Trip Planner:   USA  /  Texas  /  Big Bend National Park  /  Chisos Mountains

Chisos Mountains, Big Bend National Park

4.9
#2 of 39 in Things to do in Big Bend National Park
Must see · Mountain · Nature / Park
The Chisos Mountains, also known as the Chisos, are a mountain range located in the Big Bend area of the Trans-Pecos region of Texas, United States. The mountain system covers 40 square miles (104 square km) and is contained entirely within the boundaries of Big Bend National Park, making it the only mountain range in the United States fully contained within a national park. The Chisos Mountains are the southernmost mountain range in the mainland United States.

The Chisos Mountains were created by volcanic activity during the Eocene Epoch 35-44 million years ago.
The highest point in the Chisos Mountain range is Emory Peak at 7,825 ft (2,385 m) above sea level.
Using our online itinerary creator, Big Bend National Park attractions like Chisos Mountains can form part of a personalized travel itinerary.
Source
Create an itinerary including Chisos Mountains
© OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap contributors

Chisos Mountains reviews

Rate this attraction
TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 5.0
331 reviews
Google
4.9
TripAdvisor
  • By NicholasSegeyWong
    Come to the Chisos Mountains, and you will be stunned by the remarkable difference between the harsh barren-lands over the ridge and the lush greenery you seek. I recommend hiking the Lost Mine...  more »
  • By DarrenDaugherty
    As a resident of North Texas for over 15 years, we had often been told about the beauty of Big Bend and its mountains. We finally made the 8+ hours to drive there and go backpacking. What a beautiful....  more »
See more on TripAdvisor »
Google
  • By Teresa Brazell
    As a kid my parents would take us on vacations in Big Bend almost every summer. The hiking trails, Santa Elena Canyon, and Boquillas Canyon we're beautiful. We always stayed in the Basin in the camping area, either in tents or travel trailer. The memories have stayed with me and would love to go back again soon.
  • By Chantal Munoz
    Love this place!
See more on Google »

Plan your trip to Big Bend National Park

  • Get a personalized trip
    A complete day by day itinerary
    based on your preferences
  • Customize it
    Refine your trip. We'll find the
    best routes and schedules
  • Book it
    Choose from the best hotels
    and activities. Up to 50% off
  • Manage it
    Everything in one place.
    Everyone on the same page.

Popular things to do in Big Bend National Park

Santa Elena Canyon ©
Canyon
Santa Elena Canyon
4.9
Duration: 2 hours
Lost Mine Trail ©
Hiking Trail
Lost Mine Trail
4.9
Duration: 2 hours
The Window Trail ©
Hiking Trail
The Window Trail
4.8
Duration: 2h 30 min
Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive ©
Scenic Drive
Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive
4.9
Duration: 2 hours

Nature in Big Bend National Park

Boquillas Canyon ©
Canyon
Boquillas Canyon
4.6
Duration: 2 hours
The Balanced Rock ©
Geologic Formation
The Balanced Rock
4.8
Duration: 2 hours
Emory Peak ©
Mountain
Emory Peak
4.9
Duration: 2 hours
Chihuahuan Desert ©
Desert
Chihuahuan Desert
4.9
Duration: 2 hours

Hidden gems in Big Bend National Park

El Camino Del Rio ©
Scenic Drive
El Camino Del Rio
Lajitas
4.8
Duration: 2h 30 min
Closed Canyon ©
Hiking Trail
Closed Canyon
Lajitas
4.7
Duration: 2h 30 min
Rio Grande
Water Body
Rio Grande
4.2
Duration: 2 hours
Lajitas Zipline ©
Golf Course
Lajitas Zipline
Lajitas
5.0
Duration: 4 hours

Trails in Big Bend National Park

S Rim Trail ©
Hiking Trail
S Rim Trail
4.9
Duration: 2 hours
Sam Nail Ranch ©
Hiking Trail
Sam Nail Ranch
4.1
Duration: 2 hours
Rio Grande Village Nature Trail ©
Hiking Trail
Rio Grande Village Nature Trail
4.2
Duration: 2 hours
Ernst Tinaja Trail ©
Hiking Trail
Ernst Tinaja Trail
5.0
Duration: 2 hours

Side trips from Big Bend National Park

Ghost Town Texas ©
Ghost Town
Ghost Town Texas
Terlingua
3.1
Duration: 2h 30 min
Barton Warnock Environmental Education Center ©
Wildlife Area
Barton Warnock Environmental Education Center
Terlingua
4.7
Duration: 2 hours
Terlingua Trading Company ©
Gift & Specialty Shop
Terlingua Trading Company
Terlingua
4.3
Duration: 2h 30 min
Many Stones ©
Gift & Specialty Shop
Many Stones
Terlingua
4.7
Duration: 2 hours

Nearby attractions in Big Bend National Park

Panther Junction Visitor Center ©
Visitor Center
Panther Junction Visitor Center
4.4
Duration: 2 hours
Big Bend National Park - Fossil Bone Exhibit ©
Specialty Museum
Big Bend National Park - Fossil Bone Exhibit
4.6
Duration: 1h 30 min
Cattail Falls Trail ©
Waterfall
Cattail Falls Trail
4.5
Duration: 4 hours

Don't Miss a Thing. See & Do More.

Trips to Chisos Mountains by other users

10 days in Big Bend Country BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES El Paso Guadalupe Mountains National Park Alpine 5 days in Big Bend Country BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES Terlingua Fort Davis El Paso 5 days in Big Bend National Park BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES The Window Trail Santa Elena Canyon Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive 14 days in United States BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES Santa Fe Amarillo Big Bend National Park 8 days in San Antonio & Big Bend National Park BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES San Antonio Big Bend National Park 54 days in United States BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES Pacific Beach Glacier National Park Shoshone