Big Bend’s Elephant Tusk: A Monument of Time

Elephant Tusk

Big Bend NP‘s Elephant Tusk is a distinctive peak resembling a giant elephant tusk rising from the surrounding landscape. This shape is due to its volcanic origins. The peak is estimated to be around 30 million years old. It has no trails, but it can be admired from at least a couple of well-known trails in the park.

You can see Mexico on a clear day if you hike to the South Rim in Big Bend NP, (Texas). You have unforgettable views, including Elephant Tusk, when you reach Big Bend‘s South Rim. However, a much easier and shorter hike — only 4.8 miles (7.7 km) roundtrip as opposed to the South Rim‘s 12-14.5 miles (19-23 km) — the Lost Mine Trail offers similar views of the South Rim. For example, halfway into the hike, you have expansive views of Sierra Quemada (in the photo’s background above), Juniper Canyon (foreground), and Elephant Tusk (right in the middle). Casa Grande is not seen in this photo, but you can see it from the same trail.

This is my entry to Leanne’s Monochrome Madness #1: The Letter B.


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21 Responses

  1. Brad
    | Reply

    Beautiful vistas.

  2. nesfelicio
    | Reply

    Such a dramatic capture of the landscape!

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

      Thanks, Nes. Big Bend is very rugged in the Chisos mountains area.

  3. restlessjo
    | Reply

    Love the drama of this photo, Egidio. It’s wonderful. I’d love to hike there.

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

      Thanks, Jo. Big Bend has plenty of drama in its scenery.

  4. Tra Italia e Finlandia
    | Reply

    Sembra un paesaggio apocalittico…🙌

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

      E verità. Apocalittico o preistorico. Non ci ho pensato. Grazie.

  5. Leanne Cole
    | Reply

    That is amazing Egidio, I love it when rocks are like that.

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

      Me, too. I love how they add to the drama. Thanks, Leanne.

  6. Absolutely lovely shot.

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

      Thanks, Ritva. The monochrome edit helped it a lot. It was such an old photo.

  7. Rebecca Cuningham
    | Reply

    Wonderful photos, Egídio. So serene.

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

      Thanks, Rebecca. I appreciate your complement.

  8. Khürt Williams
    | Reply

    Wow. That photograph looks like something from a dinosaur movie.

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

      Doesn’t it? After I finished the edit, I noticed the pre-historic feel to it. Thanks for the feedback, Khürt.

  9. SoyBend
    | Reply

    What a great subject for monochrome. Wow, Egidio!

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

      Thank you, thank you. I’m happy you liked it.

  10. solaner
    | Reply

    I love your edit of this image, Egídio 👍👍👍

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

      André, many thanks for this encouraging and supportive feedback. I appreciate that.

      • solaner
        | Reply

        Well deserved 😊

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