Guadalupe Mountains National Park covers 135 miles (217 km) and is part of the ancient horseshoe-shaped Captain Reef that formed beneath a tropical ocean about 250 million years ago. Within this rugged and varied landscape, you have more than 80 miles (129 km) of marked trails from easy to strenuous, providing countless miles of landscape to explore on foot.
The route of Guadalupe Peak Trail, Guadalupe Mountains National Park / maps.com
The exposed reef that formed El Capitan tops out at an elevation of 8,078 feet (2,462 m), and one of the park’s more popular trails will lead you on an 11.3-mile (18.2 km) roundtrip hike.
El Capitan is about 700 feet (213 m) shorter than the nearby Guadalupe Peak, which is known as the highest point in Texas, rising 8,751 feet (2,667 m). It is the most popular hiking trail within the park and the payoff is a breathtaking view. The Guadalupe Peak Trail, otherwise known as the climb to the “top of Texas,” is an 8.5-mile (13.7 km) round-trip hike. The intensive hike takes 6-8 hours with an elevation gain of 3,000 feet (914 m).
The park's McKittrick Canyon contains some surprising hardwoods in this "island in the desert." This is a popular destination, especially during the fall color season, so don't expect this remote location to provide an escape from crowds.
The park website divides day hikes into six sections. Click on each section to see the trails, then click on each trail for more detailed information.
If you plan to hike off trail into the backcountry, or hike in a group of 20 or more people, you’ll need a Special Use Permit. Applications must be submitted at least four weeks before the requested date, along with a nonrefundable $150 application fee.
If you plan to hike into the backcountry of Guadalupe Mountains National Park Wilderness, you’ll need a permit for that through recreation.gov at a cost of $6 (non-refundable reservation fee) plus a recreation fee of $6 per person per night (refundable for cancellations made at least five days prior to your arrival date).
Regardless of the trail you take, remember to carry the Eleven Essentials for hiking in Guadalupe National Park. This includes carrying plenty of water (more than you think you’ll need), sunscreen, and food to survive the desert heat.
Trailheads at Pine Springs Campground and parking area, Guadalupe Mountains National Park / Rebecca Latson
