Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Discover Texas's highest peak and ancient fossil reefs in this remote, rugged national park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps, stunning foliage
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Best Time
Cooler temps, stunning foliage
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Texas's highest peak and ancient fossil reefs in this remote, rugged national park.
"A hidden gem offering challenging hikes and breathtaking views, perfect for escaping the crowds."
Pack Ample Water!
Crucial for any hike here. Carry more than you think you'll need. Hydration is key! :droplet:
Start Guadalupe Peak Early
Beat the heat and crowds on this strenuous hike. Sunrise hikes are popular! :sunrise:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Guadalupe Peak Trail
Pine Springs Campground Trailhead
Conquer the 'Top of Texas' on this strenuous 8.4-mile hike with breathtaking panoramic views.
Devil's Hall Trail
Pine Springs Area
Explore a unique canyon with rocky scrambles and towering walls, a rewarding moderate hike.
McKittrick Canyon
Eastern side of the park
Discover alpine meadows and diverse flora in this stunning backcountry area, ideal for multi-day treks.
Frijole Ranch Museum
Frijole Ranch
Step back in time at this historic ranch, offering a glimpse into the park's rich past.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Texas's Tallest Peak
Embrace the Remote Beauty
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack Ample Water!
Crucial for any hike here. Carry more than you think you'll need. Hydration is key! :droplet:
Start Guadalupe Peak Early
Beat the heat and crowds on this strenuous hike. Sunrise hikes are popular! :sunrise:
Download Offline Maps
Cell service is unreliable. Essential for navigation. :iphone:
Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Rocky terrain, especially on Devil's Hall. Good grip is a must. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack Ample Water!
Crucial for any hike here. Carry more than you think you'll need. Hydration is key! :droplet:
Start Guadalupe Peak Early
Beat the heat and crowds on this strenuous hike. Sunrise hikes are popular! :sunrise:
Download Offline Maps
Cell service is unreliable. Essential for navigation. :iphone:
Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Rocky terrain, especially on Devil's Hall. Good grip is a must. :athletic_shoe:
Check Weather Forecast
Conditions can change rapidly, especially at higher elevations. Be prepared for wind and even snow. :cloud:
Book Campsites in Advance
Especially during peak seasons. Limited options available. :tent:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Guadalupe Mountains National Park for its stunning, rugged beauty and challenging hikes, particularly Guadalupe Peak. Many appreciate its less crowded, remote atmosphere, offering a peaceful escape. Some note the limited services and the strenuous nature of the hikes, emphasizing the need for thorough preparation.
"In February 2025, we visited the Guadalupe Mountains National Park in West Texas. The mountain scenery is beautiful, and we enjoyed the Visitor's Center and a short hike, Pinery Trail, adjacent to the Visitor's Center. Guadalupe Mountain is the tallest mountain in Texas. Carlsbad Caverns National Park is also part of the Guadalupe Mountain Range. We recommend visiting Guadalupe National Park. It is an hour drive to Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico."
John Cutler
"I’ve hiked EVERY TRAIL in this park with the exception of Guadalupe Peak and El Capitan. For me where it’s at in this park is not going to the highest peak in Texas, but walking into the back country, high country of Guadalupe mountains. You are rewarded with Alpine Meadows, Douglas Firs, Ponderosa Pines and scampering Mule Deer. I’ll get a round to hiking Guadalupe Peak & El Capitan, but for me, the money hikes in this park are in the high country and in McKittrick Canyon! Hiking up to the notch in McKittrick Canyon is amazing. I have hiked from Pine Springs Campground all the way through the high country (over 25 miles on that hike) and come down into McKittrick Canyon, spending three nights up in the high country. It’s a heavenly experience! But you have to carry all of your water and a total of probably 35 to 45 pounds on your back, but it’s so worth it. If you’re not quite as in shape, you may want to stay the night at dog Canyon and hike into the high country from dog Canyon, which is also amazing. The hike out of Pine Springs campground up to the high country is grueling and very strenuous. Not as hard out of Dog Canyon."
Richard Zewe
"Guadalupe Mountains National Park – First Visit Review
This was my first time visiting Guadalupe Mountains, and I absolutely loved it! Although I didn’t get to explore everything, I was able to stop by the Frijole Ranch Museum and the Pine Springs Visitor Center. Both were worth the visit and gave me a glimpse into the rich history and beauty of the area.
The drive in was smooth and scenic—the highway is well-paved, wide, and clean, with beautiful views all around. I definitely plan to come back, especially in the fall to see the foliage and try out more of the hiking trails. Can’t wait to return!"
Lulu
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is located in West Texas, accessible via US Highway 180. The nearest major airports are El Paso International Airport (ELP) and Midland International Air & Space Port (MAF). From El Paso, it's about a 2.5-hour drive east. Travelers often fly into Albuquerque (ABQ) and drive south, which is also a viable option for visiting nearby parks.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park is about an hour's drive from Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico, making them a popular combination for a trip.
The closest towns with services are Dell City, TX, and Whites City, NM. However, these are small and amenities are limited. Pine Springs and White's City are the main entry points.
Yes, US Highway 180 runs through the park, offering scenic drives and access to trailheads and visitor centers. Many visitors enjoy the drive as part of their experience.
No, there is no public transportation within or to Guadalupe Mountains National Park. A personal vehicle is essential for exploring the park and surrounding areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is $10 per person, valid for 7 days. Children under 16 are free. An America the Beautiful Pass is also accepted.
No, the entrance fee covers access to all trails within the park.
The park is open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, visitor centers have specific operating hours, typically from 8 AM to 4 PM. It's always best to check the official NPS website for the most current hours.
Reservations are generally not required for park entry. However, for popular campgrounds like Pine Springs, reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak seasons.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park is one of the least visited national parks in the lower 48 states, meaning it's generally less crowded than many other parks. This offers a more peaceful experience.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The most popular hikes are the strenuous Guadalupe Peak Trail (8.4 miles roundtrip) to the highest point in Texas, and the moderately strenuous Devil's Hall Trail (3.2 miles roundtrip) through a scenic canyon. McKittrick Canyon and Dog Canyon offer backcountry experiences. +3
Yes, the Guadalupe Peak trail is rated as strenuous. It involves significant elevation gain (around 3,000 feet) over 8.4 miles roundtrip, testing both mental and physical endurance. 
Essential items include plenty of water (at least 1 gallon per person per day), high-energy snacks, sturdy hiking boots, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), and layers of clothing as weather can change.
The Pinery Trail, adjacent to the Visitor's Center, is a short, easy, and paved trail suitable for families. The Frijole Ranch Museum area also offers gentle walking paths.
Yes, there are campgrounds available, including Pine Springs Campground and Dog Canyon Campground. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for Pine Springs. Backcountry camping is also an option for experienced hikers.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there are no restaurants or food services within Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Visitors must bring all their food and drinks.
Dining options are very limited. The closest towns like Dell City and Whites City have very basic services. It's best to pack all your food and snacks for your visit.
Yes, picnic areas are available, and visitors are encouraged to bring their own food and enjoy a meal amidst the natural beauty.
Grocery options are scarce. It's advisable to stock up on supplies in larger towns like El Paso or Carlsbad before heading to the park.
Pack high-energy, non-perishable snacks like trail mix, energy bars, jerky, and fruit. For longer hikes, consider a packed lunch such as sandwiches or a hearty salad.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset views from Guadalupe Peak offer stunning light. The dramatic canyon walls of Devil's Hall and the scenic vistas along the park's highways are also excellent subjects. McKittrick Canyon is particularly beautiful in the fall. +1
Yes, the park is home to various wildlife, including mule deer, javelinas, and numerous bird species. Early mornings and late afternoons are often the best times for sightings. Remember to maintain a safe distance.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset provide the most dramatic and beautiful light for landscape photography. Midday sun can be harsh.
General photography is allowed. However, drone usage is restricted in national parks. Always be mindful of park regulations and avoid disturbing wildlife or natural features.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing expansive landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A sturdy tripod is recommended for low-light conditions and long exposures.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key advice for families includes packing plenty of water and snacks, as food services are non-existent within the park.
+1 Starting hikes early in the day is essential to avoid the heat, especially during warmer months. Consider the strenuousness of trails like Guadalupe Peak; while rewarding, it may be too challenging for very young children. +1 Embrace the park's wild and peaceful atmosphere, and focus on the experience of exploring a less-visited, rugged landscape together.⛰️ Avid Hikers & Backpackers
+2 Experienced backpackers will find immense value in exploring the park's backcountry, particularly the high country accessible from Pine Springs or Dog Canyon. Trails like the McKittrick Canyon offer spectacular day hikes or segments of longer backpacking routes.
🚗 Road Trippers & Scenic Drivers
Consider combining your visit with nearby attractions like Carlsbad Caverns National Park, as they are only an hour apart.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Hiking the Trails of Guadalupe Mountains
+1For a different kind of adventure, the Devil's Hall Trail offers a unique canyon experience. This 3.2-mile roundtrip trail involves navigating rocky terrain and scrambling through a narrow, sculpted canyon, showcasing the park's geological wonders. It's a moderately strenuous hike that provides a rewarding sense of discovery.
Beyond these popular options, the park's backcountry, particularly McKittrick Canyon and Dog Canyon, provides opportunities for more immersive experiences. These areas offer alpine meadows, diverse plant life, and the chance for solitude, but require significant preparation, including carrying all necessary water and supplies for multi-day trips.
The Unique Geology and History
Human history in the area dates back thousands of years, with evidence of Native American presence. Later, the Butterfield Overland Mail Route passed through the region, and the Frijole Ranch Museum offers a glimpse into the lives of early settlers and ranching history. The park was established in 1972 to protect this unique natural and historical heritage.
Planning for Remote Exploration
Accommodation options within the park are primarily campgrounds, such as Pine Springs and Dog Canyon. Reservations are strongly advised, particularly during peak seasons like fall and spring.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit