Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Category:	National Park
Address:	Salt Flat, TX 79847
Phone:	+1 915-828-3251
Site:	nps.gov
Rating:	4.6
Working:	Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 34

Charles Gardner

The hike was great even with the strong winds in some locations. We ran into trouble and were moving slowing down the trail back. We were clearly not going to make it out of the trail before dark. We got back to the point where we could see the camp ground but were unable to go any further. I was able to flash SOS down to the camp ground and a person who was with a geology group and an Eagle Scout saw my signal and got the attention of the park rangers. This was about 7:45. The rangers signaled me back and by 8:45 they were there at our location. Two rangers at first carried down the disable hiker and was later joined by a third ranger. I was completely impressed with how fast the response was and they quickly put together a plan to get the disabled hiker down in pitch dark and steep trail. We had head lamps and emergency survival blanket but I was concerned our batteries would run out even my backup battery pack. We are so thankful for their efforts. Even with that, we didnt get down until 3am or so. Thanks so much to the rangers and thanks to the person from the geology group/eagle scout who saw the initial SOS. I wont give the ranger names for privacy reasons but I am sure the park service knows who was there that evening (10/08/2017) Charles Gardner.

Bob Thorman

Made a trip to climb Guadalupe Mountain and really enjoyed it. A small group of us climbed to the highest peak and spent the night up there. The tail was very challenging, particularly the last 1/4 mile that was very steep and mostly shell and slick rocks that made it very hard. Without any water source at the top, we had to carry all our water for the overnight stay which made the climb even more challenging. We made the climb up early in the day so by the time the next morning came, we were really having to conserve our water for the trip down. One amazing site from the top of El Capitan was witnessing a thunderstorm moving through the desert. We were up so high we were looking down on the clouds and lightening (at least it seemed so). The storm was a bit unnerving up there, but the views of the lightening grounding into the desert are imagines I will never forget. Just incredible. The visitor center was fairly nice and the folks staffing it were very informative and helpful. But there were very few amenities and just the most basic supplies. All and all, the long boring drive out there was worth the experience. Enjoy!

Matt Champlin

Driving through the desolate plains of New Mexico as you head into Texas you start to see the beautiful mountains rising above you. Indeed, the highest peak in Texas is here. Turns out that these mountains were once a part of an ancient Permian reef that existed 240 million years ago. Walking through the trails in this park or along the dry washes you encounter fossils that are a testimony to the amazing things the Earth does. Highly recommended to take an extra drive to check this place out. Stop at the McKittrick Canyon Visitor Center to take the canyon hike or the main visitor center at Pine Springs. To really experience the park you must get out and hike it!

Dallanta plunkett

This place is hard to describe. I love it. For the last 20 years I have been hiking and camping all around this area. There are so many great hiking trails that you need a lot of time to do them all. The desert area is full of life and the history of the area is in your face. Hiking to the summit of Guadalupe Peak is an adventure and the view is unbeatable. Coming off the desert into Mckittrick Canyon is a real surprise when you are surrounded by desert and then find yourself in a flowered canyon of trees and water. Whether you tent camp, RV, or use a motel, it is worth a trip, you just need more time to enjoy it than you think.

Alyssa Davidson

While this national park is a little out of the way, it is a perfect stop between Carlsbad and El Paso. The primary draw appears to be hiking and there are trails for all abilities and time constraints. We did Devils Hall at a slower pace with a lunch break in about 3 hours and loved hiking the wash and seeing the unique geological features. We also enjoyed the nature trail near the visitors center. You should definitely plan to go to the visitors center to get advice about the trails and to see the nature exhibits. The mountains are worth the trip!

Alex Moliski

Guadalupe Mountains National Park is a severely underrated park in America. After backpacking in several of the top parks in the country, I was widely impressed with what GMNP had to offer. I hiked the ~20 blue ridge loop, and stayed overnight on the mountain range. The weather was perfect, the views were pristine and the trails rugged. Compared to Big Bend, Guadalupe gives a unique experience - it is much less visited therefore more pristine. Additionally, Carlsbad caverns are 30 Minutes away which is worth the drive.

Scott James

Took the Smith Spring trail. Very beautiful foliage. We saw a Fox in the dry riverbed. Plan to picnic about 60% of the way up the trail at the spring. The spring area makes for a pleasant contrast with the arid landscape. However, this trail is not as well marked as you might normally expect in a National Park. Additionally, there are points along the trail where you might have to clamber over loose rock in the dry riverbed. I would not recommend this trail for young children or the elderly or infirm.

Rick Simmons

The one-star reviews are incorrect. One review said there were no camping sites... one review said there was nothing to do but hike to the peak... Both wrong! Go to the visitor center and ask for directions. There are many many miles of backcountry hiking through pine forest. Although, it does take some effort to get there. McKittrick Canyon has been written up many times in magazines as the most beautiful spot in Texas. Spend several days here and you will love it like I do.

Jay Menna

Wonderful place! Very small national park with limited facilities. But the back country is stunning. The hike up the initial ridge on the Tejas trail was tough but a heck of a lot of fun. The views from almost every turn once you got half way up were amazing. It stayed amazing the entire trip for us. This is serious backpacker stuff. If you are up to it. Its awesome. The only downside is the total lack of water. You have to cary it all.

William Huelster

One of the most beautiful areas of the Southwest, muchless Texas. This National Park is a true gem of the park system, and a well-kept secret. People of west Texas should take advantage of any opportunity they have to see this park. This facimity offers tent and rv camping as well as back country camping. Dress for inclimate weather, as this region of Texas is prone to having the most volitile weather in the region.

Dani Tendera

Hiked the Guadelupe peak trail, rated strenuous it will take you between 5-7 hours to do it from the beginning to end and back. Take at least 1 quart of water per person and some snacks, there are some beautiful views on top to enjoy while you have a picnic. Take into account that it is very windy on top of the mountain and is considerably colder than on he bottom (3000 ft below).

Robin Eaton

This is an interesting place to visit. It is primarily a drive thru type visit although they do have a nice Visitors Center with lots of things to look at. They also have a couple walking trails that are nice and give you a close up look at the area. This is a great place to stop and stretch if you are driving through the area. Lots of photo opportunities.

Nothing nearby, but it is a really neat place. Even when 100 degrees, there are shorter paths that are spectacular, near the visitor center. If going to carlsbad caverns, take the extra couple hours and come here. There are no food, gas or services anywhere nearby, so bring food and water and a full gas tank,

A H

Who knew Texas had mountains? Stopped by after a trip to Carlsbad Caverns in the morning. beautiful drive, wide open spaces and several options for hiking. Stop by the visitor center for maps and guidance. Bring food and water though, very little civilization out in this area..

Tanvir Mohammed

I would give it 4.5 stars. Only reason for not giving 5 is because this is not entirely secluded. You can see City lights at a very far distance. And you occasionally hear cars cruising along the high way from the camp ground. Apart from that everything else looks great.

Ben Meyer

Great national park is the chihuahuan desert. A lot of the park should be explored in multiple days. There are a lot of backcountry backpacking camps that deserve a longer visit. The hike to the tallest peak in Texas, Guadalupe Peak, can be done in a day trip.

Jennifer Silverness

Did a month long hike here years ago. It was absolutely gorgeous. Temps were real cold at night in higher altitudes (was there during month of March), and hot during the day. Wear gaiters for hikes through the brush, agave plants can tear up legs fast.

Allen Duong

Great place to hike. The summit hike is especially tough but I made it but there was book on the top that you can sign which I forgot to do :/. Plan to bring around a gallon of water/gatorade in the early spring, more in the summer when it is hot.

Brian Martinez

Beautiful desert landscapes, but probably best suited for folks who like strenuous day hikes or backpacking. Few facilities for casual family outings. The Frijole Ranch Museum is worth checking out for some history of the region.

Hippy Roach

It is only good for hiking, and beware to come to this area because some state cops picked this as the place to fulfill their traffic ticket quota. They sneaked on wary travelers caused by frequent changes of speed limit posting.

Lillian Scott

Great hiking especially if you like backcountry hikes. Small tent campground. Less traveled then other parks. Other visitors were super friendly. Park ranger was very flat when proving information and have a short, simple reply.

Matilyn Crowder

I would easily rate this park with 5 stars but I have never been so poorly treated by an employee at the visitor center at a national park. Questions should not be answered with an eye roll or complete indifference, Tisha.

3Doppelgangers, Inc.

Beautiful place for a family to visit. If you are coming from a major Texas city, the view will be jaw dropping. Keep in mind that if you barely speed or break traffic laws, National Park Police will site you.

Bin Xie

I visited in a beautiful November afternoon when some trees turned red. I hiked on Piney trail, the Smith Spring Trail, and Frijole trails. The shady oasis of the Smith Trail made all the effort wothwhile.

Isaac Fry

Beautiful scenery and mountains. I hiked up to Guadalupe peak, it was tough but worth it ! Great tent camping, dish wash station and a very nice visitors center. The staff and rangers are kind and helpful.

Dan Schnurr

I liked the area, but unfortunately the smog from the oil fields in Carlsbad NM made it pretty unbearable (no views, decently foul stench in the air). I would recommend avoiding this area for vacation.

Steve Smith

A little-visited national park that is worth the time if one is visiting other regional natural places, like Carlsbad, White Sands, or Big Bend. Nice backcountry hiking and camping. Great fall colors.

Rose and Mike Farmer

Camping is limited. First come first serve. But great hiking for the fit. Cool geology in that it is almost entirely a permian coral reef. Go to visitor center first. Carlsbad caverns nearby too.

Francisco Gomez

This favulous, what beauty, come and prove it for yourselves, what a wonder

Patrick Caballero

I love this NP....it has a bigger brother to the south...but this is a gem with great hiking trails and the Texas high point. Every truly formed Texan should hike the peak at once in their life.

Brian McBride

Hiked the Guadalupe Mt trail. Made it in 3.5 hours, up and back. Just an FYI... It does not take 8 hours. Took a gallon of water, no water on trail. Great hike, highly recommend.

Jimmy Mena

Okay, so my girl and i climmed this mountain, and to get to the top is a challenge, but god it is an amazing payoff. took us 4 hours up 2 hours down. but we then again stopped a lot

Joshua Skrobarczyk

Nice park facilities, interpretative exhibits, etc. The hike to the top of Guadalupe peak is strenuous, but the view from the top is worth every step. What a beautiful place.

Owen Thomas

Beautiful park with a very friendly ranger. Only had about an hour to spare but will definitely come back in the future to hike the summit trail and some of the others.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 34

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