Conquering Emory Peak: My Highest Point in Texas

The Circled portion is where we started our trail and we are on the top of Emory’s Peak

I will never forget the emotions I felt standing at the trailhead for Emory Peak at 6 a.m. As the sun began to rise over Big Bend National Park, I thought about my training and overall preparation for the hike. Even so, in the back of my mind, I was still nervous about the journey ahead. Emory Peak is the highest point in Texas, standing at 7,825 feet, and reaching it requires a 10-mile roundtrip hike with about 2,500–2,700 feet of elevation gain through desert and mountain terrain. I chose this trail as my first major hike because I wanted to prove to myself that I could do hard things—and that day, I really did.

The beginning of the hike was all about pacing myself and listening to my body. The trail winds through the Chisos Mountains, offering incredible views even early on. One of the highlights at the start was a wildlife encounter with a white-spotted deer, which made the experience feel even more special and reminded me that I was truly immersed in nature.

Around the middle of the trail was when the fatigue started to hit. I stopped more often for snacks and rest, realizing just how important fueling and recovery are on long hikes. This section of the trail also includes a rest area with bathrooms and bear boxes, where hikers leave their packs behind to make the final climb easier and safer.

The final push to the summit was rough. To be completely honest, I cried. I was exhausted and truly didn’t believe I could make it to the top. But I had already come so far, and I decided I owed it to myself to keep going. The last section involves a short but intense rock scramble, which was terrifying for me. I’m not the most balanced or confident climber, and every step felt nerve-wracking. Still, I pushed through.

When I finally reached the summit, everything changed. Standing at the top of Emory Peak, looking out over the desert, mountains, and endless horizon, felt unreal. In that moment, it felt like my eyes were opened to something new. I realized I had found a passion for exploring nature and discovering what national parks have to offer. I was so proud of myself, and I remember saying out loud, through tears, “See, I can do hard things.”

That hike didn’t just take me to the highest point in Texas—it inspired my love for nature and all the trails that would come after it.