Emory Peak
| Emory Peak | |
|---|---|
 Emory Peak in the fog |
|
| Elevation | 7,825 ft (2,385 m) NGVD 29[1] |
| Prominence | 4,485 ft (1,367 m) [1] |
| Listing | Most prominent peak in Texas [1] |
| Location | |
 |
|
| Range | Chisos Mountains |
| Coordinates | 29°14′45″N 103°18′18″W / 29.2459°N 103.3051°WCoordinates: 29°14′45″N 103°18′18″W / 29.2459°N 103.3051°W[2] |
| Topo map | USGS Emory Peak |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Trail hike and scramble |
Emory Peak, located in Big Bend National Park, is the highest peak in the Chisos Mountains.[1] It is the most prominent peak in Texas and the county high point for Brewster County.[1] The peak is named for William H. Emory, the chief surveyor of the U.S. Boundary Survey team of 1852. From the Chisos Basin the peak appears to be a minor ridge, while the summit of Casa Grande, one mile closer, seems to be much taller. From the west, Emory Peak is clearly visible as a point slightly higher than most of the mountain range.
The peak can be reached by a moderate hike on a well-marked path across steep rocky terrain with an elevation gain of approximately 2500'. The Emory Peak Trail is about 9 miles (14 km) long.[3] Once at the base there is a semi-technical rock scramble to navigate before reaching the summit. No gear is needed for this climb although hikers should take great care. High-desert flora and fauna including alligator juniper, pinon pine, mule deer, prickly pear cacti, Mexican Jay, sotol, and Texas madrone may be seen along the trail. There are signs warning of mountain lions and bears.
The view from the top takes in most of the northern section of the park and a good portion of the Chisos range to the south. One surprise at the top, during the right season, is the population of lady bugs on the summit. There are solar panels, radio transmission equipment, and antennae at the top.
[edit] References
- ^ a b c d e "Emory Peak, Texas". Peakbagger.com. http://www.peakbagger.com/peak.aspx?pid=4333.
- ^ "Emory Peak". Geographic Names Information System, U.S. Geological Survey. http://geonames.usgs.gov/pls/gnispublic/f?p=gnispq:3:::NO::P3_FID:1357017.
- ^ "Day Hikes in the Chisos Mountains". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/chisos-dayhikes.htm. Retrieved 2011-05-15.
[edit] External links
- "Emory Peak". SummitPost.org. http://www.summitpost.org/page/150568. Retrieved 2011-05-15.
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