Chisos Mountains
| Chisos Mountains | |
|---|---|
 A photo of the Chisos mountain range from the desert to the east at sunrise, 22 February 2002. |
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| Highest point | |
| Peak | Emory Peak |
| Elevation | 7,825 ft (2,385 m) |
| Coordinates | 29°14′45″N 103°18′14″W / 29.24583°N 103.30389°W |
| Geography | |
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  Texas |
| Range coordinates | 29°16′N 103°18′W / 29.27°N 103.3°WCoordinates: 29°16′N 103°18′W / 29.27°N 103.3°W |
The Chisos Mountains are a mountain range located in the Big Bend area of West Texas, USA. The mountain range is contained entirely within the boundaries of Big Bend National Park. This is the only mountain range in the United States to be fully contained within the boundary of a National Park. It is also the southernmost mountain range in the United States.
The highest point in the Chisos Mountain range is Emory Peak at 7825' (2,385 m) above sea level.
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Location and access[edit]
The Chisos Mountains are located in Big Bend National Park. The range of mountains extends twenty miles from Punta de la Sierra in the southwest to Panther Junction in the northeast. There are two routes to access the Chisos Basin Visitor Center, campground, general store, and the Chisos Mountain Lodge. (1)Take US HWY 385 S to Panther Junction turn right on Texas State Rt. 118; travel on TX SR 118 for about 3 miles then turn left on Green Gulch. (2) Take Texas State Rt 118 S to Green Gulch and turn right. An extensive trail system and permit required backcountry campsites are maintained by Big Bend National Park for its visitors. Some trails and campsites are closed from January through April to protect nesting sites of indigenous bird species.
The Chisos mountain area and basin contain most conveniences for the park. Other park service areas are minimal. The mountain area is partly forested (recovering from logging and overgrazing prior to the area's inclusion in the National Park System in the 1930s), and the surrounding area is beautiful Chihuahuan Desert. Nearest towns of consequence are Fort Stockton, 135 miles north, Alpine, 105 miles northwest and Presidio, about 100 miles west. Two Mexican towns (Boquillas and Santa Elena) border the park; but cross-border access has been prohibited since 2002.
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Sunset from the South Rim in Big Bend National Park.
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Rain approaching the South Rim of the Chisos.
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View from the South Rim.
Prominent peaks[edit]
- Emory Peak 7,825'
- Lost Mine Peak 7,535'
- Toll Mountain 7,415'
- Casa Grande Peak 7,325'
See also[edit]
- Big Bend
- Big Bend Ranch State Park
- Chihuahuan Desert
- Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River
- Guadalupe Mountains National Park
- McKittrick Canyon
