Hiking mtn w/ kids and dog in TX?

“Hi all- brand new to the forum, so if this is in the wrong place please feel free to direct me. :-)

Last October we took our 5 kiddos to Big Bend and hiked up Emory Peak, camping half way up. We were disappointed that we couldn't take the dog [lab mix], but since it was our first big hike as a family we figgered it would be fine to leave the dog.

Our kids had a blast and want to hike another mtn, but take the dog this time. Preferably something a bit higher than Emory Peak....just because.

Guadalupe Peak was suggested, but reports of high wind, seriously narrow sheer drop offs, and not taking the dog ruled it out.

background:
we have 5 kids-- ages 4, 6, 9, 13, and 16. The 16yo went to Philmont Scout camp last year and is going to Canada this summer. He is a workhorse and incredibly strong-- he and dh carried about 2.5 gallons of water in addition to their regular pack. I carried 2 gallons. My 13yo did better than we thought he would do at Big Bend-- we loaded him up with the bulkier lighter items and only about a gallon and a half of water.
Between water jugs and drink bottles we took about 12 gallons of water up expecting a two-night stay. My 9yo did ok, and I was surprised at how well the younger two kept trucking along. Everyone had a backpack, we just didn't put too much in the younger two kiddo's packs.

At Big Bend, we camped at the base Friday night, headed up Saturday morning, camped halfway up Sat. night, took daypacks to the peak Sunday morning, got back to camp sooner than we expected, and decided to hike back down to the base that evening-- they hiked about 7 miles total that Sunday.

Anyhoo, we're wanting to do another trek, but undecided where to go. If anyone has suggestions on a mountain climbing trek that will work for kids and a dog, let me know. :-)”

“Welcome to tt! please fill out your profile or folks will call you a troll...oh well they probably call you one anyways...i personally think you are very brave to take your bunch backpacking ...i think it is awesome!”

“Thanks Divinity-- I'll click on over and take care of that. :-)”

“Well be sure to carry a AR with a couple of 30 rounders. And replace the lab with a pit bull or dogo. Always face the tent doors south and have the dogs east and west of the camp.”

“What about the north? You are leaving that open to the wicked witch of the north, lol.”

“I have to plan another trip there.

I used to go every year, but it's been a while.

I am getting the fever!

http://home.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/upload/Chisos_BCSites-2007.pdf”

“Not familiar with TX, but maybe find a place with flowing water. Packing in 12 gallons of water really sucks.

Welcome aboard.”

“LOL silly and karo-- traveling w/ **5 kids** is deterrent enough: that's even more than the bears are willing to take on. ;)

and yes-- packing 12 gallons of water sucks [understatement]. Beats needing it and not having it tho..... a place w/ water would be great! no water at Big Bend on the mountain [where we wanted to go].”

“I am not thinking Bears, lol. And don't need coverage from the north.”

“New Mexico, South Fork Rio Bonito in the White Mountain Wilderness. Check it out in Trips & Places. The older kids can try Sierra Blanca.”