The mountain regions of Texas are located in the western part of the state, bordering Mexico and New Mexico. Designated on the 1996 Physiograhic Map of Texas as the Basin and Range region, this area contains eight mountain peaks higher than 8,000 feet. The mountains range north to south and rise up from the plains. These mountains contain several distinctive landforms which provide visitors with opportunities to experience the landscape of this region.
These mountains dominate the view from the Mexican border town of El Paso. The major peaks include Anthony's Nose, Mount Franklin, Ranger and Comanche. The highest peak in the range, North Franklin Mountain, rises 7,192 feet above sea level. Canyons such as Hitt, Fusselman, Vinton and Avispa lie in the mountain range.
Guadalupe Peak, the highest mountain in Texas at 8,749 feet, is 10 miles from the New Mexico border. After entering the Guadalupe National Park, a visitor can hike up a 4.2 mile trail to the peak. Many views are afforded the hiker along the way including the Pine Springs Canyon. After approximately 3 miles the trail reaches a wide level location where the peak can be viewed for the first time. The last 1.5 miles take the hiker to the peak with its spectacular views.
Located about 225 miles south-southeast of El Paso, this range is 24 miles long and runs up to 15 miles wide. According to the University of California Museum of Paleontology, these mountains contain strata with fossils, including algae, sponges, coral and other forms of shallow, warm-water marine life, indicating the area was under water. These landforms and their fossil records have brought great attention to the area.
The Rio Grande flows through the canyon, which is a part of Big Bend National Park. It is 1,500 feet deep in some parts. When the river level is high enough, the canyon provides an opportunity for rafting and access to its views.
