It also has the most variety of things to see along your hike. Nothing can spoil a hike as quickly as the discovery of toilet paper. Guadalupe Peak is a rewarding, although very strenuous, 8.4 mile round trip hike with a 3,000 foot elevation gain. We've got you covered, with trails ranging from 3 to 1,919 meters in elevation gain. Elevation gain is about 3000 feet and its over an 8 mile hike roundtrip. Pine Springs Day Hikes Pine Springs is the starting point for the Guadalupe Peak Trail and other beginning hikes into the high-country of the park. It was a challenge, but not impossible for most people. It was a Sunday. Adventure is Never Far Away . El Capitan via Guadalupe Peak: 60 Reviews, Map - AllTrails Therefore, as part of the wilderness experience, park rangers can provide general guidance but will not plan a wilderness trip for you; you must plan your own trip. Campground conveniences include pay phones, potable drinking water, flush toilets, and a utility sink for washing dishes. The small number of trails makes it easy to narrow down your options. Some large regions like Frijole Ridge and all the west face of the mountains have no maintained trails; instead most of the routes are found in the middle of the park, between the entrances at Dog . According to the park website, this trail is wheelchair-accessible. Below we have highlighted the 4 best hikes in Guadalupe Mountains National Park that you wont want to miss. Our goal, to share the worlds unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. Took plenty of rest/photo breaks. We saw plenty of families and kids hiking on this trail. 9 Best Hikes in Guadalupe Mountains National Park - Lone Star Travel Guide Continuing on from the half-mile of paved trail to Manzanita Spring, a more rugged dirt-surface trail makes its way for 2.3 miles (round trip) along the Smith Springs Trail Loop. Any help on this one? Pinery Trail An easy amble through history awaits at the Pinery Trail, a 0.9-mile handicap-accessible trail that passes through cactus-studded desert terrain on its way to the ruins of the Old Butterfield Stagecoach route's Pinery Station. The route climbs about 400 feet in elevation to the sheltered oasis of Smith Spring, located in a patch of oak trees at the foot of Frijole Ridge. We got walking sticks at the Carlsbad Walmarts, theyre super at aiding in getting to the top and coming down. Come early, why? 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It also introduces hikers to several of the parks ecosystems including the high desert and the high-elevation forests. Pine Springs Campground, elevation 5,822 feet, hosts 19 RV sites marked off in the parking lot nothing fancy here. Some links in this post may be affiliate links. This walk is mostly flat, and in fact, theres a paved path to Manzanita Spring, so that part of the trail is wheelchair-accessible. Established in the 1970s, the Guadalupe Mountains National Park covers over 86,000 acres on the border with New Mexico. I don't think I would do this hike during the summer (that is, not all the way to the top), since there is very little shade on the trail. At Smith Spring Trail, hike a 2.3-mile loop, where you can watch for lizards, javelinas, and mule deer. The trails vary between easy, medium, and difficult and are diverse in flora and fauna, depending on starting points and the altitude. The wind carries the salt grains toward the mountains, where they form into gypsum dunes at the base of the western Guadalupes. But they live in all parts of the park, so you should know how to handle an unexpected encounter. https://www.nps.gov/gumo/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm, McKittrick Canyon Trail to Hunter Line Shack. They had to wait a while for it to stop rattling at them and leave the trail to continue. I hiked the Permian Reef Trail on Thu, Dec. 1, 2022. They became a national park on September 30, 1972. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. A network of trails throughout the park provides many opportunities to explore and find your challenge. Wear hiking boots, and remember that no pets are allowed on the hiking trails. Take a break at this awe-inspiring desert paradise and look for birds. We hiked Devils Hall Trail, a 3.8-mile round trip leading to a rocky wash, steep canyon walls, geological formations, tall trees, and majestic mountaintops. Provided by Touchpoints Contact Info Mailing Address: 400 Pine Canyon Salt Flat , TX 79847 Phone: 915-828-3251 That makes it appropriate only for experienced hikers. Driving Directions: From Van Horn, Tx, take Hwy. After the river bed, the climb begins to the edge of the bowl, where at times, the rocks act more like stair steps than a stone trail. The mountain serves us all, as you go up and later descend be courteous. Instead this unassuming park is filled with miles, upon miles, upon miles of trails leading through diverse terrain. The Notch is a highlight along this trail, with beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. Trails lead to high peaks, through canyons, and around the mountains bases. Guadalupe Mountains National Park: A Hikers Dream. Guadalupe Peak - U.S. National Park Service If you have not trained much, start early and take your time. Go for an evening stroll at the end of the day for a relaxing walk in nature. McKittrick Canyon Trail to the Grotto and Pratt Cabin 6. The best hikes in Guadalupe Mountains National Park Table of Contents The 10 Best Hikes in Guadalupe Mountains National Park 10. We rank it as the best because its not super-long, its only moderately strenuous, and it reveals some of the most interesting geologic features in the park. The Salt Basin Overlook Trail is an offshoot loop accessed from El Capitan Trail, giving you a few more miles of fun than simply taking El Capitan alone. After you pass the bridge, keep going! At least twice I stopped for a couple of minutes to decide if I wanted to contionue. Carry a jack and a good spare tire for this hours drive. Turn left onto NM-137 S for 34.8 miles. Bring 3-4 liters of water, I filled my hydration pack with ice, and carried two 1.75 liter bottles in the pack. 14 Best National Parks Outside Of The U.S. 7 Best National Parks To Visit In The Winter, According To Park Rangers. Recent rains have classified the fire as under control. Ready for your next hike or bike ride? If you click through a link on Lone Star Travel Guide, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Guadalupe Mountains National Park Boondocking Locations - Chosa Campgrounds Address Dillahunty Rd. With four of the highest peaks in the state of Texas contained within its boundaries, the Guadalupe Mountains National Park has plenty of bragging rights in the hiking arena. In winter, they can be even stronger. Although its an easy walk, the Smith Spring Trail is still worth doing, because its fascinating to see these unexpected springs in the middle of what appears to be a completely dry desert region. Because parking can be tight, itll take you some time to get to the peak, youll want to see the sunrise from up there. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. I'm 66 YO, 175 pounds, and in relatively good shape. This is true, but the fossil aspect of the hike didn't meet my expectations. Lock two gates behind you. Bring a lot of water, wear sturdy footwear, wear sun protection, and take a wind jacket, even in summer, because it can get really gusty here! Best For: Experienced hikers Location: Pine Springs Distance: 8.4 miles (round-trip) Difficulty: Strenuous Elevation Gain: 2950 feet Time Needed: 6-8 hours. Its challenging but it is doable for anyone in reasonable physical shape. All photos were personally taken by our staff, except where noted. The Guadalupe Peak Trail is the most popular path for serious hikers in the park. After ascending, rocky hilltops await for an obstacle course of stones under your feet to make your way through. The easy walk along a paved path takes about 20 to 30 minutes to complete. Use the restrooms at the visitor center or near the trailhead; there are none on the trail. The other hikes are longer and more for multi-day trips, the peak hike is a perfect day hike (check out my review from Dec 11, 2017 for pictures). Start your Guadalupe NP hike on this trail early to catch the sunlight bouncing off the mountains around you as it rises. Hunter Peak via Bear Canyon Trail: 334 Reviews, Map - AllTrails Indian Meadow Nature Trail is an easy 0.6-mile trail that takes 30 to 45 minutes. The Bowl is one of the most interesting parts of Guadalupe Mountains NP. Don't forget to check out the other hiking trails and recreational activities available in Guadalupe Mountains National Park while you're there. Our goal, to share the worlds unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. Take US-180 E/US-62 E to McKittrick Rd. The west side of the mountains offers remote hiking and access to the Salt Basin Sand Dunes. No showers or hookups are available. The fall colors are beautiful in many areas of the trail, and it's shady and gorgeous with great views of the Canyon. Location: Texas, USA Established: September 30, 1972 Size: 86,367 acres (134.9 sq mi; 349.5 km 2) Annual Visitors: 151,256 (2020) Many visitors come to Guadalupe Mountains National Park with the sole purpose of conquering Guadalupe Peak. The further you travel on the trail, the narrower the wash becomes, hence the name, the Devils Hall, with its vertically steep walls on either side of the trail. Required fields are marked *. Incredibly, these steps were formed naturally over time, millions of years ago, when this part of Texas was underwater. Allow two to four hours. If you're looking for elevation gain, Guadalupe Mountains National Park has you covered. This is the most popular trail in the McKittrick Canyon area in the northeast section of the park. This is a strenuous hike to the highest point in Texas. please consider buying after clicking on one of the links on our site! The trail continues past the Grotto eventually connecting with the Tejas Trail but the grade increases significantlythe Grotto marks a good turn-around point. Best Hikes in Custer Gallatin National Forest (MT), Best Hikes in Bighorn National Forest (WY), 6 Best Hikes in Theodore Roosevelt National Park, 7 Best Hikes in Channel Islands National Park, Best Hiking Trails Near Los Angeles: Hikes Near Me, Best Hiking Trails Near Chicago: Hikes Near Me, 7 Best Hikes in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, 9 Best Hikes in Glacier National Park, BC. We are a family of 4, parents in mid 40s and 2 boys 21 and 18. Turn left onto Dark Canyon Rd for 22.6 miles. Pine Springs is the starting point for the Guadalupe Peak Trail and other beginning hikes into the high-country of the park. But our focus is on the portion of the Tejas Trail that starts in the more remote Dog Canyon section. Accessible Parking: Preview trail Hiking Views Wildflowers Wildlife Rocky Scramble Off trail Fee No dogs Description Guadalupe Mountains National Park charges a fee to enter. Turn left onto McKittrick Rd. Today, the spring makes for a lush, tranquil respite in the middle of the harsh desert landscape. Not only is it the home of the Top of Texas, but the West Texas park also boasts sand dunes, flowing springs, and cool canyons. Then slight right onto US-180 E/US-62 E for 9 miles. But Ive always only hike in that area. I agree with the park service that this hike is "strenuous." With only 80 miles of trails in Guadalupe Mountains National Park, hikers have the opportunity of traversing all of the best hikes in one weekend visit. At about 3 miles in, hikers will come to a wide level area, where the peak comes into view. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Keep an eye out for deer, javelinas, and birds of all kinds. Use the restrooms at the base by the campground before heading up. The Guadalupe National Park is located just three and a half hours from Texass other national park. Tejas Trail (Dog Canyon to Lost Peak) 8. This route can be adjusted into a loop using the Marcus Trail, or a point-to-point by taking the Tejas Trail until it ends at the Pine Springs Trailhead Picnic Area. The Devils Hall Trail takes you through a wash, where millions of years of intermittent water flow have dug out the rock of the mountains. The trailleads around the base of El Capitan and along the west side of the Guadalupe escarpment, ending at the historic Williams Ranch House. Granted, my progress was slow because I wanted to look at the trail markers and take my time. This route up Guadalupe Peak is rewarding, although a very strenuous hike. He said the scenery is gorgeous, but it is a strenuous hike. Turn left onto Piney Spring Visitors Center for .1 miles, then turn right .1 miles. I used hiking boots, but a good pair of sneakers would be OK. Preview trail Backpacking Camping Hiking Running Forest Views Wildlife Rocky Scramble No shade Fee No dogs Description Contact Getting There Guadalupe Mountains National Park charges a fee to enter. Here, from easy to difficult are 8 of the best hikes in Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window). The Guadalupe Peak Trail is the most popular path for serious hikers in the park. The path is fairly rocky and provides beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. 7 Best Hikes in Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas ), 35+ Best Places to Visit in Texas (Cool Vacation Spots! , take US-180 E/US-62 E 95 miles. The water suggestions are spot on, even on a cool day I prepped a little over a gallon of water going up and had about 1 quart left when I returned at the trailhead. It runs all the way through the heart of the park, from the Dog Canyon to Pine Springs. Happy Hiking! Pro Tip: Although opportunities for hiking with dogs are limited in Guadalupe Mountains National Park, the Pinery Trail from the visitor center to the Butterfield State Station is one of the spots where leashed pets are allowed. The months of September, October, April, and May are also pleasant with average highs in the 60s. Surrounding the meadow are the Guadalupe Mountains, making for great scenery and a perfect place to take family pictures. Best For: Experienced hikers in good shape Location: Pine Springs Distance: 13.2 miles (round-trip) Difficulty: Strenuous Elevation Gain: 3600 feet Time Needed: 6-10 hours. Lightning started the Dog Canyon wildfire on May 21. Add Salt Flat, Texas, and Carlsbad, New Mexico, to your weather app. Climb more than 2500 feet, and you can look down into the Bowl, a flat, high-elevation area surrounded on all sides by hills and mountains. We will be visiting in late December, having one full day to spend in Guadalupe Mountains. Reeds and cattails line the wide pool of water, providing for excellent bird watching opportunities. Definitely a good photo opportunity. Note the hours in certain parts of the park. McKittrick Canyon Day Hikes McKittrick Canyon is the heart of the park and offers trails to dramatic landscapes, foliage, and the high-country. Explore the park in two or three days. 400 Pine Canyon Its level except for crossing an arroyo. Service animals must be on-leash throughout the park. This scenic route leads from the McKittrick Visitor Center to Pratt Lodge. 79847. If you're looking for more active travel inspiration, hop on over to her site for some amazing photos great travel guides! Also, the McKittrick Canyon visitor center was unattended at least twice while I was at the park, so I'm not sure you can always pick up the booklet. You also get to see the rest of the Guadalupe Mountains park and the nearby Salt Flats. The park recommends 4 quarts (3.7 liters) of water per person for a day hike. One of El Capitans best views is seen from the combination of the El Capitan and Salt Basin Overlook Trails. According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Guadalupe Mountains National Park is Guadalupe Peak Trail, which has a 4.8 star rating from 5,532 reviews. Guadalupe Mountains National Park Perfect Itinerary Its 4.8 miles one way if you follow it all the way to the New Mexico border, but you can always turn around before then, since the views dont change a lot once you reach the ridge. For those who want a shorter hike, you can stop anywhere along the path and head back to the trailhead. At no additional cost to you, it helps us keep posting more great hiking recommendations for our readers! Check out a gate key at the Pine Springs Visitor Center to access Williams Ranch, a 7.3-mile excursion along a four-wheel drive, high ground clearance, one-lane dirt road. Anyone without physical limitations can do it. The first day is devoted to the headquarters visitor center at Pine Springs, Devils Hall Trail, and Guadalupe Peak Trail, and the historical attractions. Preview trail Hiking Views No shade Fee No dogs Description Guadalupe Mountains National Park charges a fee to enter. An easy amble through history awaits at the Pinery Trail, a 0.9-mile handicap-accessible trail that passes through cactus-studded desert terrain on its way to the ruins of the Old Butterfield Stagecoach routes Pinery Station. The peak provides fantastic views from the highest point in the state of Texas (8,751 feet / 2,667 meters). It's beautiful all the way up! The two hikes that I will go in detail on are in the Pine Springs Canyon area, which is also where you will find the main visitor center. But El Capitan is not the highest point in the park. McKittrick Canyon is the heart of the park and offers trails to dramatic landscapes, foliage, and the high-country. Guadalupe Mountains National Park is open year-round. Start early and bring plenty of water and sunscreen. Driving Directions: From Van Horn, TX, take Hwy. 400 Pine Canyon You can get to the Bowl via the Tejas Trail. The Most Spectacular Hikes in the Guadalupe Mountains - Culture Trip From El Paso, TX, Follow US-54 E 77 miles to Dog Canyon Rd. Obligatory brag photo opp at the peak! This is an enjoyable paved path with great vistas of mountains, a close look at native plants, and a visit to historic stagecoach station ruins. From sand dunes to mountain peaks to canyon forests to barren desert, Guadalupe Mountains National Park in western Texas has landscapes that are much more diverse than youd think. This is most popular during the fall foliage as the colors are a sight to behold! The path is littered with rocks, pebbles, stones, etc. A short trail with the 500ft elevation gain and great views of Guadalupe Mountains! The trail up Bear Canyon can be difficult and exposed with many switchbacks along a rocky trail. It is very strenuous. How many trails are in Guadalupe Mountains National Park? for 4.3 miles. I need your suggestions/insight as to which trail to do. Slight right onto US-180 E/US-62 E for 16.5 miles. 15 Epic Hikes in Texas (+ Map to Find the Trails!) Continue onto Dog Canyon Rd for .4 miles. The hike to the Pratt Cabin is rated as moderate and takes about 2 to 4 hours to complete. You can pick up a booklet with detailed information on these markers from the McKittrick Visitor Center (if its open.). Guadalupe Mountains National Park (U.S. National Park Service) more, #1 of 15 things to do in Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Beautiful, challenging hike to the high point of Texas. Keith Clark June 19, 2023 Hiking Fantastic trail with four distinct environments and a unique ascent up Bear Canyon. Located about 2 hours east of the West Texas city of El Paso, the Guadalupe Mountains rise dramatically from the floor of the Chihuahuan Desert, ultimately reaching an elevation of 8,751 feet on Guadalupe Peak the highest point in Texas. Overnight on McKittrick Ridge is the most strenuous hike in Texas, a backcountry adventure for two to three days. It is also great for beginners as the difficulty level is much less with its 800 ft in elevation gain, but long enough to give you a few hours of trail time. Ive found the hikes there to be equally varied. Required fields are marked *. Turn left onto McKittrick Rd, go 4.3 miles. Two things to keep in mind however, a lot of the hikers that are leaving reviews are from California, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona and saying that the mountain is just 8751 ft. high, that's still the 14th highest state high point in the nation and there is no mountain peak east of this mountain in the us that has a higher elevation. Best For: Casual tourists or experienced hikers Location: Pine Springs Distance: 9.1 miles (round-trip) Difficulty: Moderate Elevation Gain: 1650 feet Time Needed: 4-6 hours. You can see the old cabin from the outside and sit on its porch. Explore the stone structure, designed and constructed by John F. Staub. 5 Recommended Routes. Lots of redundancy in my review so lets get that out of the way right off. How To Spend A Day At Historic Sturbridge Village, Massachusetts, 13 Fantastic Things To Do In Beautiful Bastrop, Texas, 10 Best Places To Stay In U.S. National Parks, 15 Best National Park Properties Our Readers Love.