The Chisos Mountains are the only mountain range in the United States to be located entirely within a National Park. The area has the popular Chisos Basin Campground as well as popular hiking trails The Window, Lost Mine and Emory Peak.
The Window Trail
The Window Trail is one of the most popular hiking routes in Big Bend National Park. It is 5.5 miles from the Chisos Basin Visitor Center parking lot to the pouroff and back. The trip can also be shortened by almost two miles if you leave from the Chisos Basin Campground, though parking there can be limited.
This is the landscape around The Window:
This is a portion of The Window Trail:
It is a popular place to admire and photograph the sunset:
Emory Peak Trail
Emory Peak is the third highest mountain peak in Texas and the highest summit in Big Bend National Park at an elevation of 7,825 feet. The 9 mile out and back trail allows park visitors to climb to the summit of Emory Peak in the Chisos Mountains and experience a 360 degree view of the national park.
Lost Mine Trail
Lost Mine Trail is a nearly 5 mile roundtrip hike with views of Casa Grande, Juniper Canyon and Lost Mine Peak, the second highest peak in Big Bend National Park at 7,550 feet. The trailhead and small parking area for the trail is near the rim of Panther Pass. The trail is considered a great way to explore the Chisos Mountains although it is important to note that it does not summit Lost Mine Peak.
Chisos Basin Campground
This is a year round 60 site campground at an elevation of 5,400 feet. It is located near some of the park’s most popular trails.
There are 26 sites that are reservable from November 15th to May 31st. The cost is $14 per night.
There are also 7 group campsites available by advance reservation.
There is a narrow, winding road to reach the campground and RVs over 24 feet or trailers over 20 feet are not recommended.
Chisos Mountain Lodge
This is the sole lodging option in Big Bend National park with 72 rooms including hotel units, motel rooms and Roosevelt Stone Cottages among the Chisos Mountains.