22 May 2024

Rocks of a Fiery Past

The Chisos’ Fiery Igneous Rocks

A moderate hike, the Lost Mine Trail offers beautiful views of Big Bend National Park. It is just as beautiful as the South Rim hike. In this photo, you have a view of the Window just about halfway through this 4.8-mile (7.7-km) roundtrip hike. Also, you have views of other important peaks in the Chisos Mountains. On the left, you see the Casa Grande Peak at elevation 7,325 ft (2,233 m). The Window itself is formed by the two peaks in the background. On the left, you see Carter Peak (5,688 ft or 1,734 m), and on the right is Vernon Bailey Mountain (6,670 ft or 2,033 m).

According to the National Parks Conservation Association and the National Park Service, Big Bend is the only national park encompassing an entire mountain range, the Chisos Mountains. The igneous rocks in the photo were formed during eruptions between 38 and 32 million years ago, which is relatively young when you consider the Earth is 4.6 billion years old. Another interesting fact about the Chisos Mountains is that they are the southernmost mountain range in the United States.

This is my entry to Leanne’s Monochrome Madness #2: Rocks.

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18 Responses

  1. Anne Sandler
    |

    This is an amazing images Egidio and great information.

  2. Marie
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    I love the monotone color. It feels volcanic.

  3. restlessjo
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    Just beautiful, Egidio!

  4. Tra Italia e Finlandia
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    Bei colori. 👏

  5. nesfelicio
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    Beautiful monochrome treatment!

  6. gapyearwithgrace
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    I love your many trail recommendations as much as your beautiful photography. Great post as always

  7. Rebecca Cuningham
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    Big Bend was a dear departed friend’s favorite. I hope to visit one day.

  8. Egidio Leitao
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    Thanks, Anne. I never seem to get tired of that view.

  9. Egidio Leitao
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    Marie, you made my day with this comment. I was looking for a monochrome tone to convey that idea of volcanic rocks. Thanks very much!

  10. Egidio Leitao
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    Grazie. Volevo dare alla foto l’aspetto delle rocce vulcaniche.

  11. Egidio Leitao
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    Thanks, Nes. I wanted to convey the colors of volcanic rocks.

  12. Egidio Leitao
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    Thanks so much, Grace. I appreciate your feedback.

  13. Egidio Leitao
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    Rebecca, it’s one of our favorite national parks. I wish it was closer to Austin. Thanks.

  14. Khürt Williams
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    I like the mood.

  15. Leanne Cole
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    I love images like this Egidio, we just don’t have mountains here, well not many. Great image.

  16. Egidio Leitao
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    Thanks, Khürt. The mood is what I was going for with this edit.

  17. Egidio Leitao
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    Thanks, Leanne. I know what you mean about mountains. We live in the Hill Country section of Texas, but if we want really tall mountains, we have to go west. The closest mountains we have (the Davis Mountains) are about 6 hours from home.

  18. Egidio Leitao
    |

    Jo, thank you so much for your kind words.

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