The Iconic Hiking Trail In Texas Is One Of The Coolest Outdoor Adventures You’ll Ever Take
By Katie Lawrence|Published January 18, 2024
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
When it comes to the most iconic hikes in Texas, the Emory Peak Trail in Big Bend National Park is definitely up there. This 10-mile journey is far from easy, but the sweeping panoramic views of the mountainous West Texas desert landscape make it – in my opinion, at least – undeniably worth the effort.
Sometimes hype is just that, but other times, it's for a good reason. The latter is true when it comes to the Emory Peak Trail, one of the most iconic hikes in Texas.
Nestled within the rugged desert landscape of the eponymous Big Bend National Park, this nearly 10-mile out-and-back trail is not for the faint of heart. That being said, if you are up for the challenge, it's an experience you will never forget.
To get to the trail, you'll start off on the Basin Trailhead. From there, you'll follow the Pinnacles Trail for 3.5 miles before branching off on the one-mile trek to the summit.
Emory Peak is the tallest point in the park, towering at a height of over 7,800 feet. The last 25 feet of the journey are especially difficult, requiring hikers to scramble up a nearly sheer rock wall.
Once you make it to the top, however, the panoramic views promise to take your breath away.
The trail is accessible year-round, and each season brings different natural beauty to marvel at. If you ever get the chance to visit during fall, don't pass it up - just look how gorgeous those colors are!
Since the route takes you so high up, you might get the unique opportunity to see the mountaintops shrouded in fog. It's such an ethereal scene and something you'll want to remember for the rest of your life.
You'll probably encounter other hikers because the trail is so popular, but don't let the thought of that dissuade you. The views here are simply too incredible to miss - even if you prefer hiking in relative solitude.