The Salt Basin Dunes Trail is about three to four miles (round trip), and the hike takes 1 to 3 hours to complete. They became a national park on September 30, 1972. This hike picks up 3000 feet in 4.2 miles one way, so its a substantial climb. Welcome to Guadalupe Mountains National Park The trail itself is mostly well-maintained and clean. ), 9 Otherworldly Things to Do in West Texas. This trail is 13.0 km long with an elevation gain of 899 m. According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Guadalupe Mountains National Park is McKittrick Canyon to Pine Springs. There are no established trails in the dunes, so you can wander around on your own. If you are in need of some new BOOTS, a new TENT or SLEEPING BAG, TREK POLES, etc. Two hours from the nearest major city lies Guadalupe Mountains National Park, one of the two National Parks in Texas. Anything to do if I don't hike? Guadalupe Mountains National Park - Best Hikes & Adventures Pack out your toilet paper. That makes it appropriate only for experienced hikers. Ive found the hikes there to be equally varied. Great views all the way up. From the west junction of the Salt Basin Loop to the Shumard Canyon Wilderness Campground is 4.7 miles (7.6 km); There may not be a better hike in Guadalupe Mountains National Park than the Bowl Trail to appreciate the Chihuahuan Desert and its plant life. Number of van-accessible spaces with Take this epic loop through the Guadalupe Mountains to reach the major summit of Hunter Peak. Bring water, food, a map, and a compass, and be prepared for sun, wind, and weather exposure, with no trees along the way. Plan Your Visit - Guadalupe Mountains National Park (U.S. National Park Bush Mountain Trail 9. Planning a visit? Varieties found here are juniper, pine, maple, and madrone. The skies were clear so really I'd say December is the best time to do the peak hike. What time does the park open? Davis Mountains State Park: Hiking, Camping + More! Stone picnic tables are located at the Hunter Line Shack before heading back. We will be visiting in late December, having one full day to spend in Guadalupe Mountains. Im going again Thursday and it will actually only be 80s day 60s night. The trail passes through a pine forest before reaching the summit, providing cool views looking down on El Capitan. Devil's Hall Trail Hard 4.6 (2608) Guadalupe Mountains National Park Photos (3,203) Directions Print/PDF map Length 3.8 miElevation gain 600 ftRoute type Out & back Get to know this 3.8-mile out-and-back trail near Salt Flat, Texas. The first day is devoted to the headquarters visitor center at Pine Springs, Devils Hall Trail, and Guadalupe Peak Trail, and the historical attractions. Pro Tip: RV campsite #21 is wheelchair accessible. The Chihuahuan desert contrasts with steep canyon walls, century plants, and prickly pear cacti. The trail up Bear Canyon can be difficult and exposed with many switchbacks along a rocky trail. At about 3 miles in, hikers will come to a wide level area, where the peak comes into view. Great views of the mountain range are abundant along the way. Number of designated accessible spaces: 4 at the trailhead; 15 Epic Hikes in Texas (+ Map to Find the Trails!) Read our full guide to hiking Guadalupe Peak. The park's runner-up is El Capitan via Guadalupe Peak, which will get you 1,366 m of elevation gain. I did the hike on October 20, 2022. Your email address will not be published. Best For: Experienced hikers in good shape Location: Pine Springs Distance: 13.2 miles (round-trip) Difficulty: Strenuous Elevation Gain: 3600 feet Time Needed: 6-10 hours. Your email address will not be published. The snow from the previous week's storm had melted off the trail. When youve consumed half of your water, its time to turn around and end the hike. A short trail with the 500ft elevation gain and great views of Guadalupe Mountains! As it evaporates, large grains of mineral salts are left behind. Fabulous-BUT BE AWARE OF ONE SWITCHBACK NEAR THE PEAK! The Devils Hall Trail takes you through a wash, where millions of years of intermittent water flow have dug out the rock of the mountains. Bush Mountain Trail 9. Youll find restrooms with sinks and flush toilets but no showers. The lonely Williams Ranch house stands at the base of a 3,000-foot rock cliff, with Bone Canyon beyond. From there, a well-maintained trail leads to the Smith Spring. I love hiking but am scared of those types of trails. Lightning started the Dog Canyon wildfire on May 21. Here, the trails leave behind large plants and trees for high altitude windswept flowers and grass as it rounds the mountains. They had to wait a while for it to stop rattling at them and leave the trail to continue. Look about the peak, youll see some great photo opps. Anyone without physical limitations can do it. Best For: Casual tourists or experienced hikers Location: Dog Canyon Distance: 6.4 miles (round-trip) Difficulty: Moderate Elevation Gain: 1500 feet Time Needed: 3-5 hours. Whether you are day hiking or backpacking, your trip is a uniquely protected opportunity to provide maximum freedom to roam in Wilderness. The campground is protected beneath cliff walls and sheltered from strong gusty winds. I agree with the park service that this hike is "strenuous." The parks website explains that when the rain runs off the highly soluble limestone rock in the nearby mountains, salts are leached, and the runoff pools in the desert basins. Many of the trails in the park intersect with each other, which can be confusing at times. Manzanita Spring was periodically dredged to provide a reliable water supply for the Smiths gardens and orchards. Mountains. Along the way, the landscape transitioned from broad desert valleys studded with spiny yuccas and mesquites to soaring mountain peaks covered in everything from ocotillo and prickly pear cactus to juniper and pine trees. It does get VERY windy, its advisable you refrain from wearing anything that would fly away in the wind. 8 Best Hikes In Guadalupe Mountains National Park Guadalupe Peak is a rewarding, although very strenuous, 8.4 mile round trip hike with a 3,000 foot elevation gain. But Ive always only hike in that area. Winters can be chilly, with average highs in the 40s throughout December, January, and February. One Day at Guadalupe Mountains National Park - Homeroom Travel Closed now. You can pick up a booklet with detailed information on these markers from the McKittrick Visitor Center (if its open.). Keith Clark June 19, 2023 Hiking Fantastic trail with four distinct environments and a unique ascent up Bear Canyon. Wear long pants for this one youll encounter a lot of cacti and spiky shrubs on the way. This scenic route leads from the McKittrick Visitor Center to Pratt Lodge. The hike to Devil's Hall starts at the Pine Springs Trailhead. You must pay the park entrance fee. There is a $5.00 per person fee for anyone hiking the trails or entering the backcountry. Although its an easy walk, the Smith Spring Trail is still worth doing, because its fascinating to see these unexpected springs in the middle of what appears to be a completely dry desert region. At Smith Spring Trail, hike a 2.3-mile loop, where you can watch for lizards, javelinas, and mule deer. I need your suggestions/insight as to which trail to do. Guadalupe Peak. If you're visiting Guadalupe Mountains National Park, this is a must do. Because parking can be tight, itll take you some time to get to the peak, youll want to see the sunrise from up there. Slight right onto US-180 E/US-62 E for 53.5 miles. In cooler months, make sure to layer to protect you from the cold winds. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Turn right and go 4.1 miles. The trail has plenty of shade as you hike through the dry river bed with plenty of trees for shade. , take US-180 E/US-62 E 95 miles. . https://www.nps.gov/gumo/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm, McKittrick Canyon Trail to Hunter Line Shack. A hike in the fall finds magnificent contrasts of colors before the trees begin to shed their leaves. Lets go over my personal list, based on my visits to these trails. 56 ounces per person was not enough. I don't think I would do this hike during the summer (that is, not all the way to the top), since there is very little shade on the trail. The National Park Service recently rated the hike as strenuous because of increasingly frequent heavy rains in the late summers, which cause the trail to be covered in loose rocks, boulders, and other debris. Did not see a park ranger around while we were there. Which trail has the most elevation gain in Guadalupe Mountains National Park? We've got you covered, with trails ranging from 9 to 6,295 feet in elevation gain. The Guadalupe National Park is located just three and a half hours from Texass other national park. There are 34 trails in Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Elevation gain is about 3000 feet and its over an 8 mile hike roundtrip. #3 - Smith Spring and Manzanita Spring Loop. Know what to do in case of a wildlife encounter. Hiking is the main reason to visit the Guadalupe Mountains, and while the national park has a relatively small number of trails, the paths are quite varied in both difficulty and the type of scenery. 103 miles. Her culinary, wine, and travel photography adventures have led her across Peru from Cusco through the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu; up the Canadian Icefields Parkway from Lake Louise to Banff and Jasper, indulging in Fairmont luxury hotels; and to the four largest islands of Hawaii. Accessibility: The Interagency Access Pass for free or discounted admission for US Citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities is accepted here. please consider buying after clicking on one of the links on our site! ), How to Visit the Eiffel Tower in Paris, TX (+ Photos & FAQ), 10 Great Texas Gulf Coast RV Parks (Beach Trip Ideas), 10+ Tips for Round Top, TX Shopping Trips (Antiques Fair Advice! Turn left onto NM-137 S for 34.8 miles. Far West Texas is home to one of natures wonders. So it wouldnt be to hot in my opinion. 7 Best Hikes in Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas Even if you plan a spring or fall visit, check the daily forecast before driving into the park. Monday. Instead this unassuming park is filled with miles, upon miles, upon miles of trails leading through diverse terrain. Hunter Peak is one of the few peaks in the park over 8000 feet, and the panoramic views are remarkable, with the Bowl on one side and miles of expansive desert on the other. The tallest point in Texas at 8,749 feet, Guadalupe Peak is a strenuous hike that rewards stamina with unparalleled views of Chihuahuan desert, dunes and forest. According to the park website, this trail is wheelchair-accessible. Additional accessible trails and facilities information can be found on the park website here: https://www.nps.gov/gumo/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm. Dont forget to stop and check out Pratt Lodge, Grotto picnic area, and Hunter Cabin for a look at history and a quick rest. Just past the Grotto is Hunter Line Shack, an old ranching building from the 1920s. The terrain is very rocky and uneven, it took us about 3 1/2 hours to get up the peak was magnificent. The hike here is 2.4 miles one way, with only 200 feet of elevation gain. Hike to the "top of Texas" on Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in the state at 8,751 feet! Took plenty of rest/photo breaks. The high point of the trail is Smith Spring which creates a unique, lush pool in the desert environment. Sources vary on the exact amount of water needed, but one liter per hour is a good way to play it safe. In the parking lot, youll find restrooms and shaded picnic tables. Guadalupe Peak Trail Guadalupe Peak Trail earns the top spot in our list of the best hikes in Guadalupe National Park. When youre standing here, it really feels like youre in the middle of a bowl. Owing to its diverse terrain, the Guadalupe Mountains offer abundant and varied hiking opportunities. Walking along this trail, you will find the only permanent water source in the park, as all other streams are seasonal. As I approached the Guadalupe Mountains National Park from the west on my recent Texas road trip, I was struck by the abrupt transformation in everything from the terrain to the climate. This is true, but the fossil aspect of the hike didn't meet my expectations. One of the most popular hiking trails in Guadalupe Mountains National Park is the Mckittrick Canyon Trail. Definitely a good photo opportunity. There are no hookups, and RV lengths are limited to 23 feet. 18 Best Hikes In Texas: Top-Rated Hiking Trails To Visit The path is littered with rocks, pebbles, stones, etc. An incline of 3000 feet is no joke, and its not a trail for beginners. The layered stone tells the story of the geological history of the Guadalupe Mountains. This park has Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas, the scenic McKittrick Canyon full of Bigtooth Maples, part of the Chihuahuan Desert, and a fossilized reef from the Permian. Pro Tip: Talk to the park rangers about backcountry conditions and trail recommendations. The trail follows a fairly gentle grade, but the route is rocky. The peak provides fantastic views from the highest point in the state of Texas (8,751 feet / 2,667 meters). There are 2 cliffy spots that made me nervous on the hike. Turn right and go 4.1 miles. Ready for your next hike or bike ride? Just a short half-mile walk from the fascinating Frijole Ranch site is the pretty little body of water known as Manzanita Spring. Right in the heart of the national park is a massive canyon that features dramatic rock formations, cool creeks, and rugged ridgelines. 4 Best Hikes in Guadalupe Mountains National Park - Trailhead Traveler Continue onto Dog Canyon Rd for .4 miles. The Bush Mountain Trail is a lengthy path that winds through the less-traveled western escarpment. GUADALUPE PEAK - 2023 All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go - Tripadvisor Come early, why? Its best to be prepared for chilly weather. These are not like the flat dirt trails you may have back home. ), 17 Epic East Texas Towns + Cities to Visit. The Notch is a highlight along this trail, with beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. by Kathryn Frazer If you're looking to experience a Texas hidden gem, we're sharing the best things to do at Guadalupe Mountains National Park to help you plan your adventure! During COVID the trail is open and you either display your parks pass or put your entrance fee in an envelope. Before taking on the Guadalupe Peak, make sure to carry water for fluid intake and snacks for energy as you will expend mega calories. Guadalupe Mountains National Park is located in Pine Springs, Texas, which is located 110 miles east of El Paso, Texas on U.S. Highway 62 / 180; 55 miles southwest of Carlsbad, New Mexico on U.S. Highway 62 / 180; 65 miles north of Van Horn, Texas on Texas Highway 54. Weve gathered here the best trails to hike at Guadalupe Mountains National Park, with the information you need before taking on each one. Voicemail messages are responded to within five business days. Youll also want a sun hat, trekking poles, a large water bottle, and other desert hiking essentials. It's 8.4 miles on rough terrain, comfortable and sturdy footgear is what I'd wear. Wonderful experience hiking this mountain despite it taking a lot out of me:) Total hike time including an hour and a half enjoying the summit views, was 6.5 hours. Its been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1975. These trails have an average 4.4-star rating from 12,763 AllTrails community reviews. The path is fairly rocky and provides beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. Lots of redundancy in my review so lets get that out of the way right off. But El Capitan is not the highest point in the park. Click here for more National Park or National Forest hikes!You can also view some of our most popular Gear Recommendations here! The Trailhead. The weather was about as good as it gets, with sunny skies and highs in the low 60s. Salt Flat, The view from the top reminded me of being in a plane. The area has the oldest rock formations in the Guadalupes. Guadalupe Mountains National Park: Hiking on an Ancient Sea Reef in the Fossils and crystalline structures make the Permian Reef Trails difficult climb a geologists dream hike. Suggest edits to improve what we show. Stop by the visitor center to get a patch for your backpack and an annual pass, theyre worth it. TX A monument marks the trail leading to rock ruins. Can I drive in anytime? Texas United States United States National Parks Try AllTrails+ Free Click Here Looming high in a remote part of West Texas off Highway 62/180, the Guadalupe Mountains are a geological phenomenon straddling the Texas - New Mexico border. The trail begins at the Pine Springs trailhead and travels to the base of the mountain with stunning valley views along the way. After the river bed, the climb begins to the edge of the bowl, where at times, the rocks act more like stair steps than a stone trail. About 2.5 hours to hike to top not counting rest breaks. Theyre located in the far western side of the park, which is a bit out of the way. As the highest point in Texas, Guadalupe Peak offers breathtakingly vast views across the Chihuahuan Desert. About. There are RV campsites with hookups here. You can definitely leave this one off your list if youre just making a general visit to see the park. You'll also need clothing to protect you from the sun, and long pants to protect you from spiky plants that you will have to walk through. The Guadalupe Mountains have sand dunes! Add Salt Flat, Texas, and Carlsbad, New Mexico, to your weather app. Keep an eye out for deer, javelinas, and birds of all kinds. Youre almost there. Guadalupe Peak Trail map, courtesy of the National Park Service. Service animals must be on-leash throughout the park. Trailside signs border the 0.9-mile McKittrick Canyon Nature Loop, describing the assortment of juniper trees, prickly pear cactus, and ocotillos that thrive in the rugged terrain.
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