The Mountains and Basins Region of Texas
The Mountains and Basins Region of Texas
Exploring the Wild, Rugged Beauty of Far West Texas (Trans-Pecos)
Where Is This Region?
The Mountains and Basins region — also called the Trans-Pecos — is located in the far western corner of Texas. It sits beyond the Pecos River, making it one of the most remote and unique parts of the state.
Located in far West Texas
Also known as the Trans-Pecos region
Bordered by New Mexico to the north and Mexico to the south and west
The most sparsely populated region in all of Texas
Home to Texas's only true mountain ranges
The Chihuahuan Desert Climate
This region has a dry desert climate, which means very little rain, extreme temperatures, and wide-open skies. Most of the land is part of the Chihuahuan Desert — the largest desert in North America!
Very hot summers and cold winters
Receives less than 12 inches of rain per year
Part of the Chihuahuan Desert — North America's largest desert
Low humidity and lots of sunshine year-round
Temperatures can swing dramatically between day and night
Guadalupe Peak: Texas's Highest Point
The Guadalupe Mountains rise up from the desert floor and are home to Guadalupe Peak — the highest point in all of Texas at 8,751 feet above sea level!
Guadalupe Peak stands at 8,751 feet tall
The highest point in the entire state of Texas
Part of the Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Hikers can climb to the summit on a challenging trail
The mountains were once an ancient reef under a warm sea
The Davis Mountains
Not far from the Guadalupe Mountains, the Davis Mountains are another stunning range in the Trans-Pecos. They are cooler and greener than much of the surrounding desert, making them a special destination.
Located in Jeff Davis County in far West Texas
Higher elevation means cooler, milder temperatures
Home to McDonald Observatory — a world-class stargazing site
Fort Davis National Historic Site is located nearby
Popular for hiking, wildlife watching, and dark-sky astronomy
Big Bend National Park & the Rio Grande
Big Bend National Park is one of the most remote and breathtaking national parks in the United States. The mighty Rio Grande river forms the border between Texas and Mexico right through the park.
One of the largest national parks in the U.S.
The Rio Grande carves deep, dramatic canyons through the park
Where the Chihuahuan Desert meets the Chisos Mountains
Named for the big bend the Rio Grande makes here
A haven for hiking, camping, rafting, and stargazing
El Paso: The Region's Largest City
El Paso is the largest city in the Mountains and Basins region and one of the biggest cities in all of Texas. It sits right on the border with Mexico and has a rich, diverse culture shaped by both countries.
Located at the far western tip of Texas
Sits on the U.S.–Mexico border across from Ciudad Juárez
One of the largest bilingual cities in the United States
Rich blend of Texan, Mexican, and Native American cultures
Home to the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP)
Desert Plants and Animals
Even though this region is dry and rugged, it is full of amazing life! Many plants and animals have special adaptations that help them survive in the desert heat.
Cacti — like prickly pear and lechuguilla — store water in their thick stems
Roadrunners are fast-running birds that live in the desert
Javelinas (peccaries) are pig-like animals that roam in groups
Mountain lions prowl the rugged mountain terrain
Mule deer, black bears, and golden eagles also call this region home
Why People Love to Visit
The Mountains and Basins region is one of the most unique and awe-inspiring places in all of Texas. From towering peaks to starry skies, there is so much to discover out here!
Some of the darkest night skies in the entire country — perfect for stargazing
World-class hiking in Big Bend, Guadalupe Mountains, and the Davis Mountains
Unique desert wildlife and plant life you won't find anywhere else in Texas
Rich history including Native American, Spanish, and frontier heritage
A true sense of adventure in one of America's last great wild places
The Mountains and Basins Region
Far West Texas — wild, beautiful, and one of a kind!
Texas's Mountains and Basins region is a land of extremes — extreme heights, extreme dryness, and extreme beauty. There is truly no other place like it in the Lone Star State.
Location: Far West Texas — the Trans-Pecos
Climate: Chihuahuan Desert — hot, dry, and dramatic
Highest Point: Guadalupe Peak at 8,751 feet
Must-See: Big Bend National Park and the Rio Grande
Largest City: El Paso