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An arduous descent from the Chisos Mountains to the desert below.


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Map Key

6.2

Miles

10.0

KM

Point to Point

7,075' 2,156 m

High

3,984' 1,214 m

Low

199' 61 m

Up

3,091' 942 m

Down

10%

Avg Grade (6°)

35%

Max Grade (19°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Fall Colors · Views

Description

Lace your shoes up tight for the strenuous descent ahead along the Juniper Canyon Trail.

While the descent along the Juniper Canyon trail is definitely strenuous, what it lacks in ease it makes up for in fantastic views of the Chisos Mountains and a very unique feeling of leaving the lush, wooded peaks behind for the stark contrast of the desert lowlands below.

Beginning at a junction with the Boot Canyon Trail, follow the Juniper Canyon Trail as it climbs along a forested hillside to a saddle, wherein begins the long descent to the valley floor below. On this descent, plan to take multiple breaks for water and to rest your knees, as neglecting either will make for a miserable and potentially dangerous experience out in the backcountry.

Following the trail from the saddle, switchback along a small ridgeline for a while before dropping into Boot Canyon. After reaching the canyon floor, the trail grade eases considerably, and continues into a progressively more desert-like landscape until the trail ends at a junction with the Dodson Trail and Juniper Canyon Road.

This route can be completed as an out and back, or visitors can also leave a vehicle at the Twisted Shoe campground for the return journey.

Flora & Fauna

Expect to experience a drastic change in ecosystem, as you descend from lush mountain greenery into more scrubby desert flora near the trail's end.

Contacts

Shared By:

Hunter R

Trail Ratings

  3.8 from 5 votes

#14939

Overall
  3.8 from 5 votes
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Trail Rankings

#339

in Texas

#14,939

Overall
15 Views Last Month
3,238 Since Sep 29, 2015
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Photos

Views from Lost Mine Trail
Jan 11, 2019 near Big Ben…, TX

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Oct 23, 2019
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