Adventure-Crew.com

Guadalupe Mountains National Park was authorized October 15, 1966. In 1972 the park was finally established. In November 1978, Congress designated 46,850 acres of wilderness in Guadalupe Mountains National Park. The wilderness designation is the highest level of protection that can be granted to the land. The park is open year-round. Visitor Center hours are 8 am to 4:30 pm, slightly longer in summer.

Headquarters Visitor Center is closed on Christmas Day. McKittrick Canyon is a day-use area; the gate at the highway is open from 8 am to 4:30 pm; open until 6 pm during daylight savings time. The Headquarters Visitor Center and rest rooms are accessible for persons with mobility disabilities. McKittrick Canyon Contact Station is wheel chair accessible. The 2/3 mile Pinery Trail from the visitor center to the Butterfield Stage Ruins is paved. The .2 mile trail to Manzanita Spring from the Frijole Ranch History Museum is also paved.

Archaeologists believe that the first humans in the Guadalupe Mountains were hunter-gatherers that arrived here between ten and twelve thousand years ago. Although very little is known about these people, we still find evidence that they were here. Projectile points, baskets, pottery, petroglyphs and pictographs have been found throughout the park.

As settlers, cattle drivers, and stage lines began to invade and claim lands in West Texas, the Mescalero Apaches tried to defend their lands by raiding and attacking stages and settlements. In response, the Federal Government ordered thousands of soldiers and cavalrymen to the west to establish forts that would protect travelers and settlers from the threat of Indian attacks. For the Mescalero Apaches, the Guadalupe Mountains were a last stronghold. War with the Comanches forced a group of Apaches to retreat from the plains into these inaccessible mountains. Though the Mescaleros learned to adapt to this rather harsh environment, they would not be able to adapt to the changes that the coming of civilization would soon bring.

At the conclusion of the Civil War, many African American soldiers who remained in the U.S. Army were organized into segregated units. Several of these units, including the 9th and 10th cavalry, were put into service to control Indian hostilities on the Great Plains. It is ironic that these black soldiers, who had just recently gained their own freedom, were now put into service to take freedom away from a group of people who had known it all their lives.

The Cheyenne Indians called these black regiments “Buffalo Soldiers” because of their dark skin, curly hair, and fierce fighting spirit. These soldiers were subjected to unimaginable hardships as well as never-ending prejudice. Over the twenty or so years that they waged war on the Indians in the west, the Buffalo Soldiers made many forays into the Guadalupe Mountains. Military patrols in these rugged mountains were long and arduous with a limited amount of food and water available. Aside from fighting with the Mescaleros, the Buffalo Soldiers were responsible for exploring and mapping much of this little known region. These courageous men played an important role in bringing about the settlement of the American West.

By the late 1800s, the Mescalero Apaches had for the most part been driven out of the Guadalupe’s. Settlers began to arrive and attempted to make a living farming and ranching in these mountains; although there were a few who prospered, most failed. Among the few ranchers who persevered and prospered in the Guadalupe Mountains were the Smith family, Henry and Rena Belcher, and Adolphus Williams. The Smith family operated an orchard at Frijole Ranch for nearly forty years. Henry and Rena Belcher had a ranch at the foot of the rugged Western Escarpment, 5,000 feet below Guadalupe Peak. The Belcher’s ranch was later sold to James Adolphus Williams, and became known as Williams Ranch. In the early 1940′s, both Frijole and Williams Ranches were bought by Judge J.C. Hunter. Hunter eventually owned much of what is now Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Early on, he had a vision of this place being a public park for all to enjoy. After Hunter’s death, his son, J.C. Hunter Jr., sold the land to the National Park Service for $22 per acre.

This is a rugged mountain range, with deep, sheer-sided canyons, steep slopes, high ridges, and limited but dependable seeps and springs. The complexity of the geography allows unique life zones to shelter a staggering number of plants and animals. One needs only to walk a short distance into the park to recognize that the diversity is outstanding. Thousands of species, well equipped to tolerate the extremes of climate and topography, not only survive, but thrive in near perfect harmonious balance.

Guadalupe Mountains rise sharply from the surrounding desert floor to form an island of outstanding diversity. Several different ecosystems, or life zones, are found within the park. These include the harsh Chihuahuan desert community, lush streamside woodlands of oaks and maples, rocky canyons, and mountaintop forests of ponderosa pine and Douglas fir. Together, these ecosystems provide habitat for 60 species of mammals, 289 species of birds, and 55 species of reptiles. Many desert animals adapt to the hot, dry environment by coming out after dark, when temperatures are much cooler and conditions are not quite so dry. Nocturnal desert animals include the kit fox, coyote, mountain lion, bobcat, badger, Texas banded gecko, and about 16 species of bats. Mule deer, javelinas, and black-tailed jackrabbits are seen early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are cooler. Desert reptiles include the western diamondback rattlesnake, bullsnake, coachwhip snake, prairie lizard, collared lizard, crevice spiny lizard, and the Chihuahuan spotted whiptail. Almost all of the lizards found in the park can be seen during the day. Scorpions and desert centipedes are nocturnal hunters that search the night for insects, spiders, and small lizards. In the fall, tarantulas can often be seen looking for mates. The rest of the year, tarantulas rarely leave the shelter of their burrows.

One of the most unique and unexpected ecosystems in the Guadalupe Mountains is the riparian or streamside woodland. Riparian woodlands occur in places where there is water. Mule deer are one of the most common animals seen in the riparian areas. Nocturnal mammals such as skunks and raccoons can also be found here. Long-ear sunfish can be seen in some of the springs in the park, as well as in McKittrick Canyon. The stream through McKittrick Canyon is also home to a small population of rainbow trout. Although amphibians are rare in the desert, the Rio Grande leopard frog can occasionally be encountered near spring fed pools in McKittrick Canyon, or at Manzanita and Smith Springs.
Rocky canyons are home to ringtails, rock squirrels, and a variety of reptiles including rock and black-tailed rattlesnakes, mountain patchnose snakes, and tree lizards. The most commonly seen lizard in the park is the Prairie Lizard (Sceloporus undulatus). As a good climber, it lives between rocks, in sotol, shrubs and trees. Look for the Chiuahuan Spotted Whiptail (Cnemidophorus exsanguis) near its burrows along the Smith Spring Trail. All members of this species are females and thus reproduction is by asexual means. This leaves a new generation to be an exact clone of the mother.

On the mountaintops, over 3,000 feet above the desert, one can find extensive pine forests. It is usually at least ten degrees cooler on the mountaintops than at the lower elevations. Mountaintop forests are home to animals such as elk, black bear, gray foxes, striped and hog-nosed skunks, porcupine, mule deer, mountain lions, and mountain short-horned lizards. The Mountain Short-Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma douglassi) blends perfectly with surrounding rocks and it is well protected by numerous spines along its neck and sides. The elk that were native to the Guadalupe Mountains were hunted to extinction by the late 1800’s. In 1928, rancher J.C. Hunter imported 44 elk from the Black Hills of South Dakota and released them in McKittrick Canyon. Today the population is estimated to be between 30 and 40 animals. Black bears are shy, reclusive, and rarely seen. They generally do not hibernate here since it is usually mild enough in the Guadalupe Mountains to find food all year round. Black bears feed on nuts, berries, roots, insects, and small mammals.

The unique ecosystems of Guadalupe Mountains National Park make it a magnet for birds residing in or migrating through the Chihuahuan Desert. Nearly 300 different species of birds have been seen here, making it a paradise for bird watching. Birds adapt to life in the desert easier than most animals since their normal body temperatures run from 104 to 108 degrees. Some common desert birds include the canyon towhee, rufous-crowned sparrow, black-chinned sparrow, black-throated sparrow, scaled quail, northern mockingbird, loggerhead shrike, ladder-backed woodpecker, and white-winged dove. Roadrunners are often seen running across the desert in search of snakes, lizards, and insects. Turkey vultures, golden eagles, and red-tailed hawks can usually be seen soaring overhead. In the summer, watch for broad-tailed and black-chinned hummingbirds, as well as Scott’s orioles and blue grossbeaks. The phainopepla is a black bird with a crested head that feeds on berries from the parasitic mistletoe, found on many of the oaks in the park. Phainopeplas as well as pyrrhuloxias (reddish cardinal-like birds) are common winter residents.

Birdlife can be especially abundant in the riparian areas. Western, summer, and hepatic tanagers, Wilson’s and Grace’s warblers, and plumbeous vireos arrive each spring. Most warblers pass through each spring and fall on their long migrations. The plumbeous vireos and tanagers spend the summer nesting in the Guadalupe’s, and then migrate to warmer climates for the winter. Black phoebes can occasionally be seen searching for insects over open water. White-throated swifts and violet-green swallows are often seen catching insects over Manzanita Springs. Broad-tailed hummingbirds feed on the nectar being produced by penstemons and other riparian flowers.

The beautiful call of the canyon wren can often be heard echoing through canyons of the Guadalupe Mountains. This small bird is often seen creeping into cracks in the rocks in search of insects, spiders, and scorpions. Peregrine falcons nest in the high, inaccessible cliffs in McKittrick and Pine Springs canyons. Peregrines are capable of reaching speeds of nearly 200 miles per hour as they dive for prey, which usually consists of other birds.

Mountaintop forests provide a unique habitat that attracts a variety of birds including the mountain chickadee, white-breasted nuthatch, dark-eyed junco, bushtit, acorn woodpecker, and the pine siskin. Chickadees and nuthatches are often seen in mixed species flocks flitting through the pines looking for seeds and insects. In the mid 1980’s, Montezuma quail were reintroduced in the Guadalupe Mountains after being eliminated in the mid 1900’s. They are occasionally seen today in the high elevation forests. At night one may hear the call of a western screech owl, great-horned owl, flammulated owl, or even the rare spotted owl.

The biological diversity within Guadalupe Mountains National Park is outstanding and includes more than 1000 species of plants. While many of these are common desert inhabitants such as ocotillo or prickly pear cactus, others are found only in the park and nowhere else in the world. Plants that grow here are tough. They survive not only the components that make up the landscape, but also the extremes of temperature, aridity, and relentlessly powerful winds, all common factors of the park’s desert climate. Plants have evolved elegant methods of tolerating or avoiding desert conditions. Some such as cactus have thick fleshy stems that store water, and spines that not only serve as fierce armor against predators, but also help reflect the sun’s radiant heat. Many species avoid desert extremes by clinging tightly to limited but dependable seeps and shaded springs. Annual wildflowers that grow here avoid the drought altogether with a compressed complete life cycle – from sprout to seed – that occurs only in conjunction with summer’s monsoon rains.

Succulents found here in the park include several species of yuccas, beargrass, sotol, agaves, and ocotillo. There are close to 50 species of cacti including prickly pears, chollas, hedgehogs, and pincushions, and many like the Claret Cup are “show-stoppers” whose brilliant blossoms attract visitors from around the world. In much of the Chihuahuan desert, shrubs, succulents, and cacti, dominate the landscape, while trees are few in number and in total number of species. Those that do grow in the lower desert elevations, such as honey mesquite, Prosopis glandulosa, often grow no taller than shrubs and are easily confused with shrubs because they possess similar physical characteristics such as small leaves and sharp spines. Texas madrone, Mexican buckeye, and honey mesquite are flowering trees that are as fragrant as they are beautiful. Shrubs, on the other hand, are numerous and widespread in the Chihuahuan desert. Average elevations in this desert (above 3000’) allow for colder winters which many shrub species can tolerate, while most cacti and succulents cannot. Immediately following summer “monsoon” rains, a whole new crop of plants begin to bloom, and some will last well into fall. Many of these plants, such as gayfeather and cardinal flower provide important nectar sources for butterflies, bees and other insects.

With over 80 miles of hiking trails and 10 backcountry campgrounds, Guadalupe Mountains National Park offers outstanding backpacking adventure. The hiking trails range in difficulty from easy to strenuous. Many trails are rocky, often steep, and rugged. Backpacking trails lead to Guadalupe Peak, around the base of El Capitan, up into the high country, backpacking trails to McKittrick Ridge. Self-guided nature trails are located at McKittrick Canyon (McKittrick Canyon Nature Trail), at the Headquarters Visitor Center (Pinery Trail), and at Dog Canyon (Indian Meadow Trail). It will be easy to plan that family adventure vacation in this unique national park.

Guadalupe Peak Trail is 8,749 feet, 2,667 meters, very steep, but well established, with areas that are exposed to cliff edges. Round trip is 8.4 miles, and takes 6-8 hours. Avoid the Peak during high winds and thunderstorms. At Devil’s Hall Trail, hike the streambed of Pine Springs Canyon, then climb the natural rock of the Hiker’s Staircase, to the finale – the Devil’s Hall. Although it is only 4.2 miles round trip, allow 2 1/2-4 hours to enjoy this hike. The Bowl Trail offers a beautiful coniferous forest of pine and Douglas fir that covers the high ridges and canyons, and awaits those who are willing to hike up 2500 feet from the Chihuahuan desert below. From Pine Springs Campground, follow the Frijole Trail and Bear Canyon Trail to the top, then left on the Bowl Trail. Take a side trip to Hunter Peak, and then descend via Tejas Trail. This hike is rated strenuous. Allow 8-10 hours; round trip is 9.1 miles. El Capitan/Salt Basin Overlook Trails lead through Chihuahuan desert to the base of El Capitan at the southern end of the Guadalupe Mountain range. Follow the El Capitan Trail and the Salt Basin Overlook Trail. Return to Pine Springs Campground via the El Capitan Trail.

Beyond Salt Basin Overlook, the trail continues to Williams Ranch historic site, an additional 4.7 miles one-way. This hike is rated moderate; it is 11.3 miles round trip so allow 6-8 hours. The Frijole and Foothills trails make a connecting loop between Pine Springs Campground and Frijole Ranch so you can start at either end. Observe Chihuahuan desert vegetation and nice distant vistas. Not frequently traveled, this trail offers an enjoyable walk of solitude. McKittrick Canyon Trail follows an intermittent stream through the desert, transition, and canyon woodlands to the historic Pratt Lodge, Grotto picnic area, and Hunter Cabin. The 4.8 miles round-trip to Pratt Lodge takes 2 hours; allow 3-5 hours round-trip to hike to the Grotto and Hunter Cabin. McKittrick Canyon Nature Trail has trailside exhibits that describe common plants, reference wildland fire, and explain Permian Reef geology. The trail is .9 miles round trip, is rated moderate, but takes less than one hour to complete. There are several other trails leading to equal wonders well worth investigating.

From a Permian reef, to Ice Age forests, to today’s desert lowlands and high country woodlands, the Guadalupe Mountains have experienced dramatic changes. As a wilderness, change is recognized as a valuable and necessary process, but certain changes brought by humans present challenges to park management. Air quality has been monitored within the park since 1982. An analysis of the data gathered from 1990 –1999 indicates that visibility is degrading on the haziest days and slightly improving on the clearest days. There is still concern as urban populations continue to grow and the pollutants from as far away as Los Angeles are transported to the region. Nighttime visibility is also a concern. Currently, visitors to the park enjoy pristine nighttime skies. The National Park Service has retrofitted its facilities with light shields, high efficiency fixtures, and low-sodium lights to minimize light pollution and provide a leading example for nearby communities.

Returning fire to the environment as a natural part of change is another challenge park managers face. Very little is known about the historic role of fire in the Guadalupe Mountains. It is not clear whether Native Americans used fire here like they did in other parts of the country or to what extent the area’s ranching history changed the fire regime. Today, relict woodlands in the high country and canyons have accumulated dangerous levels of fuels, which could potentially burn at catastrophic levels. Scientists are currently studying scarring in cross sections of trees to determine fire history, so that all fire management decisions have a scientific basis. In order for park managers to allow fire to return to its natural role, fuels will be reduced (through prescribed natural fire, controlled burns, and mechanical removal) to prevent catastrophic fires from occurring. However, when lives, property, or unique resources are threatened fires will be suppressed.

Drawing lines on a map and protecting everything within the park boundaries is often not enough. Environmental factors like air pollution, light pollution, and fire don’t stop at the fence line. The greatest challenge is to cultivate a land ethic and encourage lifestyle changes that will guarantee that once people journey to the park’s wilderness, their experiences will not be marred by pressures from outside the boundaries.

Guadalupe has relatively hot summers, calm, mild autumn weather, and cool to cold weather in winter and early spring. Snow storms, freezing rain, or fog can occur in winter or early spring. Frequent high winds warnings are issued winter through spring. Late summer monsoons bring most of the park’s precipitation. There are cool nights, even in summer.

With over 5,000 feet in elevation change in the park including, mountain slopes with differing aspects, and high canyon walls, local conditions can be extremely variable. For example, a summer hailstorm can drop daytime temperatures into the 50’s during the event, while just 12 miles away the desert bakes at over 100 degrees. Meanwhile, higher elevations in the park can be 10 to 20 degrees cooler than the lower elevations. Not only is there incredible variation in local conditions, but there is also a wide fluctuation in daytime highs and lows. At night, as the earth cools, heat is radiated into the atmosphere. On clear nights (which are frequent) much of the heat escapes causing temperature drops of over 30 degrees. The secret to hiking comfortably and safely is to dress in layers and be prepared for sudden weather changes.

All trips require preparation. Improper equipment, poor conditioning and disregard for unpredictable weather changes can result in an unpleasant or dangerous outing. Remember to make all your equipment the best quality you can afford. A good backpacking checklist should include: tent with rain fly, backpack, repair kit, first-aid kit (consider extras like tweezers for spines, moleskin for blisters, and a triangular bandage which can be put to many uses), food, water, compass, topographical map, multipurpose tool or knife, campstove, fuel, matches, sleeping bag and mat, extra, layered clothing (cotton is not usually the best in colder climates because it stays wet and cold increasing your chances of hypothermia), good hiking boots, signal mirror or whistle, GPS unit, cook pots, utensils, flashlight with extra batteries and bulb, sunglasses, sunscreen, broad-brimmed hat, collapsible water carrier, rain gear, water bottle (1-2 quart), bear or animal proof container or the wire/rope to tie your food 10-15 feet above the ground and 8 feet from the trunk (you can see that it becomes easier to purchase or at some parks, rent, a bear-proof container that will work for other animals as well), toilet articles (unscented), and plastic bags to carry out what you carry in. Use the Leave-No-Trace principles.

There are no water sources in the backcountry. To insure you have enough water for drinking and cooking, please carry one gallon per person per day (water weighs ~ 8 lbs per gallon). Water is obtainable at the Headquarters Visitor Center, Pine Springs Campground, McKittrick Contact Station, or the Dog Canyon Ranger Station. Many backpackers enjoy camping at Dog Canyon as a planned part of their itinerary. (Dog Canyon is an excellent location for acquiring additional water). Though there is no charge for the wilderness backcountry campgrounds, Dog Canyon is a fee area, with a charge of $8.00 per night. During peak visitation times (holiday weekends, spring break, fall colors) Pine Springs and Dog Canyon campgrounds fill quickly and may be full by the time you return from your backcountry trip.

Most backcountry trips begin with an elevation gain of over 2000 feet along exposed desert trails. This is strenuous; allow one hour per mile for ascent. Give yourself plenty of time for your hike; consider distance and elevation, your physical condition, the amount of weight you are carrying, the potential for sudden weather change, and the daylight hours remaining. Steep and rugged, dry desert terrain can limit both the distance of your hike and the number of days of your planned stay.

Some trails, especially those in the northwest corner of the park, are poorly-defined and can be difficult to follow. Give yourself enough time to reach your destination well before dark. Check in and out at trailhead registers and let park personnel know when you return. The location of the park insures hot or dry weather hiking throughout much of the year. Take frequent breaks, and drink plenty of water. The danger from sun exposure can’t be overemphasized! Watch for rattlesnakes and other poisonous desert dwellers commonly seen in most areas of the park. During the summer months, afternoon and evening thunderstorms are quite frequent. Remember high ridges are especially susceptible to lightning.

Many hikers are surprised at the severity of winter weather conditions in the Guadalupe Mountains. Fronts bring extreme changes that include strong winds, freezing rain, sleet, heavy snow and thunderstorms. Prepare for the weather by carrying or wearing protective clothing for wet weather, wearing several layers of clothing, a hat and mittens or gloves. Make sure your hiking boots are waterproof. The high elevations frequently receive greater accumulations of snow that can make trails difficult to follow and campsites hard to locate. Please make it your responsibility to turn back if necessary, rather than camp in unauthorized areas and don’t put your safety in jeopardy by continuing in extreme weather conditions.
Visitors are only required to stay on the trail in McKittrick Canyon. Elsewhere in the park, hiking off trail is permissible, however it must be done at one’s own risk (we normally try not to encourage it). Off trail areas are not patrolled on any regular basis and rescues could be difficult. Off trail travel should only be attempted by experienced hikers in good physical condition.

Respect for the land you hike through will protect the park for you and future visitors. To protect this fragile environment you are required to stay on the trail, and please, stay out of the water. It is reserved for the wildlife. Fires are strictly prohibited, both wood and charcoal. Containerized fuel is the only allowable method to be used for both cooking and/or warming. It is always exciting to discover evidence left behind by earlier inhabitants, but in order to preserve history, and continue to be able to interpret the cultures that came before, it is imperative that all cultural and historic artifacts and evidence remain undisturbed. Please help preserve these items. It is illegal to collect them.

Pets are not permitted in the backcountry. Pets on a leash are permitted in the campground. Leashed pets may be exercised on the trail between the campground and Headquarters Visitor Center and the Pinery Trail at the Visitor Center. Please clean up after your pet. Park wildlife may carry plague or rabies. Do not allow your pet near animals or their dens or burrows. Pets may not be left unattended. The nearest kennel service is at Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

Current Weather

Five species of rattlesnakes occur in the park. The largest is the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox), frequently seen on McKittrick Canyon Road and rocky washes in the lowlands. The attractive Black-tailed Rattlesnake (Crotalus molossus) is usually found on slopes, particularly at higher elevations. It is the most commonly seen rattlesnake in the park. The highly toxic Mojave Rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus) occurs in the William’s Ranch area and surrounding creosote bush flats. The Rock Rattlesnake (Crotalus lepidus) prefers rocky areas in the highlands. A rare inhabitant of the grasslands at Dog Canyon is the Prairie Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis). Rattlesnakes are highly venomous, but they reserve their poison for prey unless threatened into a defensive action. Make sure to allow plenty of space for the snake to escape if you encounter one of these beautiful reptiles.

See the Wildlife Precautions page for further information about wild life encounters.

Entrance fees are $7.00/ 7 days per person.

Camping fees for families are $8.00 per night per site, $4.00 for Golden Age and Golden Access Passport holders. There is no discount for Golden Eagle or National Park Passport holders.

Group camping fees are $3.00 per person, with a minimum of $30.00 per site. Golden Age and Golden Access Passport holders pay only $1.50 per person.

There are 10 Backcountry Campgrounds open year round allowing for winter camping. For those who wish to enjoy an arduous backpacking experience there are 10 primitive backcountry camping grounds available on a first-come, first-served basis. A free permit is required, and must be obtained in person at the Headquarters Visitor Center or the Dog Canyon Ranger Station. Permit may only be obtained the day of, or the day before the planned itinerary. During peak visitation periods permits may be in demand, so plan an alternative itinerary. The permit authorizes camping only on designated sites in the established backcountry campgrounds. You must choose your campground(s) at the time the permit is issued. Tents must be pitched on hardened tent pads available at all campgrounds.

Use containerized fuel for cooking; fires (including charcoal) are prohibited in the park. One gallon of water per person, per day is recommended; water is available at the trailheads. There are no available water sources in the park’s backcountry. There should be no more than 4 persons per campsite, with either one large tent or two small tents. No more than 2 consecutive nights may be spent at any given campground. Backcountry use permits are issued for a maximum of seven nights.

Guadalupe Peak has five campsites and is the highest site if your desire is to climb to the highest peak in Texas and experience some real wilderness adventure. The campground is located on the Guadalupe Peak trail, 3.1 miles from the Pine Springs trailhead, and 1 mile below the Peak. The campground is on a small knoll and only minimally protected from high winds. Makeshift windbreaks and rocks left behind on tent pads are a reminder to others to prepare for wind. Elevation gain is 2200 feet.

Pine Top has 8 sites and is located at the top of the ridge. 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 4.2 miles from Pine Springs trailhead via Tejas and Bush Mountain Trails. Elevation gain is 2300 feet. Though secluded in trees, the campground is susceptible to high winds and lightning.

Tejas has 5 camping sites and is centrally located at 5.5 miles from Pine Springs trailhead or 6.2 miles from Dog Canyon. It is in a densely forested surrounding where the tall trees provide deep shade in the morning and late afternoon and protection from high winds aloft.

Bush Mountain has 5 campsites and exceptional vistas and western sunsets. The camping ground is 6.2 miles from Pine Springs trailhead via Tejas and Bush Mountain Trails. 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.

Mescalero has 8 camping sites and makes a great base camp for exploring the mountains as it is near several trails leading in different directions. Located on the Tejas trail, Mescalero is 6.2 miles from Pine Springs trailhead or 4.7 miles from Dog Canyon. It is situated in ponderosa pine and brush, and is on a slope.

McKittrick Ridge, with 8 campsites, offers great views, but can be strenuous to reach. From McKittrick Ridge trailhead, the distance is 7.6 miles, with the elevation gain (significant for quite some distance) of over 2700 feet. If you’d like to visit this beautiful ridge without quite the workout, begin instead at Dog Canyon. Though the distance is roughly equal (7.4 miles), the elevation gain is much less (under 1500 feet)! There is no overnight camping allowed in Mckittrick canyon.

Blue Ridge campground is less frequently used than some of the more “popular” ones, and may offer a greater opportunity of solitude for hikers willing to go the extra distance. The campground offers 5 camping sites 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 Tejas/Blue Ridge 7.8 miles, via Tejas/Bush Mountain 8.9 miles.

Marcus has 5 campsites and is located within pinion and juniper, keeping it shaded and protected from the wind. The distance from Dog Canyon is 3.7 miles. Some of the trails leading away from this campground may be difficult to follow at times so pay attention to the trail and rock cairns marking the way.

Wilderness Ridge offers 5 campsites nestled within trees, and is worth the extra distance to save the resource from unnecessary damage. An interesting hike along the Permian Reef Geology Trail meanders up 2000 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.

Shumard has 5 campsites in a remote area. If you enjoy arid Chihuahuan desert or you find yourself fascinated by the geology of the Guadalupe’s, consider a backpack trip to this remote wilderness location. Though it is 9.2 miles from Pine Springs trailhead, the elevation gain is much less significant than many of the other trails. Do make sure you are prepared for sun, wind, and weather exposure. The trail is not protected by trees along the way.

The park offers two designated regular campgrounds, Pine Springs Campground and Dog Canyon. Pine Springs Campground is a simple desert camping area for those wishing to explore the Guadalupe Mountains. It is located just off Highway 62/180 near the Headquarters Visitor Center, and is at 5,822′ elevation. Water, accessible restrooms, a service sink, and pay telephone are available. Tent campers have a choice of 20 sites. Numbers are limited to 6 people or 2 tents per site. RV campers have 19 campsites to choose from. RV campsites are defined by painted lines and numbers on the pavement. There are no hook-ups and there is no dump station. RV campsite #21 is wheelchair accessible. The Dog Canyon area lies in a secluded, forested canyon on the north side of the park and is found at 6,280′ elevation. Due to the higher elevation it remains cooler than Pine Springs Campground in the summer. The campground has 9 tent sites and 4 RV campsites (no hookups, no dump station). Restrooms have sinks and flush toilets, but no showers. When you arrive, select a campsite, and then pay at the self-registration board near the restrooms.

Two group campsites are available at Pine Springs and one at Dog Canyon for organized groups with a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 20 people per site. Group campsites are available by reservation up to 60 days in advance. Call (915) 828-3251, extension 0 between 8:00 A.M. and 4:30 P.M. daily, Mountain Time. Due to the small size of park campgrounds, group campsite users may not overflow into family campsites.

Skunks and other small mammals roam the campground at night. These animals are attracted to food odors. Prevent encounters by keeping campsites free of food scraps. Dispose of scraps and other garbage in trash receptacles. Store all food, including pet food, in vehicles, not in tents, or use animal-proof containers.
Do not use the faucets in the campground for dish washing or bathing. Wash dishes in the utility sink behind the restrooms. Discharge of dishwater or gray water onto the ground is not permitted. Use the utility sinks for their disposal.
Closest free RV dump station is off Canyon Street in Carlsbad, NM. RV water tanks can be filled from an outside water faucet near the registration board.

Big Bend National Park is 269 miles away, Carlsbad Caverns National Park is 42 miles away, Chamizal National Memorial is 110 miles away, Fort Davis National Historic Site is 140 miles away, Brantley Lake State Park is 68 miles away, Franklin Mountains State Park and Hueco Tanks State Park are not far away, Lincoln National Forest/Sitting Bull Falls is 75 miles away and Living Desert State Park is 56 miles away.The salt flats are right by the park. Nearby in New Mexico is Aquirre Springs National Rec Area and White Sands National Monument is 220 miles away.

Commercial airlines service El Paso, Texas. By car, El Paso is 110 miles from the park.

By car, the Headquarters Visitor Center at Pine Springs is accessed via U.S. highway 62/180 between Carlsbad, NM and El Paso, TX. Dog Canyon, on the park’s north side, is accessed via New Mexico state road 137.

Park roads provide access to trailheads only.

Approximate Mileage from the following major cities to Guadalupe Mountains National Park:

By Car:

Carlsbad, TX – 360.37 miles

El Paso, TX- 111.52 miles

Lubbock, TX – 232.66 miles

Buenes Aires, TX – 298.18 miles

Amarillo, TX – 345.09 miles

Albuquerque, NM – 331.19 miles

By Plane:

West Texas Airport – 103.90 miles

There is no public transportation or shuttle service available in the park.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park, 400 Pine Canyon Dr, Salt Flat, TX 79847.
Headquarters Visitor Center (915) 828-3251
Dog Canyon Ranger Station (505) 981-2418
By Fax (915)-828-3269

Map