#23 Guadalupe Mountain National Park, Texas
My visit to Guadalupe Mountains National Park started bright and early in El Paso, Texas. I hit the road before sunrise for the almost two-hour (okay, technically 1 hour and 45 minutes) drive to the park. Was I thrilled about leaving that early? Not really. But once I was on the road, it was totally worth it — the sunrise over West Texas was gorgeous. You get these huge, wide-open views of desert and mountain, and the changing colors make the drive surprisingly peaceful (even if you’re still half-asleep).
Before you even get into the park, make sure you pull over. Some of the best views of the Guadalupe Mountains are right from the highway, and there are a bunch of spots where you can safely stop and snap some photos. Of course, I also had to stop for my obligatory photo by the national park sign — or rather, signs. There’s one by the road and another at the visitor center. Did I stop at both? Obviously.
Pine Springs Visitor Center
First Stop: Pine Springs Visitor Center
I pulled into the Pine Springs Visitor Center around 7:45 a.m. with one major mission: find a bathroom, fast. Since it was before 8 a.m., the building was still closed, but thankfully the restrooms are outside and unlocked. Crisis averted.
There was only one other car in the lot, so I had the place pretty much to myself. Once I handled the bathroom situation, I waited in my car for the visitor center to open.
When it did, I headed inside. The area around the visitor center is surrounded by desert scrub and rugged cliffs, with Guadalupe Peak towering in the distance. Inside, the setup is pretty simple — there’s a small exhibit area, a little gift shop, and the all-important stamp station for your national parks passport. I’ll be honest: the rangers were great, but the woman working at the gift shop desk didn’t exactly seem thrilled to be there. Still, she pointed me to the stamp, which is all I really needed. Stamp and map in hand, I was good to go.
Since I didn’t have time for the big hike up Guadalupe Peak (it’s a serious all-day commitment), I stuck to the short trail behind the visitor center. Fun fact: it’s actually handicap accessible, so anyone can get out and enjoy a bit of the scenery. Even on a short walk, the landscape is impressive — jagged peaks, fossil-rich rocks, desert plants — and you really get that feeling that you’re somewhere special.
The visitor centers is located at : 400 Pine Canyon Drive, Salt Flat, TX 79847
It’s situated just off U.S. Highway 62/180, making it easily accessible for visitors approaching from El Paso or Carlsbad.
About the Park (Why You Should Go)
Guadalupe Mountains National Park isn’t one of those ultra-famous parks like Yosemite or Yellowstone. It’s a bit off the beaten path, but that’s part of what makes it cool. It’s home to Texas’s tallest mountain, Guadalupe Peak, plus dramatic limestone cliffs, fossil-studded canyons, and even some hidden springs.
The park covers about 86,400 acres and was officially established in 1972 (thank you, geologist Wallace Pratt, who donated much of the land). It’s a park for hikers, geology buffs, and people looking for quiet, off-the-radar adventures.
The main entrance is at Pine Springs, but you can also check out McKittrick Canyon (super popular in the fall when the leaves go wild) or Dog Canyon on the north side, which is way less crowded if you want more solitude.
Best Hikes (For When You’re Ready to Sweat)
• Guadalupe Peak Trail: 8.4 miles round trip, a big climb, but you’ll get to stand on the highest point in Texas.
• McKittrick Canyon Trail: Known for amazing fall colors. You can do a short hike to Pratt Cabin or go farther to the Grotto.
• Devil’s Hall Trail: A 3.8-mile moderate hike through a rocky canyon with some scrambling and a super cool narrow hallway section.
• The Bowl Trail: A tougher loop trail that takes you up into a pine forest — yes, actual pine trees growing in the middle of the desert.
Best Photo Spots
If you’re chasing those photo moments, don’t miss:
• El Capitan: This massive limestone formation looks especially stunning at sunrise or sunset.
• Guadalupe Peak: The top-of-Texas view as it’s the highest peak in Texas.
• McKittrick Canyon: In the fall, the colors here are unreal (I hear).
• Salt Basin Dunes: On the west side of the park, you get these bright white sand dunes with mountains in the background — perfect for sunset shots.
Can You Camp There? Yup!
There’s no hotel or lodge inside the park, but you’ve got some camping options:
• Pine Springs Campground: Tent and RV sites (no hookups), restrooms, but no showers or campfires allowed.
• Dog Canyon Campground: Smaller, quieter, and a great option if you want to avoid crowds.
• Backcountry Camping: For the hardcore hikers, you can snag a wilderness permit and camp under the stars out on the trails.
Accessibility note: The Pine Springs Campground has some accessible campsites and restrooms, and the short nature trail behind the visitor center is wheelchair-friendly.
Important Tips Before You Go
• The park is on Mountain Time, but your phone might switch to Central Time depending on the signal, so double-check the actual time.
• There are no gas stations or restaurants in the park. Stock up in Van Horn (about 60 miles south) or Whites City, New Mexico (about 35 miles north).
• Pets are allowed in the campgrounds and on paved areas, but they’re not allowed on most trails.
• Bring plenty of water — it’s dry, even when the weather feels cool, and the elevation can sneak up on you.
