Adventure Awaits at Emory Peak, Big Bend National Park

The Emory Peak hike was absolutely worth every step. The views at the top are unreal and make the climb completely worth it. The trail is challenging enough to feel rewarding but still fun the whole way up. Seeing the Chisos Mountains stretch out for miles was incredible. Bring water, take your time, and enjoy one of the best views in Texas.

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.

The trail was relatively easy for most of the way up. I was amazed by the richness of nature in this park, especially the variety of birds, many I had never seen before, including countless bluebirds. I was also surprised to learn that Big Bend is home to both mountain lions and black bears. I didn’t see many hikers until the last half mile, which was very steep, that’s probably why people slowed down. Oddly enough, I realized I’ve come to really enjoy the steep parts of hikes. In fact, I found it fun. The ascent to the peak was about five miles (Strava clocked my roundtrip at 10.27 miles). Coming down was fast, as usual, I’m nearly unstoppable on the descent. I finished the hike by 12:15, just a little over four hours. This a must to hike and if got the time make sure you go all the way to the South Rim and loop back; you will need two day, one night.

This is the highest peak in Big Bend and the second best view in the park. The hike up here from Chisos Basin was very scenic and had some nice pinnacles and views, and was kinda easy. Once at the summit wind gap between the two rocks, scramble to the right to reach the actual peak with the amazing views and the summit stuff. This is a class 2 lightly exposed scramble.