Lost Mine Peak

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Big Bend National Park
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Lost Mine Peak

Page Type:	Mountain/Rock
Lat/Lon:	29.27620°N / 103.2584°W
Elevation:	7550 ft / 2301 m
	Sign the Climber's Log!

Overview

Lost Mine Peak, though not as well known as Emory Peak, is the second highest peak in Big Bend National Park. At 7,550 ft, as listed by the National Park Service, Lost Mine is only 275 ft shorter than Emory. A short bushwhack and steep 4th class final pitch leave this lofty and beautiful peak climbed by less than 10 people a year. Lost Mine Peak was formed around 30 million years ago when a volcanic vent located somewhere in the Basin region erupted the last of Big Bend's Rhyolite magma. The Lost Mine Member, as this eruption of magma is called, is a part of the South Rim Formation. This formation covers the tops of Emory Peak, the South Rim, Crown Peak, and the Burro Mesa. The Rhyolite that formed much of the beautiful rock in other parts of the Chisos worked its magic again, as Lost Mine Peak has many spires, crevices, and ridges, which make it one of the most rugged and beautiful peaks in the park.

View of the Chisos from the Grapevine Hills. Photo © 01ACRViper

Getting There

At the Panther Junction Visitor Center, take a right and head west until you reach the turnoff for the Basin. Take a left on this road and continue until you reach the top of Panther Pass. Just on the other side of the pass is the Lost Mine Trail parking lot. While this trail does not lead to the summit, it leads you to within a mile and 1000 feet of the summit. Another approach would be to access Pine Canyon via the 4wd road and hike/bushwhack your way to the peak.

Red Tape

Because Lost Mine Peak is located inside Big Bend National Park, there is a $15 per car entrance fee, which is good for 7 days. There are no fees to hike or climb, however a free backcountry permit is required to camp.

Big Bend National Park
Big Bend, TX 79834
(915) 447-2251

From February 1st to July 15th parts of the Lost Mine Trail may be closed for Peregrin Falcon nesting. Check with Rangers for more details.

When To Climb

Late Fall, Winter, or early Spring are your best bets for climbing in the Chisos. It is possible to climb in the summer, but caution must be excercised when hiking in the extreme heat and sun.

Camping

The nearest developed camping is available in the Basin. Backcountry sites are availble throughout the Chisos, but require a free backcountry permit.

Mountain Conditions

For up to date conditions, call Big Bend National Park at (915) 447-2251. As always when hiking in desert conditions, you must carry all the water you will be needing with you.

Additions and CorrectionsPost an Addition or Correction

Viewing: 1-1 of 1

TimmyC - Apr 25, 2018 8:25 am - Voted 10/10

New area code, corrected exchange.

The (new) phone number for the park is 432-477-2251. And, even though this info will be out-of-date really quickly, as of right now at the end of April '18, the only current raptor (peregrine falcons!) restrictions in the park are on the SE Rim Trail and the eastern part of the NE Rim Trail. "Any other restrictions of which I should be aware?" I asked the ranger on the phone. "NO SMOKING," he said in a way that was both friendly and also very, very clear. I'm assuming that ranger has raised teenagers... (heh)