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.


Discover more from Through Brazilian Eyes

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

18 Responses

  1. Anne Sandler
    | Reply

    This is an amazing images Egidio and great information.

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

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

  2. Marie
    | Reply

    I love the monotone color. It feels volcanic.

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

      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!

  3. restlessjo
    | Reply

    Just beautiful, Egidio!

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

      Jo, thank you so much for your kind words.

  4. Tra Italia e Finlandia
    | Reply

    Bei colori. 👏

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

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

  5. nesfelicio
    | Reply

    Beautiful monochrome treatment!

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

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

  6. gapyearwithgrace
    | Reply

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

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

      Thanks so much, Grace. I appreciate your feedback.

  7. Rebecca Cuningham
    | Reply

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

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

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

  8. Khürt Williams
    | Reply

    I like the mood.

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

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

  9. Leanne Cole
    | Reply

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

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

      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.

If you are reading this note, you are reading my old site (egidio.photography). The new site is throughbrazilianeyes.com. I have migrated all posts to the new site. Please visit me there. Thank you.