THE SOUTH RIM OF THE CHISOS MOUNTAINS—Looking west along the face of the South Rim where perpendicular cliffs drop more than 1,000 feet to the lower Chisos. The Rio Grande valley is in the middle distance.
SOUTH RIM VISTA—One of the most spectacular views in Big Bend National Park is the amazing expanse that unfolds from the South Rim of the Chisos Mountains. In the middle distance is the Rio Grande—and Mexico beyond.
Among the lesser peaks of the Chisos Mountains, many of the names are closely related to resemblance or legendary origin. Crown Mountain, Pummel Peak and Mule Ear Peaks are formed in the image of their namesakes. Legends of a lost silver mine center around Lost Mine Peak, supposed to be the scene of mining operations by the early Spanish explorers. Historical episodes of the Spanish Conquistadors, legendary stories of the Apache Indians and the drama of bandits, rustlers and Texas rangers of the Wild West, have all made a definite contribution toward the fascination of the Big Bend country.
PUMMEL PEAK—From the plains, Pummel Peak in the Chisos Mountains, rises to form the replica of a massive saddle.
ANTELOPE—The natural habitat of the antelope is along the grassy slopes of Big Bend’s foothills, while mule deer roam the plains and the flag tail deer live in the higher elevations of the mountains.
The Chisos Mountains have been classed as a biological island due to their isolation from other mountain groups or ranges. While the Chisos are erroneously considered as the southern extremity of the Rocky Mountains they are widely separated by a vast expanse of desert and plains. This factor has influenced the types of wildlife that are prevalent in this area and many species are more closely related to the Sierra Madres in Mexico than to the environs of the Rockies. The flagtail deer, mountain lion and black bear are found at the higher elevations in the Chisos Mountains, while mule deer, antelope and javalina frequent the foothills and plains. Due to excessive hunting before Big Bend was established as a National Park, antelope and big horn sheep had completely disappeared from the area. Antelope have been restocked in recent years and are gradually on the increase. Along the Rio Grande beaver and badger comprise the principal types of wildlife. Many rare species of birds found in Big Bend include the Colima warbler, aplomade falcon, Inca dove, white-necked raven and golden eagle. More common types are the orioles, tanagers, cardinals, hummingbirds, thrashers and wrens.