Upper Burro Mesa Pour-Off Trail

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Scurry down the Upper Burro Mesa Pour-off Trail for an exciting experience running amidst—and occasionally over—large, flash-flood-mobilized boulders and high canyon walls.

While this trail is great to run for the first mile, after entering the canyon it quickly becomes rocky and hard to navigate at speed. If running it, be prepared to slow and take your time in the more difficult, boulder-strewn portions of the trail.

Starting at the Upper Burro Mesa Pour-off Trail Parking Area, begin the descent on relatively mellow terrain, following a creek bed as it meanders into the towering walls of a Burro Mesa drainage. In this area, it's very likely for the wash to become inundated with large boulders, as flash floods bring them down from higher ground during times of heavy rain. As such, be sure to watch your footing and move cautiously as you navigate the trail's obstacles.

After carefully making your way through the canyon, enjoy fantastic views of the surrounding area as you peer over the amazing feat of flash-flood-driven erosion before you: the pour-off. This chute is the result of thousands of years of erosion, and almost resembles a slide of sorts. The fantastic sandstone shapes will capture the imagination, and it is a worthwhile sight!

Be sure to bring plenty of water on your journey, as Big Bend's arid climate coupled with inadequate hydration can spell trouble for even the most seasoned runner.