National Parks Journal
Photo: NPS/Bieri
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Come experience mountains and canyons, desert and dunes, night skies and spectacular vistas within a place unlike any other. Guadalupe Mountains National Park protects the world's most extensive Permian fossil reef, the four highest peaks in Texas, an environmentally diverse collection of flora and fauna, and the stories of lives shaped through conflict, cooperation and survival.
Entrance Fees
Activities
Top Hikes
0.75 mi · 50 ft gain · out & back
Paved, wheelchair-accessible trail to ruins of a historic Butterfield Overland Mail station from the 1850s.
Starts at: Pine Springs Visitor Center
2.3 mi · 400 ft gain · loop
Forested oasis loop passing desert springs with lush vegetation contrasting the surrounding arid landscape.
Starts at: Frijole Ranch
4.2 mi · 700 ft gain · out & back
Follows a dry wash to a narrow slot-like rock formation carved by erosion. Avoid during wet conditions.
Starts at: Pine Springs Trailhead
10.9 mi · 2,380 ft gain · out & back
Called the most beautiful spot in Texas, exploring a lush canyon with fall foliage, Pratt Cabin, and dramatic ridge views.
Starts at: McKittrick Canyon Trailhead
Upcoming Events
No upcoming events scheduled for Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Events are updated daily — check back soon or visit nps.gov for the latest.
Best Time to Visit
Best time to visit: August
Pleasant weather with fewer crowds
Weather & Climate
The Guadalupe Mountains are known for high winds year-round; gusts can reach 60MPH or higher. In winter the mountains experiences occasional, light snowfalls which seldom last more than a day. From May through October, temperatures vary with highs between 80F-100F+ with lows in the 40F-60F range. November to April is generally milder with highs in between 50F-70F with lows in the 30F-50F range. Elevations above 8,000’ will be about 10F cooler than headquarters, with corresponding wind-chill.