Emory Peak Trail Realignment EA (2.87MB PDF)

The National Park Service (NPS) at Big Bend National Park is proposing a major trail realignment of the existing Emory Peak Trail in the high Chisos Mountains. The project would construct 1.19 miles (1.92 kilometers) of new trail to bypass a 0.53 mile (0.85 kilometer) segment of the existing trail, which is poorly designed and heavily eroded. The realignment would start at the Pinnacles Pass, which is approximately 3.5 miles (5.6 kilometers) south of the Chisos Basin developed area.

The proposed realignment of the Emory Peak trail is needed to address visitor safety risks, resource damage, and an unsustainable trail design. From its junction with the Pinnacles Peak Trail, approximately 0.53 mile (0.85 kilometer) of the existing 0.90 mile (1.45 kilometer) long Emory Peak Trail is poorly designed, climbing straight up drainages and ridge lines. The trail has become heavily damaged by ongoing erosion, leading to resource damage and unsafe hiking conditions.

More information is available on this project at the NPS Park Planning website.

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT—May 15, 2007 (116kb PDF File)