Top Things to do in Guadalupe Mountains National Park
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Things to do in Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Guadalupe Mountains National Park: The Best Nature & Parks
A great place for exploring caves.
1. Guadalupe Peak
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 255 reviews
Highest peak in Texas at 8,749 feet.
Reviewed By sldufhglviuser - Stoughton, United States
Among other things in Guadalupe National park, we hiked to the Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas. It is a wonderful hike, and though there are some sections that are moderately strenuous it is not that bad. The "summit" is well worth the effort and the views are superb. And, C'mon, it's the highpoint of Texas!! You get to brag to your family and friends about that for sure. DO IT, but allot most of a day to manage it.
2. El Capitan
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
A huge geological formation made of limestone.
Reviewed By dphoto1 - Seneca, United States
Beautiful Views .. easy walking trails .. highly recommend this day outing located about an hour from the city of Van Horn.
3. McKittrick Canyon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 112 reviews
Scenic canyon with unique animal and plant life.
Reviewed By GroverR - Pensacola, United States
On our transition day from Big Bend to Carlsbad, NM we drove El Camino del Rio but I also allowed for enough time to stretch our legs in McKittrick Canyon. We had too much fun taking pictures of El Capitan rest stop so we did not have the full two hours to make Pratt Cabin, but we did have an amazing walk through a unique canyon. Please note Guadalupe Mountains is administer out of Carlsbad so on Mountain time and Daylight Savings keeps the park open until 6:00. My friend and I made the 5th ford across the creek when we decided to turn around, probably less than a 1/2 mile from the cabin. However, they lock you in at 6:00 and it is a federal felony if you get stuck per the McKittrick VC. Still we saw most of what we wanted to see in the canyon. One of those unique things was water. As the park time had only recently change, we did happen on 5 unsuspecting deer in the creek bottom. Judging by the smell, we also snuck up on a skunk. Unlike most of our experience in the Chihuahuan desert, McKittrick had wide diversity of plants and animals. Abundant water was a part of this and one of the things that made this hike so interesting. Another part that was cool, both figuratively and temperature wise, was hiking in the shadows of the canyon. This was another reason for the plants and tree we saw. As for the hike itself, it was very flat and easy. We saw many families with children returning as we were striking out. The path is gravel and wide. This allowed us to make good time just not enough to get to Pratt Cabin. Still the experience and the wildlife was everything I wanted for this hike. For all these reasons, our entire group loved this. We all had a great time at the entrance sign. Of all the parks we visited, Guadalupe was rank first by Alltrails. It may be a park you have never heard of but it has the best trails you ever want to visit. We all highly recommend this hike. The
4. Smith Spring
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 54 reviews
Getting to this scenic area is a popular day hike.
Reviewed By melissabubash - Cincinnati, United States
We just needed something easy to kill time the day after hiking guadalupe peak (we were still tired) and decided to see if the smith museum was open and walk to the spring. We were so glad we did this. It's an easy 3 mile loop (it was nice to have a loop hike instead of an out and back). The spring in the middle is a beautiful oasis in the middle of no where.
5. Permian Reef Geology Trail
6. Devil's Hall Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 64 reviews
Reviewed By edmondite
We (2 couples ages 45-60 in pretty good shape) hiked this on a beautiful fall day about 3:30-5:30 p.m. We were already tired after hiking 6 miles in McKittrick, but we refueled with water and snacks and started our hike. After a long ways on the trail, we descended to the creek bed and followed the wash for a long time, climbing over boulders, seeing lots of bird and mule deer. The surrounding trees were gorgeous as well! Finally we reached the staircase. The steps were slippery but we made it, just in time to see a pit of flies! The people below us said they thought there was something dead in there. It was gross. Anyway, we continued walking through a lot more boulders and finally made it. We celebrated and snacked and took lots of pictures. We were pretty sure it was longer than the 4 miles round trip noted on the information. But we made it back, exhausted and happy. We agreed it was the best thing we did that day!
7. McKittrick Canyon Nature Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By MindyandRogerA - Janesville, United States
Mc Kittrick trail is an excellent, easy 4.6 mile trail to the Pratt Lodge/Cabin. The trail continues on for several additional miles. We hiked up the canyon to the Pratt Lodge. Most of the trail is an easy hike along the narrow road which was previously used to access the Lodge. This part of the trail is loose gravel with occasional steps to cross the stream bed. There were two places where the stream was flowing which required the use of stepping stones. The other crossings were dry run The vegetation changes as you continue up the canyon, from mostly desert vegetation to more woody cover. Near the Pratt Lodge there are pine, oak, maple as well as juniper trees with cacti. We also heard & observed more bird species. The Pratt Lodge is actually 3 buildings, all in good repair. The buildings are all rock walls with supporting timber for the stone roof. The stone roof is very interesting & beautiful. The lodge is locked but you are able to see the inside from various windows. Rooms are still furnished. The porch has a few rocking chairs and a swing. This is a great spot to sit, enjoy the quiet & scenery and perhaps have lunch. There is also a picnic table. Carry some water with you! Overall, we found this trail to be the best, easy trail is the area. We highly recommend at least going to the Pratt Lodge. If possible, learn the story of how this lodge was built nearly 100 years ago.
8. Pinery Trail
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 24 reviews
Scenic hiking trail at Pine Springs.
Reviewed By Jolene224 - Bulverde, United States
1/3 of a mile there and 1/3 of a mile back. Would be suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. Dogs allowed. Benches along the way to stop and enjoy the scenery
9. Dog Canyon
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 11 reviews
Canyon in which there are campgrounds, a ranger station, and a corral if you need a place to keep your horse for the night.
Reviewed By Trek-Always - Alpharetta, United States
There is a road called New Mexico 137 that runs from Carlsbad to Dog Canyon. It is 60 miles each way. The road is paved and in good condition. There is a side trip of 7.5 miles each way to Sitting Bulls Falls (recommended). The road goes through a number of different environments, vegetation, ground cover, and scenic viewpoints. It is a terrific drive. Most of the drive is in New Mexico but Dog Canyon is in the north side of the national park and in Texas. It is the end of the road. There are a number of hiking options, a campground, and a large picnic area. The day we were there there were not any of other people except for the local ranger. The ranger is helpful, friendly, and can answer all of your questions. The canyon is a beautiful place and a great part of our exceptional national park system. Please indicate below if you find this review helpful.
10. Manzanita Spring
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 10 reviews
Short trail leads to Manzanita Spring. Trailhead is at the Frijoles Ranch in Guadalupe Mountains National Park.
