Upper Burro Mesa Pouroff Trail

Overview

This is a moderate, out-and-back desert hike that trades sweeping openness for a tight, cliff-lined finale. It’s 3.6 miles round trip and typically takes 2–3 hours. You’ll walk a sandy, boulder-strewn wash across Burro Mesa’s volcanic plateau, then funnel into a narrow canyon to reach the dramatic rim of a roughly 100‑foot pouroff (dry waterfall).

What You’ll See & Do

Expect classic Big Bend desert transitioning into sculpted canyon walls and slickrock chutes shaped by seasonal floods. The final amphitheater-like grotto at the head of the dryfall is the showstopper—peer into the vertical drop and the canyon below. Confident scramblers sometimes descend into the enclosed chamber, but the polished rock makes climbing back out tricky. If you’re unsure you can reverse it, don’t drop in.

Trail Experience

Underfoot is mostly sand and gravel wash with scattered boulders; footing gets rougher and more interesting as the canyon narrows. Route-finding is straightforward but watch for cairns where the wash braids. It’s usually quieter than many marquee Big Bend hikes, so you get solitude with your scenery. Plan for little to no shade and a sandy uphill slog on the return.

Difficulty, Distance, and Elevation

Moderate overall, with short sections of light scrambling near the pouroff. Total distance is 3.6 miles round trip. Elevation gain is roughly 400–450 feet, spread gently across the approach with brief, steeper bits in the canyon.

Geology & Nature Notes

You’re crossing a volcanic plateau cut by Javelina Wash, which spills over a series of pouroffs—smooth, water-polished chutes that become dramatic during storms. Keep an eye out for hardy desert flora like agaves, prickly pear, and creosote, and watch for lizards basking on warm rock.

Best Time to Hike

Fall through early spring is prime. In warm months, go at sunrise or late afternoon to dodge heat and harsh sun; there is virtually no shade. Avoid during or after heavy rain—this route is a drainage and flash floods or slick surfaces are real hazards. For photos, soft morning or late-day light adds depth to the canyon walls and the pouroff’s sculpted textures.

Tips & Comparisons

• If you want a shorter, easier taste of the feature from below, the Lower Burro Mesa Pouroff Trail is the casual option. There’s no through-route between upper and lower via the canyon.
• Don’t build new cairns; follow existing markers and the main wash.
• If you step into the grotto, be absolutely sure you can climb back out—those polished slabs are deceptive.

Trailhead & Parking

The trailhead sits off Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, about 6.5 miles from the road’s north end, with a small pullout lot (roughly six vehicles). No permits are needed for day hiking. Pets are not allowed on park trails.