Hiking to the Highest Point in Big Bend: Emory Peak Trail Guide
Enjoy the view from the highest point in Big Bend with this trail guide to Emory Peak.
Emory Peak is known as the highest point in Big Bend and one of the most popular day hikes or backpacking trips in the park. Hikers who reach the top of Emory Peak are rewarded with unbeatable views of the Chihuahuan Desert, Santa Elena Canyon, and the Chisos Mountains from 7,827 feet high, making this challenging trail worth all the effort.
To beat as much of the desert heat as we could Mike & I started this trail bright and early one April morning. We got to the trailhead just in time for sunrise, heard the songs of the singing blue jays and enjoyed the majority of the trail to ourselves.
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TRAIL STATS
Distance: 10.4 Miles | Difficulty: Hard | Elevation Gain: 2,522 FT. | Time: 6 Hours | Location: Chisos Basin
GETTING THERE
WEST ENTRANCE
From the west entrance station of Big Bend National Park it’s 25 miles or about a 40 minute drive to Emory Peak Trailhead. Once you enter the park take Panther Junction Rd east for 19 miles. Make a right on Basin Junction Rd heading toward the Chisos Basin. After 6 miles you will arrive at the trailhead in the Chisos Basin.
NORTH ENTRANCE
From the north entrance station of Big Bend National Park it’s 36 miles or about a 50 minute drive to Emory Peak Trailhead. Once you enter the park take Main Park Rd south for 27 miles until you get to the Panther Junction Visitor Center on Gano Springs Rd. Make a right and head west for 3 miles until you get to Basin Junction Rd. Make a left on Basin Junction Rd heading toward the Chisos basin. After 6 miles you will arrive at the trailhead in the Chisos Basin.
ENTRANCE FEE
$15 per person or $30 per vehicle which is valid for 7 days. You can also use the America the Beautiful National Park Pass to enter.
TIP | If you didn’t want to hike this trail in one day you can stay overnight at one of the many tent sites located along the trail. Reservations for campsites can be made at recreation.gov
WHEN TO GO
ANYTIME BUT THE SUMMER. Big Bend National Park is a BEAUITFUL place worth exploring but choosing the right time is crucial. By April temperatures were already reaching 100 degrees which makes hiking in Big Bend a little dangerous.
We recommend researching average monthly temperatures and choose when would be comfortable for you to enjoy being outdoors. We found winter and early spring to be ideal hiking weather in Big Bend National Park.
Always check for current conditions before planning a hike in Big Bend.
WHAT TO BRING
Big Bend National carries two qualities, it’s massive size ( over 800,000 acres ) and it’s dry and sunny climate. Big Bend is located in the Chihuahuan Desert so carrying all your necessary supplies is important. After hiking Big Bend during the winter, spring, and summer these are the items we recommend having.
Plenty of water
( in a insulated bottle preferred ) at least 32 oz per hour you plan on hiking. Big Bend can get VERY hot during late spring to early fall so you want to make sure you have a enough water with you on the trail. It is a dry heat which to us felt like an oven and sucked out any moisture our bodies had.
Hiking Shoes/Boots
Many trails in Big Bend are rocky, sandy, and steep. Having supportive hiking shoes has been so helpful in being able to enjoy the trails and avoid any injuries. We personally love the Columbia brand.
Hiking Sticks
These have been a LIFE SAVER. Hiking sticks are so helpful in giving you extra support as you climb up steep trails as well as coming down steep trails. They provide extra stability and we no longer hike without them.
Sun Protectant
One of the best ways we’ve found to protect our skin is by covering it with sun protectant clothing and hates. To finish it off putting a sun screen on my face and any remaining exposed skin is what we find works for us.
First Aid Kit
It’s never a bad idea to carry a small first aid kit while hiking in Big Bend. Cell service doesn’t really exist in the park so it’s good to be prepared in case of an emergency.
Energizing Snacks
Whatever your version of an energizing snack is, bring plenty. There’s not a lot of food options in the park and you don’t want to be left with chips and soda.
AMENITIES NEARBY
CHISOS BASIN
Open all year and a great place to explore the ancient volcano that is the Chisos Mountains. The Chisos Mountains Lodge offers a variety of rooms and cottages to stay in, dining room, camp store, and gift shop. The Mountain View restaurant is the only full service dining inside the park.
There are also a variety of camping options at the Chisos Basin Campground. Restrooms, water filling station, backcountry & river permits, and park maps can be found at the Chisos Basin Visitor Center. There is some cell service and internet at the Chisos Basin Visitor Center.
ABOUT THE TRAIL
Distance: 10.4 Miles | Difficulty: Hard | Elevation Gain: 2,522 FT. | Time: 6 Hours | Location: Chisos Basin
The trail to Emory Peak starts at the Chisos Basin Visitor Center on the Chisos Basin Loop Trail. Once on the trail, take a left to jump on the Pinnacles Trail toward Emory Peak. This part of the trail features beautiful green juniper trees and bright blooming cactus.
As you climb up the pinnacles trail you will gain 1,600 feet of elevation and arrive at Pinnacles Pass at nearly 7,000 feet. Here you will also pass many campsites to stay overnight if you didn’t want to do this trail in one day.
Once you make it too Pinnacles Pass you’ll come up to a junction to continue on to Emory Peak or go on to Boot Canyon. From this point you have 1.5 miles and 1,000 feet of elevation gain left until you get to Emory Peak.
Climbing up the Pinnacles.
Views of Boot Canyon.
As you reach the end of the trail there is a scramble as you climb up rocks to summit Emory Peak. The last 25 feet is a technical climb up large rock boulders so do be cautious if you choose to go all the way to the peak. Mike went to the top and I decided to stay below.
While at the top enjoy the beautiful 360 degree views of the Santa Elena Canyon, the Chisos Mountains and the surrounding Big Bend region. We had lunch under a tree near the top and took in the amazing views.
Let us know your experience hiking to Emory Peak in the comments below!
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HEY THERE!
WE’RE MIKE & DEANDRA.
Two adventure seekers traveling the U.S in our 37 FT. travel trailer with our two companions, Griffin & Lucy. We share our life on the road and travel guides to our favorite destinations.
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