chisos mountains

I think the mountains here are the most beautiful but it has lots of visitors. Some of our group took like a 5 mile hike which I did not do. The drive there is pretty steep and I was in a VW Bus and it was struggling against the grade. It is a place that I highly recommend. Camping there is usually always taken.

Backpacked and stayed one night on the the South Rim of the Chisos Mountains. Unforgettable beauty. Highly recommended. 2000 ft elevation gain, 13 miles round trip.

These are some of the most beautiful mountains I've seen; have been to many of the "famous" national parks such as Yosemite and Tetons, but these are dramatic, isolated, and huge. The weather changed frequently while we were there in early March so they mountains looked a little different every time we looked up. Great hikes in the area (Emory Peak, The Window, Lost Mine Trail, Grapevine Hills, etc).

The scenery is spectacular. Do some reading about the area and do visit with a park ranger or two so you know what you're looking at other than "just mountains."

The Chisos Mountains in Big Bend National Park are loaded with great hiking trails from easy to skilled. The views are spectacular.

Though topographical maps indicate a trail to Maple Canyon, in actuality, there is only the slightest suggestion of a trail. Map notwithstanding, access to the canyon is quick and relatively easy. The trailhead is easy to find. Located about halfway between the Basin and Basin Junction, it is marked by a fire-danger sign and a brown gate loaded with reflectors. Take care not to block this gate, as it provides access to the service road for the power line into the Basin. There is enough space for one vehicle along the road without blocking the gate, plus a pullout just downhill from the gate along the Basin Road.The first 1/4 mile, or so, of the hike follows this two-track service road. You will come to a clearing with a pile of gravel in its midst. The two-track continues on the other side of the clearing. A short uphill section will lead to a second, much-smaller clearing where the foot trail begins to the right. It is marked by a couple of small cairns and an arrow fashioned from downed limbs. If you get the feeling that you have been walking alongside the power lines for too long, then you have probably missed the cut-off. Another mile, or so, along the partly shaded trail, and you will arrive at the creek bottom. The trail is quite faint, but it is marked by many small cairns. The trail’s surface is packed throughout. Sotols and various other spiny bushes have encroached, so wearing long pants is suggested. As you make your way deeper into the canyon, the sound of traffic on the Basin Road will be replaced by the calls of Canyon Wrens, Cactus Wrens, and Rock Squirrels. Approaching the usually dry creek, signs of bear (scat and upturned sotols) become increasingly abundant. A shallow slope descends to the rocky creek bed where two cairns are located on opposite banks of the creek. The creek bed here is shaded by deciduous oaks, live oaks, and madrone.If you are sure-footed and nimble, you can continue up canyon, picking your way over not-too-large boulders that come in a wide range of colors. The temperature cools the further up canyon you venture, due mostly to increased shading provided by the looming, nearly vertical walls of Pulliam Bluff on the right and Pulliam Peak on the left. If you climb far enough, you will eventually reach a small stand of bigtooth maple and Mexican buckeye, and in October, you might be rewarded by bright red maple foliage. We visited in February and the dead, brown leaves were still on the trees. Here, you may also note the distinctive, sour smell of willow. At this point, you will have climbed about 300 feet in elevation from the gate. On the way back up the slope out of the creek bottom, we found mosses and liverworts; not exactly the vegetation one expects to see in the Big Bend.The drawing points of this hike: it’s easy, short, shaded, close to the Basin and, except for the bear, you are likely to be alone.

The Chisos Mountains are an absolute must when visiting Big Bend National Park. The diversity of the mountain environment encapsulated within the Chihuahuan Desert provides some of the most dramatic scenery within the park. Whether you are touring by auto or have the time to enjoy some of the splendid hiking you won't be disappointed. Take the time to enjoy the respite from the desert and, if you do hike, there are some great options. The Lost Mine hike (about 5 miles RT goes up about 1,200 feet with some switchbacks) provides exceptional mountain views along with changes in the forest as you climb. The trail is excellent and is no more than moderate in difficulty. If you can, plan to hike early as the trail head parking lot is small and fills up quickly. The other hike we took was the window Trail. The trail can be accessed from either the Chisos Basin parking area or the campground just below. We opted for the campground (shorter by about 1.2 miles). Its slightly down hill out and the reverse back. The trail ends at top of the window pour off. Look through the window but don't get too close as the rocks are slick and it's a long way down. Start early if you can as the trail offers little shade.

This area is beyond expectations and unfortunately beyond most people's travel range. The topography and geology is amazing and varies significantly from one point of entry to another. Visit and enjoy!

I recently visited the Chisos mountains, a group of friends and I went to the Chisos basin, and completed a hike up to Emory peak. The Chisos Mountains are very easy to get to by car; we stayed in a small village close by called Terlingua which was awesome. I would definitely recommend a visit to the Chisos basin while you are visiting Big Bend. We were even lucky enough to see a black bear crossing the road in front of our vehicle.

Located in Big Bend National Park, the Chisos Mountains are enigmatic and awesome, rising from the Chihuahuan desert. Great views, many hiking, lodging and lounging options.

I've hiked in these mountains several times. They are absolutely amazing with so many things to see from lichens, flora and fauna to wildlife. My husband and I have been trying to time our trips just right to catch the cactus blooming. Hopefully this year. We actually try to go every single year to see all of the beautiful seasons and different blooming times for all of the beautiful wildflowers. This place is a must see!!

When driving through the basin on New Years Day the fog had coated everything with ice crystals. Breathtaking! It was clear up at trailhead. Emory mountain hike was a nice mi distance hike. Not too difficult and views were amazing! I can't believe we've lived in Texas all our lives and not come to Big Bend. Will be back soon.

Car camped in Chisos basin with my girlfriend. All of the power was out and the gas stations were unavailable (due to an auto accident), but we had a great experience. Staff was very helpful and friendly. The park rangers were knowledgeable and friendly as well.So much to do! Wish we had more time!

These are tall mountains in the 8500 foot category. They are very approachable. The rock scape is rugged with pours that become waterfalls when it rains. The roads were for cars and vans only, no trailers or RVs.

We hiked up the Lost Mine Trail and enjoyed every minute of it. There are beautiful, majestic views of the mountains in all directions. It took about 1 1/2 hours to hike up and we stayed at the top for more 1 1/2 hours to take it all in. It takes about 1 hour to come back down. We had backpacks with water, snacks, sunscreen, and binoculars. Dress in layers. It gets cooler on the way up, but your body warms up with the exercise.