Emory Peak — Local services in Manuel Benavides

This is a fun, challenging hike. We got to see a bear cub, a deer, and a tarantula on the way up. The Park Guide mentions a "scramble" at the top; however, it should probably state that there is a light scramble for about 100 feet followed by about 30 feet of actual rock climbing. When you get to the point where you are looking up at the antenna on the peak, look to your right. There is a small gap with a rock in the middle. This is probably your best opportunity to climb up (and back down).

Climbing up to the top of the peak isn't the hard part. When you are ready to climb down, you quickly realize that the very last part that you climbed actually has a really steep drop-off and that you need to be extra careful. Once you get past that part and know that you aren't going to fall off the side of the mountain, it isn't too bad. The hike back is almost all downhill and is quite relaxing.

We went on a day that the high was in the 80s, and it started to feel warm after hiking for about 6 hours. Your best bet is probably to start hiking a little bit before the sun comes up so that you get back a bit after lunch and avoid the...

Hard Trial!!! Go with the proper planned with water and necessary costumes. Once you reach the peak it’s an awesome movie you feel like standing above all the big bend peaks. That feel is extraordinary.

Well worth it. Took us just under 8 hours including the hour plus we spent at the top. You definitely could do this in under 6 but we took it at a slow and steady pace. The final half mile of the trail is very technical with lots of rocks to navigate. We had to stow our trekking poles and slowly work our way to the top. Once at the top it took us a little to figure out what way to go to climb to the peak. But going around the right (northern) side seemed the best way to go. We were able to climb at more of an angle instead of going straight up the center which was more of a vertical climb. I was able to do it with my relatively large backpack. It definitely isn't for the faint of heart but the "scramble" up was worth it. The hardest part was finding a way up. Also it's the right (northern) peak not the left...

Excellent hike and views. Quite strenuous, especially the last 50ft, which requires climbing steep boulders and rocks with sheer cliff edges close by. We completed Emory peak as part of a two day hike around the south rim. There are bear boxes and a composting toilet located 1.5 miles from the top which we utilized both;). Leaving our packs at the bear box and just bringing water/snack made the hike up to the peak much more enjoyable.

My 12 year old son and I went to the top, but use your own judgement since the last 50ft are very steep and require reaching and climbing, so much so that there were several adult males in other groups who chose not to climb it. This is an excellent hike with awestriking views even if you refrain from this last section. It truly gave us the opportunity to lift up our eyes and see who created these magnificent...