rim. The trail will soon begin to switchback and will eventually come to Laguna Meadow backcountry campsites 3.3 miles later. There is also a toilet off the trail to the left. After Laguna Meadow, the trail heads east and meets with the Colima Trail. You can either follow the Colima Trail (for a short cut to Emory Peak) or continue for south 1.7miles to the South Rim where spectacular views await you. Follow the south rim until reaching a trail junction. Go left and follow the Boot Canyon Trail for 3 miles until reaching a bear box and a signed intersection and trail to the left for Emory Peak.

This one mile trail begins steeply until gaining a ridge. The trail then follows the ridge with a gradual gain until reaching the summit block. Leave your trekking poles here. Once at the summit block, circle around to the right (north) around several boulders. After going around the boulders, the scramble goes up the north side for about 20 ft, then turns right (west) to reach the summit. There is some exposure during the entire scramble and on the summit. The last 60 ft of the final scramble is solid class 3. Beware of several radio antenna on the summit. Descend the same route to the trail junction.

This hike/climb is best done as a loop with the Pinnacles Trail. After descending Emory Peak to the trail junction, turn left on the Pinnacles Trail and do a short climb up to the ridge. A toilet will be seen to the left. Descend to the trailhead for 3.5 miles via the Pinnacles Trail. Total elevation gain from trailhead to summit is 2342 ft with 14.6 total miles.

Here is a map of the Laguna Meadow Trail

Essential Gear

Standard day hike gear. At least one gallon of water or more per person, especially if doing this climb in summer.

Miscellaneous Info

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