Chisos Basin Visitor Center

Tucked into the Chisos Mountains at about 5,400 feet, the Chisos Basin Visitor Center sits next to the parking lot in the park’s most popular developed area. Interactive exhibits cover the plants and animals of the mountains, and rangers here can match you to a hike for the day, whether you want the short Window View walk or a longer climb toward the South Rim or Emory Peak. The center is a few steps from the Chisos Mountains Lodge, the campground, and a convenience store, which makes it the natural hub for an overnight in the mountains. The air is noticeably cooler up here than on the desert floor, so it is also a good place to check the forecast before you set out.