Emory Peak — Attraction in Manuel Benavides

The best 360 panoramic views of the Chisos Mountains.

We included Emory Peak in a South Rim day hike. We came up the Pinnacles Trail at approx 8am in Mid-July with no issues. It wasn't my first time taking this route to the Rim and it actually felt easier than previous excursions. This was, however, my 1st time up to Emory Peak. At the top of Pinnacles Trail we immediately switched over to the Emory Peak Trail and headed right up. Approx halfway up Emory, the July heat and increasing altitude made themselves known to me, and my pace dropped significantly. The final 1/4 of the trail was quite tiring, with the extremely loose stone trail joining my other tormentors - the heat & altitude. Upon reaching the base of the twin summits, we (my 72 y/o father) split up and climbed up to each of the peaks. I was wearing medium/light heavy duty hiking boots, which were a bit cumbersome for scrambling over the numerous boulders to the peak. We spent over 45 minutes at the top before continuing on our hike to the South Rim. The trip back down Emory Peak Trail was no easier than the trip up. The Emory Peak round trip is listed at 2 miles, but it felt a lot, lot longer than that! (to be fair, it's not like I'm getting any younger).

It was a long, hot day on the trail to the South Rim and we didn't make it back to the Basin until approx 6:30pm. We were well prepared and equipped, however, if I had to do it all again, I'd probably reconsider Emory Peak's inclusion in a South Rim day hike in the middle of July. I felt the effects of Emory Peak Trail for the remainder of my day - I was definitely fatigued by the time I returned to the Basin.

I wouldn't recommend attempting a Emory/South Rim day hike in July. The heat makes every additional mile seem much longer than it really is. That being said, doing Pinnacles up & down/Emory Peak is a very doable summer day hike that I wouldn't hesitate doing again, if given the opportunity.

Some simple advice: Just make sure you're in shape, well equipped and carrying at least 3-4 gallons of water. A good hat, sun screen, sun glasses, and dry-wick clothing are essential.

I...

2.5 hours at an easy pace up. Bring water and food. The last 80' is a rock scramble. Be sure you are comfortable with heights and can do the work. On a clear day you can see for miles and miles. 8) Half way into the peak trail the surface is uneven and hard rock Be careful of your footing. People might be spoiling the solitude up too depending on the time of the year. There is a Brass Surveyors Marker if you'r looking for a Point Of Reference. Canyons allow resting in the shade depending upon what point of the trail you are on. Lots of switchbacks and engineered steps that might be havoc on the knees if you do not trade out lead foot. I did not see a single wild animal or...

This is a fantastic hike. I had read a review that this hike might be more strenuous than Guadeloupe Peak. While the views are similar in their magnificence, the hike is more manicured and walkable at Emory peak. The steps are smaller, you are not on cliff edge until the end, if you climb it. However, it is longer. There is also a bear box at the end of Pinnacles trail so you can drop backpacks and gear or extra fluids. I simply dropped a sweatshirt since temps were rising. I am 60. It took 5 hours round trip. I had two 20 ounce bottles that lasted the full hike My feeling is that this is easier...