Place · 2.4 mi away
Overview
A classic Big Bend surprise: an easy stroll up a desert wash that abruptly ends at a sheer, 100‑foot pour‑off framed by steep, colorful canyon walls. Most days the chute is dry and polished by ages of flash floods; after storms it can roar to life—but that same weather makes the canyon hazardous.
Trails: Lower vs. Upper
- Lower Burro Mesa Pour‑off: About 1 mile round‑trip and rated easy. It follows a gravel/sandy wash through desert shrubs to a box canyon capped by the vertical pour‑off. Great for families and anyone wanting big geology for little effort.
- Upper Burro Mesa Pour‑off: Roughly 3.5 miles round‑trip, moderate, with narrows and some boulder scrambling. Cairns mark the way; don’t trust random rock stacks. You’ll approach from above with an overhead perspective and slickrock grotto vibes. Only descend features you’re sure you can re‑climb.
Geology & Nature
The pour‑off is carved into volcanic ash‑flow tuffs—yellow and orange layers that glow in angled light. The lower route highlights a living contrast: typical desert plants give way to wash‑loving species like Mexican persimmon, Mexican buckeye, and desert hackberry as you enter the sandy arroyo. Lizards are common sunning on warm rocks.
Safety Essentials
- Flash floods: Avoid both routes during or after rain—narrow walls concentrate runoff with little warning.
- Heat and hydration: Dry air hides sweat loss. Bring plenty of water and salty snacks to keep your electrolytes balanced.
- Pets: Not allowed on park trails.
What to Expect
Lower route: mellow footing in a dry wash, minimal elevation change, a sudden, photo‑worthy amphitheater at the end. Upper route: more solitude and hands‑on terrain through narrows, with fun scrambling and bigger route‑finding demands.
Best Time to Visit
Go early or late to beat the heat and get softer light on the tuff layers. Crowds are generally light, especially on the upper approach. If storms are in the forecast, choose a different hike—this area is no place to be during rain.
Make the Most of It
Pair the easy lower hike with a scenic drive, or combine lower and upper on different days for two distinct takes on the same feature. Bring a wide‑angle lens for the box canyon walls and give yourself time to soak in the quiet.
Pros
- Short, easy walk to a dramatic 100‑foot pour‑off
- Two approaches: mellow from below or adventurous from above
Cons
- Usually dry; waterfall only after heavy rains
- No restrooms or water at the trailheads
Tips
- Carry more water than you think you need and add salty snacks.
- Check the forecast; skip this wash if rain threatens due to flash‑flood risk.
- For the upper route, follow true cairns and avoid random rock stacks.
- Do not descend anything you’re not sure you can climb back up.
- Early or late light makes the tuff layers pop and keeps temps manageable.
