Park or nature areaUsable guide

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

National park in Texas, United States

Photo: Bill Johnson - User: (WT-shared) Bill-on-the-Hill at wts wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Guadalupe Mountains National Park, is a national park, in the Big Bend region of the state of Texas. It contains Texas' highest mountains and rugged canyon country.

Sights and activities

From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.

Dog Canyon Ranger Station
See
Visitors can pick up brochures, maps and backpacking permits from the contact station. The station is open year round only closing on December 25th.
Details
Guadalupe Peak
Do
A must for hikers visiting the park, the path to the top of Texas can take 6-8 hours roundtrip. The trail provides great views of El Capitan and the interior of the park. It is a well-maintained trail and one of the park's most popular hikes. The trailhead is at Pine Springs campground. A $5 fee for day use includes 7 days' entry to the park per person, with camping at $8 addition per night. Do not underestimate this hike. The trail gains almost 3000 feet between trailhead and summit, and temperatures on top can be 15 to 20 degrees colder than in the canyon bottom, with strong winds and even some snow-covered spots in winter and spring. There are also abundant opportunities for slips and ankle turns owing to the rubble underfoot; be prepared. Be sure to sign the register in the ammo box at the top.
Details
McKittrick Canyon
Do
See the beautiful maple forests, Texas' only reproducing trout stream, and the park's original ranch house, Pratt Lodge.
Details
Lone Star Trekking
Do
Lone Star Trekking provides four- and five-day guided backpacking trips throughout the park. The company provides all gear, equipment and food.
Details

Where to eat, drink and stay

Sleep3 places

Camping

Dog Canyon Campground$15 Individual Tent Sites (2020 rates)
15 sites, 1 group site. The Dog Canyon Campground sits at 6,300 feet in elevation and has 9 tent and 4 RV sites. Camping is all first come, first served. There is one group site at Dog Canyon that can be reserved for a group of 10-20 individuals. The group site can be reserved up to 60 days in advanced and is $3 per person, per night. Campground amenities include drinking water and flush toilets (there are NO hookups, dump stations or showers). Charcoal and wood fires are not permitted.
Price
$15 Individual Tent Sites (2020 rates)
Pine Springs Campground$15 Individual Tent Sites (2020 rates)
42 sites, 2 group sites. The Pine Springs Campground has 20 tent and 20 RV sites available. All camping is first come, first served. There are 2 group sites that can be reserved up to 60 days in advance for groups of 10-20 people. Group camping is $3 per person, per night. Campground amenities include drinking water and toilets (NO hookups, dump stations or showers). Charcoal and wood fires are not permitted.
Price
$15 Individual Tent Sites (2020 rates)
Directions
The tent and RV campground is a 2 minute drive from the Pine Springs Visitor Center.

Backcountry

Tejas
Located in the recessed and wooded central portion of the park, this primitive campground is effectively the inner-sanctum of GMNP. The hike is long enough that your chances of being alone with nature are well above average. The tent pads have anchors and are protected from the wind and heat by copious pines. Deer abound at this site. The trail from Dog Canyon is slightly longer, but gains less elevation.

Getting there and around

Getting there

The nearest city with major air service is El Paso, about 80 miles west. US highways 62 and 180 lead from El Paso to the park, on good road.

Read in the guide

Getting around

Upon entering the park, most sightseeing must be done on feet or horseback. There are some roads in the desert which require four-wheel drive vehicles.

Read in the guide

Airports and nearby hotels

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Cavern City Air Terminal

Carlsbad · Regional · CNM

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Full travel guide

Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.

UnderstandUpon approaching Guadalupe Mountains National Park, the mountains and surrounding desert flats appear very rugged and desolate. There are no trees visible- only boulders, cacti, and a few hardy shrubs.

Get inThe nearest city with major air service is El Paso, about 80 miles west. US highways 62 and 180 lead from El Paso to the park, on good road.

Fees and permitsEntrances fees are valid for seven days, allowing unlimited re-entry for the week. Fees as of 2020 are:

Get aroundUpon entering the park, most sightseeing must be done on feet or horseback. There are some roads in the desert which require four-wheel drive vehicles.

SeeIf you don't have time or inclination to go hiking, impressive views of the Guads, particularly El Capitan, are available from US 62/180 along the southern boundary of the park.

DoFor Guadalupe Mountains novices or anyone who doesn't want to deal with the hassle, try going with a local tour operator. They have years of experience and not only love their jobs, but also the park.

BuyThe nearest stores are located in Whites City, NM, 35 miles north of the park's main entrance. A few items of interest can be purchased in the Visitor Center.

EatNo food is available in or around the park.

DrinkWater is available at the main campgrounds and the McKittrick Canyon trailhead.

SleepThere is no lodging within the park. The nearest hotels and motels are in the tacky tourist town of Whites City, New Mexico, just outside the entrance to Carlsbad Caverns National Park, about 35 road miles away.

Stay safeBe sure to carry plenty of water during the summer. Many of the trails tend to be very steep and poorly kept, so wear sturdy hiking boots.

Go next

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Sources and licences

Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Guadalupe Mountains National Park" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Summary from the Wikipedia article "Guadalupe Mountains National Park", available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikipedia
Photo: Bill Johnson - User: (WT-shared) Bill-on-the-Hill at wts wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Improve this guide on Wikivoyage

Sources and licences

Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Guadalupe Mountains National Park" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0

Summary from the Wikipedia article "Guadalupe Mountains National Park", available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikipedia

Photo: Bill Johnson - User: (WT-shared) Bill-on-the-Hill at wts wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Improve this guide on Wikivoyage