Expedition Team: Dave Miller, Rosie Miller
Date: May 8, 2024
This huge national park is in southwest Texas on the international border between the USA and Mexico. The Rio Grande River separates the two countries. The park is the largest protected area of the Chihuahuan Desert. The park has over 1,200 species of plants, 450 species of birds, 56 species of reptiles and 75 species of mammals. The contrast in elevation, from 1,175 feet along the Rio Grande River to 7,825 feet at the summit of Emery Peak (near where we hiked), results in microclimates and terrain that increase biodiversity.
Due to President Biden’s weak border policy and enforcement, we felt unsafe camping at a campground on the border. We chose to camp 100 miles north in Ft. Stockton and drive to the park and hike all day. We then drove back in 102 temperatures in the evening. Still, coming into the park from the north, we hiked five great trails in low and high elevation.
