The run is what many refer to as a "lollipop" loop, both starting and ending on the same stretch of trail with a loop on the end. It can be done in either direction, though after running this loop several times, counter-clockwise was the preferred direction. Done this way, you will reach the highest point and best overlook slightly quicker than the other.

From the small parking area, the trail heads into a drainage with multiple side trails to historic mining remnants. From here, you will need to be familiar with these adjacent trails, as the trail markings are very minimal and can easily lead you significantly off route.

These mining remnants are a glimpse into the past, as they formerly used a rudimentary cable system to mine silver, fluoride, and other materials beneath the highest mountain peaks in the distance. From there, they would transfer the materials into boats where they could float them upstream to El Paso, where they could be sold.

After leaving the wash, the trail ascends through a gap and into the next drainage. Following another similar climb, the trail then continues gradually through beautiful, remote areas that highlight the wilderness nature of the Big Bend area.

If doing the route in a counter-clockwise direction, the trail traverses along a bench cut that ultimately leads to the highest points of the route.

Descending from the high point, the trail drops towards the river where it follows a sandy bluff just a couple hundred feet above it. Climbing back to the trail intersection is easier to navigate from this direction as your perspective will be from the bottom looking up, and not in reverse.

After completing the loop, the trail follows the same stretch back to the trailhead.

There is no source of water on this route or at the trailhead. Though you traverse the shore of the Rio Grande, warning signs indicate that no filtration device known to man can make the toxic water of the river safe to drink.