National Parks Journal
Photo: NPS/Bieri · Public domain
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
Getting There
Roads and entrances can close temporarily. Check current conditions on nps.gov (opens in a new tab) before you go.
Entrances
- Directions to Pine Springs Visitor Center (opens in a new tab)
Pine Springs Visitor CenterMain
Pine Springs, TX · Open year-round; visitor center hours vary
- Directions to McKittrick Canyon (opens in a new tab)
McKittrick Canyon
Pine Springs, TX · Day use only, about 8 am–5 pm (gate at the highway locked nightly)
- Directions to Dog Canyon (opens in a new tab)
Dog Canyon
Carlsbad, NM · Open year-round; ranger station staffing varies
Remote north side reached through New Mexico; no road to Pine Springs
- Directions to Salt Basin Dunes (opens in a new tab)
Salt Basin Dunes
Dell City, TX · Day use only, sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset
Remote west side; unpaved roads, no road to Pine Springs
Airports
- CNM
Cavern City Air Terminal · Carlsbad, NM
ClosestSmall airportSmall airport. Contour Airlines flies to Albuquerque and Denver (Essential Air Service).
- ELP
El Paso International Airport · El Paso, TX
Major airport
Distances are approximate road distances; tap a distance for live driving directions.
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 Guadalupe Mountains
Best time to visit: March–April, October–November
The best time to visit Guadalupe Mountains National Park is March–April and October–November. Spring and fall are warm and pleasant, though March and November can be windy; McKittrick Canyon color peaks late October–early November.
In those months, average highs are 60–70°F at Pine Springs Visitor Center. March is the busiest month on average, while November is noticeably quieter.
Monthly averages at Pine Springs Visitor Center (5,730 ft). Climate normals (1991–2020): PRISM Group, Oregon State University.
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.
