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The Lower Burro Mesa Pouroff Trail leads hikers to a pouroff that’s dry most of the year. The trail is located at Big Bend National Park in Texas.
Access to the Lower Burro Mesa Pouroff Trail is via a short side road off Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. The hike itself is a total of one mile out and back. It’s fairly flat and easy with 120 feet of elevation change.
The Trail
The first part of the trail is a mostly dirt and rock path. Looking back, it’s possible to see Santa Elena Canyon in the distance.
After about ¼ mile, the trail gently slopes down into a wash with a sand and gravel surface. The wash has colorful volcanic hills on each side.
At the end of the trail is Burro Mesa Pouroff. During rainy season, water comes rushing down this 100-foot vertical channel from the mesa above.
If you’re lucky, you might be able to spot some desert critters crawling around the trail. We were accompanied by a tarantula we found in the wash.
Tips
Take at least a liter of water for the hike and make sure you have some snacks. The desert heat and dry climate can sap a lot of energy. Also use sunscreen or wear clothing to protect yourself from the sun. Please remember that dogs and other pets are not allowed on any trails at Big Bend National Park.
