HAND-VERIFIED TRAIL · BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK

Emory Peak Trail

10.5 midistance
2,500 ftelevation gain
4h 45mmoving time
238 ft/miaverage climb

Emory Peak Trail is a 10.5 mi trail with 2,500 ft of climbing — about 4h 45m of moving time before you stop for anything. Dogs are not allowed, and we rate it comfortable from age 14. About 35% of it is shaded, and no refill point is recorded on the route.

CAN WE ALL GO?

Who this trail suits

🐕 No dogs 🧒 Comfortable from age 14 👶 No stroller 🚻 Restrooms at the trailhead 💧 No refill recorded ☀️ 35% shaded

Underfoot & overhead final 25 ft scramble on open rock

WHAT THIS CLIMB COSTS YOU

Emory Peak Trail charges in hours, not miles.

10.5 mi and 2,500 ft of climbing work out to 4h 45m of moving time — before you stop for anything. No refill is recorded on the route — you carry all of it. Informational only, not medical advice.

Get the summer refuel plan →

NAISMITH · CDC · ACSM · how these numbers are worked out

4h 45mmoving time, no breaks
2.4–4.8 Lwater, cool day → hot
140–280 gcarbs across that climb
HOW HARD IT FEELS

Steepness and shade

238 ft per mile 1st steepest of the 7 trails we've measured in Big Bend National Park
35% shaded Patchy cover — the sun finds you in stretches

In June, Big Bend National Park runs around 95°F at the main visitor elevation. With no refill recorded on the route, everything you drink starts in your pack.

TODAY AT THE PARK

Before you leave the car

Today

91°F · Sunny · wind 5 to 10 mph

NOAA forecast for Big Bend National Park — not for this trailhead specifically
⚠️ Boquillas Crossing Port of Entry is open Friday-Monday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Until further notice, the Boquillas Crossing Port of Entry will be open Friday through Monday, 9:00 am through 4:00 pm. It will not change to winter hours at this time.

Live NPS alert for Big Bend National Park
⚠️ Big Bend is a NO DRONE Zone

The use of drones is prohibited in Big Bend National Park. Thank you for preserving the peace and tranquility of Big Bend.

Live NPS alert for Big Bend National Park
NOT THIS ONE?

Other trails in Big Bend National Park

QUICK ANSWERS

Frequently asked

How long does Emory Peak Trail take?

About 4h 45m of moving time for 10.5 mi and 2,500 ft of climbing — that is Naismith's planning rule, so it counts walking only, with nothing for photos, lunch or the queue at the top.

How much water should I carry on Emory Peak Trail?

Planning figures for that much moving time are 2.4–4.8 L, cool day to hot. No refill point is recorded on the route, so you carry all of it. Informational only, not medical advice.

Can I take a dog on Emory Peak Trail?

No — Emory Peak Trail is closed to dogs. Our Big Bend National Park dog guide lists the trails where they are welcome, plus boarding and the nearest 24/7 vet.

Is Emory Peak Trail good for kids?

We rate it comfortable from age 14. It is not a stroller route. That rating is our own hand-check of length, footing and exposure, not an official NPS grade.

When is the best time of day to hike Emory Peak Trail?

About 35% of the route is shaded, and Big Bend National Park peaks around 95°F in its hottest month. The less shade a route has, the more of it you want behind you before midday.