At 8,749 ft, Guadalupe Peak is not only
the highest point in Guadalupe National Park: it’s the highest
point in all of Texas. This mountain range contains portions of the
world’s most extensive and important Permian limestone fossil
reefs, and is home to some on of Texas most unique and diverse inland
ecosystems.
Scenic drives are extremely limited, but there are 80 miles of hiking
trails for visitors to enjoy. The wooded plateau known as the “Bowl”
is a popular attraction, as is the 8.5-mile, round-trip hike to the
top of Guadalupe Peak (the view is breath-taking, but so is the steep
grade of trail). The park’s Frijole Ranch History Museum is open
intermittently. There are also 10 backcountry campsites, all of which
require permits.
Though it is open year-round, most visitors come to Guadalupe Mountains
National Park in autumn to see the dazzling fall foliage at McKittrick
Canyon. The canyon, practically a park unto itself, is considered one
of the most beautiful and treasured locations in the entire state. The
McKittrick Canyon Trail provides an excellent view of the hardwoods’
changing leaves as it leads to the canyon’s enchanting and gorgeous
“Grotto”. The rather steep but ultimately rewarding McKittrick
Ridge Trail leads to the “Notch” where an excellent view
of the canyon can be seen, while the Permian Reef trial is a must for
rock-hounds and geology buffs. Nature lovers will revel in the many
varieties of yucca and prickly pear cacti, as well as the many species
of tree, like the Alligator Juniper, Velvet Ash and Ponderosa Pine.
Ringtails, javelina’s and black-tailed rattlers make their home
in the canyon, as do deer, cougar and coyotes to be seen.
The Guadalupe Mountains National State
Park Headquarters and Visitors Center is located in Pine Springs, off
US 62/180. It’s a good place to pick up the required permits for
camping, but gasoline and provisions are not available, so stock-up
ahead of time. The Dog Canyon Ranger Station also provides
free permits and a rudimentary campsite. Pratt Lodge in McKittrick Canyon is a good
place to stop and rest or eat before continuing with your hike.
