Cerro Castellan, West Face, Big Bend
This peak is the major landmark of the Santa Elena Canyon area of Big Bend National Park. It is especially prominent from the store and ranger station at Castolon. From that point, it forms a major portion of the skyline.
This formation is one of many surprises that are found in Big Bend. There is a layer of volcanic ash, covered with a lava flow. The hard cap of lava has resisted erosion, while the surrounding softer rock eroded away. The erosion is continuing, as you can see chunks of rock which have fallen from the side of the mountain.