emory peak

Me and a couple of friends recently completed the Emory peak trail. It took us about 5 hours to complete the return hike. The scenery is awesome and the views form the top are breathtaking. The last part of the hike is a bit difficult because you have to climb up a small rock face up to the summit, but its worth it. We did the hike in November where is was not too hot and not to cold. Big Bend is such a vast beautiful area, and Emory peak is just one of the awesome highlights. We were also very lucky to see a black bear crossing the road as we left the Chisos basin.

I kind of decided last minute to do this on my last day, solo. Everyone else in my group was worn out and a snowstorm was rolling in, but I just had to do it. I left at 2:15 and hit the rocky scramble at 4:30; I was moving fast to beat sunset. There was ZERO visibility because of the storm, but it was also gorgeous with the snow. The rocky scramble was too dangerous in these conditions and for being alone. I was back at the basin by 6:45, thankfully lit up light a Christmas tree with three different lights on. I felt like a superhero. Do this hike in winter, but leave earlier, take it slower, take a friend (or be super careful) and hope for clear weather so you can actually see the view! The actual mileage is clearly in dispute if you read all the reviews--around 9-10 miles and plenty of altitude gain.

Going through the woods, incline very doable. Enjoyed it. Took us 5 hours round trip. We saw a deer and a huge fluffy spider:)

This is a 12-mile hike (to and from included) up the second-highest mountain in Texas. So, be prepared to devote 7 to 9 hours to it. And, when you get to the top, be prepared to climb a gentle but-fierce-nonetheless rock wall to the very top. Given the short days this time of the year, understand that if you begin your ascent as late as 10:30 a.m. (which we did), the last hour of your return will be through wilderness in near-total darkness. That being said, understand that the trip is worth it ... the views from the top of the mountain, the highest elevation in the Chisos Mountains, are spectacular -- hundreds of miles of desert in all directions with a palate of colors that is nothing less than awe-inspiring. It is not an easy walk so don't attempt it unless you're in fairly good physical condition.

Long but good trail. 360 degree view at the top. gorgeous up there. the hike took me (out of shape decent hiker) about 5-6 hours. I went slow and didn't push myself. There is a toilet stop at the crest of the ridge. the last few yards are near vertical rock climbs that look rough and scary but actually are really easy and safe. It looks bad but turns out to be fine! My favorite day and hike in the Park.

Everyone said it was all level or downhill after the initial mile or two. They were correct only if you have already made the climb and are heading back down. Experienced hiers (I am not that frequent a hiker) should have no difficulties.

This is a great hike in the Park. We've done it a couple of times and hope to do it many more. Very good trail work and management, and a great way to see a "bigger" view of this wonderful National Park! It's not too difficult but you should be in good shape, and there is a little 4th class climbing at the very end. All worth it!

When we started we couldn't really understand where the path would take us. It is somewhat confusing because it all blends with the nature so well. It was a hard climb also because it was quite windy and cold but, man, once we got up there there was no doubt how well worth it was!!

This is a physically demanding hike that has a fairly rapid altitude gain with a rewarding view at the end. The scramble up the rocks to the summit can be tricky and not for those with fear of heights, but it's a lot of fun. There's still a good view between the rocks if you want to skip the scramble.We enjoyed the terrain changes as we hiked up, passing remote back country camping sites. There's a vault toilet at the split to South Rim but the day we were there, someone left a bad brown accident all over the seat, so out into the trees we went.There's a bit of a "false" summit as you round one bend after the tree line, but the trail continues on about a mile or so after this point. The trail through the last section before the summit is pretty uneven and rocky, easy to turn ankles here.We thoroughly enjoyed this hike. Great way to spend the day and then get something to eat at the Basin restaurant.

Despite what some people on this site say, this is a tough, grueling hike and not for anyone out of shape. It is not easy or even moderate and it is actually about 10 miles round trip from the parking lot. The Park Service lists it at 7 hours, which is probably a bit long- we did it in 6 hours (including all stops, lunch, and spending 45 min. at summit) and some of our group of 10 did it in 5 1/2, but they were booking. Much of the trail is a regular Park Service dirt trail, but with lots of steep pitches and many rocky steps which are not one step stairs. Near the end, (last 1/2 mile?), the trail deteriorates into very rough rocky going and then you get to a saddle between the two peaks of Emory. The high point requires some rock climbing skills (and lack of acrophobia) and is a bit scary to the uninitiated on the down climb.All that said, the view is magnificent and one gets a great sense of accomplishment- and well worth the effort. We went in December and can't imagine doing it in the heat of summer- Oh. yes, one person complained of bugs -- none in sight in December

The hike up to the Emory Peak trailhead from the basin is relatively strenuous. From the trailhead, it's about another mile to Emory Peak. Once at the top of the trail, you get to decide whether you climb up either side of the two rocky peaks. It's not a difficult scramble on either side, but it's not for the faint of heart. There are significant drop-offs, so you must be careful. That being said, the views from the top of either of the rocky peaks are excellent and worth the hike. Each time I've visited Emory Peak, it's been part of a loop from the basin, to Emory Peak, to the south rim, then back to the basin through Laguna Meadows trail. Great hike!

One of the tallest mountains in Texas, Emory Peak is a relatively easy hike to the summit. Even with a bad pollution day, views to the south enable one to see hundreds of miles into Mexico. The mountains rise like waves into the distance. (If it's a perfectly clear day, one can see as far as the Rayleigh scattering effect lets you -- that's about 260 miles, but check the number on Wiki...)...

To avoid the heat we hiked up in the evening and saw the sunset from the top, highly recomended. We camped out over night, there camp sites are secluded and unexpectedly well kept. We hiked back down the next morning. It was such an awesome experience, can't wait to do it again.

The trail was well-marked and clean. It's a strenuous hike to the top but the view was magnificent. The climb to the peak was confusing and scary since you need to climb rocks with no clear path. We eventually managed and saw a tree full of ladybugs while up there. We saw antenna and some panels. The view of the mountains surrounding the peak with the green trees was remarkable. A blue bird followed us while we were walking down the trail. Other hikers must've been feeding them that's why they're not scared of people. It was so nice to see cactii, plants and animals while hiking.Before you resume to the top, a locker is provided if you need to leave some heavy stuff (at your own risk). A stinky toilet (what do you expect) is accessible at that stop too. Don't forget to bring lots of water, trail food, sun protection (sunscreen, cap) insect repellent and of course, your camera. Expect about 7 hours to complete the hike.

This turned into a huge disappointment due to the massive swarm of small flying insects that I have no idea what they were that seem to only live exactly at the summit of Emory peak. The trail to the summit was the most strenuous hiking we did in the park and actually reaching the summit requires climbing about 20 feet of rock with good hand and foot holds. I don't even remember the view since I spent the whole 5 minutes on the summit spinning in circles and waving my arms. Bugs are gone as soon as you're off the summit and never encountered anything like it anywhere else. Still worth it though to be able to say we reached the summit