Big Bend National Park is a west Texas treasure, spanning more than 800,000 acres along a remote area bordering Mexico. The park contains the entire Chisos Mountains Range and there’s an enchanting rugged beauty to the place that makes it a popular destination, drawing nature lovers from San Antonio, Austin and beyond.

One of the best ways to take in this incredible Chicos Mountains landscape is a hike on the Emory Peak Trail. It’s not an easy trek, but the views of Big Bend are unparalleled. Here’s what you need to know to hike Emory Peak.

The Emory Peak Trail is an out-and-back hike that covers 10 miles. It's the most challenging hike at this location but there are other hiking options that are shorter and easier if you would like to save the summit for another day.
Keeping Wanderlust / AllTrails
The trail is well-traveled and easy to follow. Early in the hike, you'll encounter some terraced stairs.
Bryton Praslicka / AllTrails
You'll likely have some birds to keep you company on your hike. Big Bend National Park is home to more than 450 species of birds.
Steven Sawyer / AllTrails

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The hike will take you across some rocky terrain and it involves some serious elevation gain—about 2,500 feet.
Kelly Gant / AllTrails
Your hike up the trail will take you through the wooded north-facing slope. You'll encounter cacti and other plants that thrive in this desert climate.
Keeping Wanderlust / AllTrails
The elevation at the peak is 7,825 feet. It's the 14th-highest peak in Texas.
Alexandra Agroskin / AllTrails
The view at the top is incredible. You can see most of the northern area of the park and an expanse of the Chisos Mountains to the south.
Jeff Schiffman / AllTrails

The trail is open to hikers all year. You may encounter some snow during the winter at higher elevations, so consider wearing good boots and dress in layers. There’s a fee to enter Big Bend National Park. It’s $30 per vehicle or $25 for a motorcycle. Looking for more amazing Texas hiking trails. Here are some more trails you should put on your bucket list.

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Emory Peak, Texas 79834, USA