Mountains in Texas

The Guadalupe Mountains are ancient fossilized coral reefs that rise majestically from the floor of the Chihuahuan Desert in western Texas.

Their centerpiece is the conifer-forested Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas at 8,749 feet.

Hikers and scramblers happily summit this popular peak via a well-maintained hiking trail that is 4.2 miles long to the top.

The 3,000-foot elevation gain from the trailhead is a near perfect match for the 3,039-foot prominence.

At the top, hikers are greeted by an interesting, triangular steel monument dedicated to mail stage line drivers and airmail pilots.

It’s the view that is priceless, though, especially at sunset with splashy purple, pink, and orange hues over the white Salt Basin Dunes.

Amon-Carter Peak is situated in the Chisos Mountains inside Big Bend National Park. Also referred to simply as Carter Peak, it is one of the most popular area hiking destinations, forming the Window with Vernon Bailey Peak.

The hike to the summit is excellent, except for the occasional need for bushwhacking.

Class three scrambling is necessary in some parts of the ascent to the 5,688-foot peak, so climbers should come prepared.

The tree-covered slopes provide relief from the hot desert lowlands.

Hikers should be aware of the presence of mountain lions and black bears in the region.

Anthonys Nose is located in the Franklin Mountains, where its name sprung from its resemblance to the human facial feature. It’s the mountain range’s second highest peak at 6,927 feet.

The terrain is quite brutal, with abundant lechugilla (an agave plant indigenous to the Chihuahuan Desert), ocotillo, prickly pear, and other prickly plants.

Even the easiest routes to the summit will require some class three scrambling, and maybe class four climbing.

With no established trails to the top, this climbing experience is for the true adventurer who enjoys the challenge and solitude of a mountainous, unspoiled desert terrain. This cross-country day hike is a strenuous one.

In contrast to the brutal terrain of Anthony’s Nose, Bush Mountain offers a kinder, gentler ascent for an exhilarating climb.

It is the second highest peak in both the Guadalupe Mountains and the state of Texas, behind neighboring Guadalupe Peak.

Hikers can expect a pleasant summit experience with soft grasses, moderate temperatures, and a smattering of Douglas fir and ponderosa pine trees.

Epic desert views of the surrounding Chihuahuan Desert and Pine Spring Canyon are the reward at this summit.

Hikers can also expect to see Bartlett Peak, Guadalupe Peak, and Shumard Peak.

Those hoping to camp in the area have plenty of choices, from front country to back country camping.

Palo Duro Canyon, otherwise known as the Grand Canyon of Texas, is a collection of peaks, mesas, smaller canyons, and badlands.

Capitol Mesa sits at the southern rim of the canyon where hikers can expect to see red and gold badlands, white caprock boulders, rocky pinnacles, and dramatic hoodoos.

Hikers will be rewarded with spectacular views at the top. There is also an opportunity to hike off trail to the Lighthouse, Capitol Mesa’s most impressive hoodoo.

A suggested route is to hop on the Lighthouse Trail, but in 0.5 miles to go south at the fork for the ascent. The cross-country trail along Capital Mesa ridge to the Lighthouse connects with the Lighthouse Trail for the descent.

Cerro Castellan peak is located in the southwest corner of Big Bend National Park in the Santa Elena Canyon area.

It is a remote butte that dominates the landscape with sheer cliffs all around. The imposing peak looks like an unlikely climb, except to the elite rock-jock.

Fortunately, that’s not the case. On the peak’s east side, a steep scramble to the summit exists, providing adventurous climbers with a fairly straightforward ascent.

The round-trip scramble shouldn’t take hikers more than a couple hours to complete.

Because of its southern Texas location, it’s inadvisable to make the climb during summer due to excessive heat.

Travelers who prefer to look at their mountain peaks from the windows of an air conditioned car will feel satisfied with a drive-by of Chinati Peak.

The peak is a Presidio County highpoint in the remote area of the high desert Chinati Mountains a few miles from the Mexican border.

It is currently closed to visitors.

Those wanting to experience the beautiful views of Chinati Peak and the surrounding area should follow Pinto Canyon Road, a solitary, scenic drive that showcases the grasslands of Marfa Plateau, the craggy Chinati Mountains, scenic Pinto Canyon, and the desert of Rio Grande Valley. The 7,728-foot Chinati Peak is a major area landmark.

A climb to the 7,484-foot Eagle Peak summit is a hit-or-miss endeavor. The Hudspeth County highpoint is located in the Eagle Mountains, also known as the Devil Ridge Mountains. The unfortunate fact is that the peak is on private land. Climbers will need to first endure the possibility of Border Patrol vehicle searches in the area before making their way to Hayter Ranch to secure permission to summit the peak. Alternative plans for other peaks are encouraged in case securing permission to climb Eagle Peak doesn’t pan out. Those who do make the hike up the easy dirt road to the top will be rewarded with vistas only a highpointer can provide.

El Capitan is the eighth highest peak in Texas with a 305-foot prominence. Making it to the summit of this limestone mountain offers climbers a stunning vista. The natural beauty of the vast Texas desert spreads out below this dramatic peak in the Guadalupe Mountains. Sunset only adds to the ethereal quality. The exhilarating ascent is made in a roundabout manner, since there is no trail to the El Capitan summit. Instead, hikers must climb Guadalupe Mountain, then bushwhack to where the two meet, and ascend El Capitan from there. Autumn is the most comfortable time of year to make the climb.

Adventurous climbers who aren’t afraid of remote locations will be happy to take on the challenge of Fresno Peak, located in Big Bend Ranch State Park in the Chihuahuan Desert. This 5,131-foot peak is over 15 harsh miles of desert from the nearest road. There are also no established trails to the peak, but rather innumerable hiking routes that have been made by past climbers. Even rock-jocks should be cautious of the class two scrambling, since a single mistake can have deadly consequences in a place as remote as this. For those who take on the challenge, there are beautiful views of Fresno Creek, Terlingua, Bofecillos Highlands, and the caldera from the summit.