oceanus

I hiked the Outer Mountain Loop in December. It's a great hike! I would suggest doing a clockwise hike from The Basin, because it would allow you to cache water at The Homer Wilson Ranch, as well as cutdown on the amount of elevation gain when you head back into The Chisos. You could do the hike in as little as two nights, but I would suggest three. I would spend the first night down in Juniper Canyon. There are some nice spots with great views about halfway down the canyon. The second day, as you head down The Dodson, watch for cairns along the way. There are several spots where the trail crosses arroyos (dry washes,) so be careful. You should be able to find water at Fresno Creek, the only trickle of water along the way. There is also a good camp spot near the creek, which is at the foot of the Chisos. Or you can continue down The Dodson to get a little closer to a large butte near the junction of The Dodson and Blue Creek trails where there are some good sites with great views. At the beginning of your third day, I'd pick up cached water from near Homer Wilson and begin your ascent back into the mountains. The Blue Creek Trail is difficulty to follow during it's first segment leaving Homer Wilson. Once again, be mindful to look for cairns. When you get back to the top of The Chisos, I would camp at SW3 or NE4 if you can, so you can marvel at what you just hiked through. (Though I think the SE Rim Trail, including NE4, is closed for Peregrines right now.) When you're ready head down Laguna Meadows Trail back to The Basin Lodge and devour a giant cheeseburger and as many sodas as you can handle.

In December, there was water at Boot Spring in Boot Canyon, as well as upper Juniper Spring in Juniper Canyon, but check with the rangers and hikers who have just come out of the mountains about the current conditions.

Hope that helps some. Let me know if I can help with any more info.