El Capitan in snow at Guadalupe Mountains National Park/NPS

Guadalupe Mountains National Park is home to the world’s most extensive Permian fossil reef, the four highest points in Texas, various ecosystems, and historic stories of bloodshed and survival all waiting to be explored. From forested mountains and desert dunes, Guadalupe Mountains offer various ways to explore the area through hours of hiking and backpacking trails not for the faint of heart, or via beautiful settings of flora and wildlife within reach of families.

This national park is one of the most unique in the United States as it allows visitors to explore different environments within the underrated desert of West Texas.

You can find the guide here.