Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Picture Texas and you probably think of flat plains, perhaps broken up by the rolling hills of central Texas or the forests of East Texas.
Well, you haven’t seen West Texas, particularly the Guadalupe Mountains. The only true mountains in Texas, these peaks rise up out of the desert to a height of 8,749 feet, nosebleed territory in Texas.

The pinnacle of the park is found at Guadalupe Peak, Texas’s highest point, but other notable formations include El Capitan limestone formation and McKittrick Canyon, home of some of the best fall color in the Lone Star State thanks to bigtooth maple, walnut, ash, oak, and the Texas madrone.

Several hikes offer varying degrees of difficulty but are rewarded with plenty of color, serenity, and the chance to enjoy natural beauty. Fall color here isn’t accompanied by fall festivals or lines of cars, just peace and quiet and the opportunity to reflect on the changing seasons.

Location

Guadalupe Mountains National Park is located about 100 miles east of El Paso. This is one of those parks you have to be going to in order to reach–you don’t just pass through here on the way somewhere else.

To reach the park, travel 110 miles east of El Paso on US 62/180 or 55 miles southwest of Carlsbad, New Mexico on US 62/180. If you are in the Big Bend region, travel 65 miles north of Van Horn, Texas on TX 54.
Once you’re in the park, head to the Visitor Center at Pine Spring on US 62/180.

Activities

Most of the fun at this park comes in the form of hiking. You’ll find numerous hikes of varying difficulty throughout the park. Some other attractions include the visitors center with natural history exhibits and the Frijole Ranch Museum, a historic site with exhibits on local history.
Be sure to bring in whatever you might need during your stay. There are no facilities in the park–no gas, no food, no ice, nothing. It’s a long 35-mile drive to White’s City, New Mexico if you find you need picnic supplies.

How Long to Stay

With the distance that this park is from other sites, you’ll want to stay at least one or two nights to get a feel for the place.

What to Bring

Sunscreen, hats and glasses as well as good walking or hiking shoes are essential. Be sure to bring in plenty of water with you as well as food supplies.

What Are We Doing Next?

One of the nearest attractions is Carlsbad Caverns National Park (see Carlsbad Caverns entry for additional attractions in that region). Big Bend National Park (see Big Bend National Park entry for more attractions) is another option in this part of the state.

Where to Stay

You won’t find a place to stay in the park (although some primitive camping without showers or hookups is available in the park; check with headquarters visitor center).

The nearest accommodations are in White’s City, New Mexico, near Carlsbad Caverns. For a complete rundown of accommodations in that area, see the Carlsbad Caverns National Park entry.

Special Events at Guadalupe Mountains National Park

During the summer months, park naturalists offer programs at the amphitheater. Check with the visitors center for program times and topics.

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