Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Introducing Guadalupe Mountains National Park

At 8749ft, remote Guadalupe Peak is the highest point in Texas. Winter photos of snow-covered succulents seem incongruous and amazing. McKittrick Canyon has the state’s best autumn foliage and impressive spring wildflower displays. That said, it’s not easy to get here. The closest motels are in Whites City, near Carlsbad Caverns National Park, about 35 miles to the north in New Mexico. El Paso is 120 miles to the west.

The Headquarters Visitors Center (915-828-3251; www.nps.gov/gumo; 7-day pass $5, campsites $8; 8am-6pm Jun-Aug, to 4:30pm rest of yr), off US 62/180 at Pine Springs, has RV and tent camping. The strenuous trek from the visitor-center parking lot to Guadalupe Peak is an 8.5-mile round trip that gains 3000ft in elevation. Of the 80 miles of trails, the best easy day hike is McKittrick Canyon Trail (8am-4:30pm), off US 62/180, a 6.8-mile round trip. The trailhead is 11 miles northeast of the visitor center.

To get to the park’s northern segment, Dog Canyon, you have to take Hwy 137 into New Mexico. Ten backcountry campsites dot the park, and overnight hikers must obtain a free permit there. No water is available in the backcountry. No gasoline, dump stations, food or beverages are available anywhere in the park.

Last updated: Jul 22, 2009