Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Guadalupe Mountains National Park is located in western Texas, near the New Mexico border. With its diverse landscape and rich historical background, it offers visitors a unique and unforgettable experience. The park covers an area of approximately 86,367 acres and is a part of the Guadalupe Mountains, which are a small range of mountains known for their impressive limestone formations.

The region has a significant historical background, as it served as a land route for Native American groups long before European settlers arrived. It later became the passage for Spanish explorers and missionaries as they ventured through the area. The presence of various Indigenous tribes, such as the Mescalero Apaches, further contributes to the cultural importance of the park.

Visitors to Guadalupe Mountains National Park can engage in a variety of activities. Hiking enthusiasts can explore over 80 miles of trails that lead to spectacular views and unusual geological formations. The most iconic peak in the park is Guadalupe Peak, rising to an elevation of 8,751 feet, which can be conquered by those seeking a challenging hike. McKittrick Canyon is another popular spot for its breathtaking fall foliage, making it ideal for nature lovers.

Aside from hiking, visitors can also indulge in camping, backpacking, birdwatching, and stargazing. The park provides several campgrounds that offer both basic and developed facilities. It also has a Visitor Center that provides information, exhibits, and educational programs about the park's geology, plants, and wildlife.

For those looking to explore attractions nearby, Carlsbad Caverns National Park is just a short drive away. It features a vast network of underground caves and offers guided tours for visitors to explore this unique ecosystem. Another nearby attraction is the city of El Paso, where visitors can experience vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and historical landmarks.

Overall, Guadalupe Mountains National Park in Texas stands as a testament to nature's beauty and history. Its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and intriguing historical background make it a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Nestled in the westernmost part of Texas, Guadalupe Mountains National Park is situated amidst the rugged beauty of the Guadalupe Mountains. Spanning across Culberson and Hudspeth counties, the park stands tall as an oasis amidst the vast desert landscapes of the Chihuahuan Desert. Rising to its majestic heights, the Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas, towers over the surrounding plains at 8,751 feet. As part of the Guadalupe Mountains, this national park boasts diverse geological features, including canyons, limestone cliffs, and fossilized reef formations. With its remote and awe-inspiring location, Guadalupe Mountains National Park offers visitors a serene refuge filled with breathtaking views and a sense of tranquility amid the untamed wild.

Address & Contact

400 Pine Canyon
Salt Flat, TX 79847
Driving Directions
Phone: 915-828-3251
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Guadalupe Mountains National Park would be in either April or November. In April, the average maximum temperature is 75°F with a minimum temperature of 49°F. The average monthly precipitation is 0.3 inches. During this time, the park sees a moderate number of visitors.

In November, the average maximum temperature is 63°F with a minimum temperature of 41°F. The average monthly precipitation is 0.4 inches. This period also attracts a significant number of visitors.

Both of these months offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities and manageable crowd sizes.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Guadalupe Mountains National Park are: Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Museum Exhibits Camping Backcountry Camping Car or Front Country Camping Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use) Hiking Front-Country Hiking Backcountry Hiking Auto and ATV Horse Trekking Horseback Riding Group Camping RV Camping Auto Off-Roading Horse Camping (see also camping)

Topics

Learn about these topics at Guadalupe Mountains National Park: Animals Birds Geology Archeology Native American Heritage Transportation Canyons and Canyonlands Fire Fossils and Paleontology Rock Landscapes and Features Trails Colonization and Settlement Military US Army Mountains Roads, Routes and Highways Ruins Ranches Dunes Farming and Agriculture

Visitor Centers

Pine Springs Visitor Center

Pine Springs Visitor Center is the park's main visitor center and headquarters. Visitors can pay entrance and camping fees, tour the museum, purchase items from the park store, pick up brochures and maps, and obtain overnight wilderness use permits here.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Pine Springs Visitor Center.

Campsites within or near Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Blue Ridge Wilderness Campground

A Wilderness Use Permit is required for all use of these campsites. Blue Ridge Campground is surrounded by ponderosa pine and Douglas fir; wild roses and grassy areas are nearby - a beautiful location and very remote. The distance from Pine Springs Trailhead: via the Tejas & Blue Ridge Trails is 7.8 miles, via the Tejas, Bush Mountain & Blue Ridge Trails is 8.9 miles.
Fees (US$): 6.00 (Permit Reservation Fee), 6.00 (Permit Per-Person-Per-Night Recreation Fee)
Total Campsites: 5
Toilets: No Toilets
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Bush Mountain Wilderness Campground

A Wilderness Use Permit is required for all use of these campsites. A favorite of many for the exceptional vistas and western sunsets. Though the campsites at Bush Mountain are semi-protected from high winds, backpackers will find hiking on the exposed trails to reach the campground difficult during periods of high wind activity. Bush Mountain Campground is 6.2 miles from Pine Springs Trailhead via the Tejas and Bush Mountain Trails. Five designated campsites are defined by tent pads.
Fees (US$): 6.00 (Permit Reservation Fee), 6.00 (Permit Per-Person-Per-Night Recreation Fee)
Total Campsites: 5
Toilets: No Toilets
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Dog Canyon Campground

Dog Canyon is a two-hour drive from the Pine Springs area. The Dog Canyon Campground sits at 6,300 feet in elevation and has 9 tent and 4 RV sites. There is one group site at Dog Canyon that can be reserved for a group of 10-20 individuals. Campground amenities include drinking water and flush toilets (there are NO hookups, dump stations or showers). Only cooking stoves are permitted; charcoal, wood fires, and propane firepits are not permitted.
Fees (US$): 20.00 (Individual Tent Sites), 20.00 (RV Sites), 60.00 (Group Campsites), 15.00 (Horse Corral Fee)
Total Campsites: 15
Toilets: Flush Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - year round

Frijole Horse Corral Campground

The Frijole Horse Corral Group Campsite is the only facility for horse users on the east side of the park. The visitor horse corrals and campsites may be reserved up to six months in advance of the visit. This camping area is immediately adjacent Highway 62/180 on the Frijole Ranch access road. Due to proximity to both the highway and the access road, this site has little privacy and is subject to road noise. The Frijole Horse Corral has a capacity of 10 animals.
Fees (US$): 60.00 (Group Camping Fee)
Total Campsites: 1
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - year round

Guadalupe Peak Wilderness Campground

A Wilderness Use Permit is required for all use of these campsites. This primitive campground is located on the Guadalupe Peak Trail, 3.1 miles from the Pine Springs Trailhead, and 1 mile below the Peak. The elevation gain from the trailhead to the campsites is 2,200 feet. The campground is on a small knoll and only minimally protected from high winds. Five designated campsites are defined by tent pads. These sites are exposed and high winds are common.
Fees (US$): 6.00 (Permit Reservation Fee), 6.00 (Permit Per-Person-Per-Night Recreation Fee)
Total Campsites: 5
Toilets: No Toilets
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Marcus Wilderness Campground

A Wilderness Use Permit is required for all use of these campsites. From Dog Canyon, hikers travel through grassy areas then cross Manzanita Ridge to view West Dog Canyon before descending to an elevation equivalent to the starting point. Not frequently used; pay attention to the trail and rock cairns marking the way. The campground is in pinion and juniper, shaded and protected from the wind. The distance from Dog Canyon is 3.7 miles.
Fees (US$): 6.00 (Permit Reservation Fee), 6.00 (Permit Per-Person-Per-Night Recreation Fee)
Total Campsites: 5
Toilets: No Toilets
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

McKittrick Ridge Wilderness Campground

A Wilderness Use Permit is required for all use of these campsites. Travel through the beautiful McKittrick Canyon before beginning the very steep climb up to the ridge. From McKittrick Canyon Trailhead, the distance is 7.6 miles, with the elevation gain (significant for quite some distance) of over 2,700 feet. If you'd like to visit this beautiful ridge without quite the workout, begin instead at Dog Canyon.
Fees (US$): 6.00 (Permit Reservation Fee), 6.00 (Permit Per-Person-Per-Night Recreation Fee)
Total Campsites: 8
Toilets: No Toilets
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Mescalero Wilderness Campground

A Wilderness Use Permit is required for all use of these campsites. This campground is near several trails leading in different directions, making it an excellent choice for a "base camp" while exploring the high country. (Listen for wild turkeys off in the distance.) Mescalero is situated in ponderosa pine and brush, and is on a slope overlooking a small drainage. Located on the Tejas Trail, Mescalero is 6.2 miles from Pine Springs Trailhead or 4.7 miles from Dog Canyon.
Fees (US$): 6.00 (Permit Reservation Fee), 6.00 (Permit Per-Person-Per-Night Recreation Fee)
Total Campsites: 8
Toilets: No Toilets
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Pine Springs Campground

The Pine Springs Campground has 20 tent and 13 RV sites available. All campsites are reservable through recreation.gov. Individual campsite cost is $20 per night, per site. There are 2 group sites for groups of 10-20 people. Campground amenities include drinking water and toilets (NO hookups, dump stations or showers). Only cooking stoves are permitted; charcoal, wood fires, and propane firepits are prohibited.
Fees (US$): 20.00 (Individual Tent Sites), 20.00 (RV Sites), 60.00 (Group Campsites)
Total Campsites: 35
Toilets: Flush Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - year round

Pine Top Wilderness Campground

A Wilderness Use Permit is required for all use of these campsites. Pine Top is the backcountry campground in closest proximity to the Bowl and offers excellent views of the park's highest peaks. Pine Top is an excellent choice for a single night backpack trip. It is 3.9 miles from Pine Springs Trailhead via the Tejas and Bush Mountain Trails. Elevation gain is 2,300 feet. Though secluded in trees, Pine Top is susceptible to high winds & lightning. Eight designated campsites are defined by tent pads.
Fees (US$): 6.00 (Permit Reservation Fee), 6.00 (Permit Per-Person-Per-Night Recreation Fee)
Total Campsites: 8
Toilets: No Toilets
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Shumard Canyon Wilderness Campground

A Wilderness Use Permit is required for all use of these campsites. If you enjoy arid Chihuahuan desert or you find yourself fascinated by the geology of the Guadalupes, consider a backpack trip to this remote location. Though it is 9.0 miles from Pine Springs Trailhead, the elevation gain is much less significant than many of the other trails—though it's by no means flat. Do make sure you are prepared for sun, wind, and weather exposure. The trail is not protected by trees along the way.
Fees (US$): 6.00 (Permit Reservation Fee), 6.00 (Permit Per-Person-Per-Night Recreation Fee)
Total Campsites: 5
Toilets: No Toilets
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Tejas Wilderness Campground

A Wilderness Use Permit is required for all use of these campsites. The extra distance to the Tejas Wilderness Campground is worth the time for those who wish to stay in a more densely forested surrounding. The tall trees provide deep shade in the morning and late afternoon and protection from high winds aloft. Centrally located, the Tejas Campground is 5.5 miles from Pine Springs Trailhead or 6.2 miles from Dog Canyon.
Fees (US$): 6.00 (Permit Reservation Fee), 6.00 (Permit Per-Person-Per-Night Recreation Fee)
Total Campsites: 5
Toilets: No Toilets
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Wilderness Ridge Wilderness Campground

A Wilderness Use Permit is required for all use of these campsites. An interesting hike along the Permian Reef Trail meanders up 2,000 feet to Wilderness Ridge where the sudden transition from rock to trees is refreshing. Once on top, the trail is level through forested and open areas and takes you to the edge of the escarpment where the view is outstanding. Wilderness Ridge Campground is in the trees, and worth the extra distance to save the resource from unnecessary damage.
Fees (US$): 6.00 (Permit Reservation Fee), 6.00 (Permit Per-Person-Per-Night Recreation Fee)
Total Campsites: 5
Toilets: No Toilets
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water