The Tallest Peak in Texas: Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Guadalupe Mountains National Park preserves an ancient marine fossil reef (Permian Basin) as well as the land surrounding the four highest peaks in Texas. It’s hard to believe this area was once a section of the ocean floor near the Earth’s equator. The park consists of a range of diverse habitats, from salt flats and canyons to the grasslands and pine forests at higher elevations. Views of the majestic Guadalupe Mountains dominate the landscapes while creating the perfect backdrop to explore the extensive network of trails that lead to historic sites and provide amazing views for those who venture to the highest elevations.   

Things to Do

• The vast majority of the park is wilderness area, only accessible from trails and unpaved roads.  Start your adventure at the Pine Springs Visitor Center, located just off U.S. Highway 62 / 180. The center is a great place to get oriented with the park, obtain a park map and information from the rangers, and view the film and historical exhibits. Before leaving the area, check out the Pinery Station ruins, a relic from the Butterfield Overland Mail stagecoach line.
• Spend the day in McKittrick Canyon, a wilderness area that offers a few of the most challenging hikes in the park, as well as The Grotto picnic area and the historic Pratt Cabin. Start your geological field trip on the Permian Reef Trail with a 9.2 mile strenuous out-and-back hike. The canyon is a popular spot from late October to early November to experience the changing of the seasons and the stunning fall foliage.
• Visit the historic Frijole Ranch, located near the Smith Spring trailhead. Today, the restored ranch is a museum that highlights the local history of the area from Native American and early settlers to the creation of the national park.
• One of the most spectacular places to visit in the park to is the Salt Basin Dune, located on the west side of the park about 23 miles from the Pine Springs Visitor Center. Just a short hike from the parking area lies over 2,000 acres of dunes. Head to the northern section to see the largest of the bright-white dunes, measuring over 60 feet high.
• Day hiking is the most popular activity in the park. One of the bucket list hikes, offering seemingly unobstructed views across West Texas, is the Guadalupe Peak Trail. The 8.4 mile out –and-back trail ascends over 3,000 feet to an elevation of 8,751 feet, known as the “Top of Texas.”

Travel Tip: Though Guadalupe Mountains National Park is a lesser known destination in the National Park System, this is a must-see for photography and geology enthusiasts. There are very few places where you can discover fossils of ancient marine and plant life while hiking thousands of feet above sea level. Stunning photos can be taken without venturing too far into the park. Capture the early morning rays illuminating the impressive rockface of El Capitan and the ever-changing landscape at Salt Basin Sand Dunes.

Wildlife Observation

The habitats within the national park are home to over 1,000 unique plants as well as hundreds of mammals, birds, and reptiles. The park is a desert oasis for many species, with thriving populations of elk, mule deer, javelina, and an extensive variety of smaller mammals. The habitats also support both large and small predators, including bob cat, black bear, coyote, and mountain lion. Arguably the most diverse is the bird population, ranging from golden eagles and peregrine falcons to horned owls, woodpeckers, and hummingbirds. The best time to spot many of the local wildlife is during the early mornings and evenings, especially during the warm summer months.