Emory Peak Mountain

Address: Chisos Basin, Big Bend National Park, Texas, USA

Website: https://www.nps.gov/bibe/index.htm

Hours: Big Bend National Park gate hours vary seasonally; check the National Park Service website

Emory Peak is the highest summit in the Chisos Mountains and the highest point inside Big Bend National Park, Texas, with an elevation of about 7,825 feet (2,383 m). It is the park’s most prominent high point and a common objective for day hikers.

A steep day hike from the Chisos Basin trailhead leads to the summit; the route is typically described as strenuous with a rocky final scramble that rewards hikers with wide panoramic views. From the top visitors can see the surrounding Chihuahuan Desert, the Chisos ridgelines and distant canyons carved by the Rio Grande.

The peak is a natural summit named in the 19th century for U.S. Army surveyor William H. Emory and has long been used for recreation and as a navigation landmark. It has no built structures on the summit beyond a modest survey marker.

The peak sits in central Big Bend National Park in Brewster County, west Texas, and is accessed by the park road to the Chisos Basin and backcountry trails within the park.

• Elevation: Sits at 7,825 feet (2,383 m) above sea level, the highest point in the Chisos Mountains and Big Bend National Park.
• Hike difficulty: Standard route is a steep day hike from the Chisos Basin trailhead; expect a strenuous round trip and a rocky final scramble near the summit.
• Best time to go: Trail is exposed; spring and fall offer the most moderate conditions while summer can be very hot and dry.

The standard approach begins at the Chisos Basin Trailhead inside Big Bend National Park. From the park’s entrance roads, follow signs to the Chisos Basin area; the Emory Peak trail is well signed from the Basin. Park entry requires a vehicle pass available at visitor centers.

• Start from the Chisos Basin trailhead for the classic route; permit and park entry to Big Bend National Park required for park access.
• Bring sun protection and at least 2-3 liters of water per person in summer; there is little shade on the final scramble to the summit.
• The last stretch is steep and includes exposed sections; hikers should be comfortable with short rock scrambles and checking weather - lightning is dangerous in summer storms.