Big Bend Outer Mountain Loop
~4 days · 31.5 mi · hard · Loop
Quick facts
What the Big Bend Outer Mountain Loop is known for
A strenuous 30-mile loop in Big Bend National Park's Chisos Mountains, traversing Pinnacles Trail, Boot Canyon, Juniper Canyon, and Blue Creek Canyon through dramatic high desert terrain. Starting at Chisos Basin, the route climbs through volcanic peaks, descends rugged canyons, and crosses open desert flats in a challenging 3-day circuit.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 12,572 ft to 23,163 ft over 31.5 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 13.9 mi · 44%
- Downhill 16.2 mi · 52%
- Flat 1.3 mi · 4%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Big Bend Outer Mountain Loop?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Big Bend Outer Mountain Loop scores 25/100, a relative rating across the 1,243 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Big Bend Outer Mountain Loop take?
Most backpackers hike the Big Bend Outer Mountain Loop in about 4 days (3 nights out) over its 31.5 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Big Bend Outer Mountain Loop?
The Big Bend Outer Mountain Loop climbs roughly 7,247 ft total — about 230 ft per mile, topping out near 7,087 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry from OpenStreetMap, © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.