Big Bend National Park High Point Trip Report
Emory Peak (7,825 ft)
Date: February 19, 2000
Author: Andy Martin
I drove to Big Bend National Park ($10) for a try at Emory Peak. This one is a county HP,
National Park HP, Mexican border county, he-man county, 4,000' prominence peak,
TX 20 finest peak, and best prominence peak in Texas - a 7 bagger!
I parked at the cottages 1/4 mile SW of the Chisos Mountain Lodge,
right at the trailhead (5,400').
A good quality pack trail heads up to a pass at just under 7,000',
and I shared the trail with a few fellow hikers. The trail quality drops a bit after the pass,
and the last bit - a climb up the summit block - actually requires the use of hands.
Most hikers handled this OK, but one poor kid on top was a bit rattled in anticipation
of the downclimb.
Found a witness marker, but no actual BM.
Struck up a nice conversation with a San Antonio resident who had done lots of hiking
in the area. He seemed interested in the TX list and I gave him one of many extras.
Views were hazy, and the Texan blamed a large coal fired power plant in
Chihuahua city Mexico. The country was surprisingly well vegetated in comparison
with the mountains near El Paso I'd been on one day earlier - perhaps they get more
Gulf moisture.
Enjoyed a leisurely lunch and headed down the trail.
It was getting late in the day, and few were headed uphill,
but I met one young fellow giving it a try - with no pack, just toting a full one gallon
plastic water jug. His arm will be sorer than his legs tomorrow.