Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Travel | Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Moments before leaving Texas to drive into New Mexico, this stunning view appeared. I knew the next national park on my list was just ahead.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park was filled with low clouds throughout my visit, allowing me to pop in and out of the mist. The park is made for exploring by foot, with very few roads to take you around the mountains.

With more than 80 trails, you'll want to lace up and grab your backpack to enjoy the goodness.

Sadly, many areas were closed during my visit due to recent flooding and road damage. All the more reason to head back another time!

Favorite Hikes + Places to Explore

• Dog Canyon - an extremely remote area, located on the northern edge of the park.

• Frijole Ranch - a museum and one room schoolhouse. Also the starting point for the Smith Spring Trail.

• Guadalupe Peak Trail - the "Top of Texas" via an 8.4 mile hike.

• McKittrick Canyon - limestone walls reaching 2,000 feet.

• Salt Basin Dunes - white salt basin dunes that extend over 2,000 acres.

• Smith Spring Trail - a 2.3 mile loop trail to the Smith Spring.

• The Bowl - a strenuous 9.1 mile hike requiring 8-10 hours of your time. The hike will take you from the desert up 2,500 feet to ridges of forest.

• The Pinery Trail - a short .75 mile hike to the ruins of the old Pinery Station.

• Williams Ranch - a single, well preserved house at the base of a rock cliff canyon.