Laguna Meadow Trail

From Chisos Basin Trailhead, Laguna Meadow Trail is a 7.4-mile out-and-back to the high-country junction with Blue Creek Trail. The route climbs about 1,600 feet over roughly 3.7 miles; allow around four to five hours. It is a long, mostly gradual mountain climb with a grassy-meadow finish, and you retrace the same path to the Basin. Choose it if you want a substantial hike without committing to the longer South Rim route.

Several switchback sections ease the climb through rolling, forested hills. Oak, maple and juniper grow along the route. As you gain height, views open toward the Basin and The Window; near the top, the grade softens and the trees give way to grassy meadow. The best wide view is near Laguna Pass: frame the ridges and Basin with a little of the wooded slope in the foreground.

The high-country meadow sits among pale grasses, pinyon pines and rocky slopes. Laguna Meadow connects with Blue Creek and the South Rim trail network. For the walk described here, turn around at the Blue Creek junction; continuing farther makes a different, longer hike. A designated campsite spur lies just west of the junction, so reported distances can vary a little with the precise endpoint.

The Chisos trail network is known for black bear, mountain lion and gray fox tracks and scat. White-tailed deer, rock squirrels, whiptail lizards and mountain birds such as Mexican jays are also common. Look for sign along the trail rather than counting on a wildlife sighting.

There is no water anywhere near Laguna Meadow, and the campsites have no toilets or other amenities. Carry enough for the full climb and return; park guidance for this high-country area is at least one gallon per person per 24 hours. Pets are not allowed on park trails. The trail is usually in fine condition year-round.