Highway 62/180 to the Guadalupes
Highway 62/180 to the Guadalupes
U.S. Highway 62/180 is a 5-mile scenic corridor through Guadalupe Mountains National Park connecting El Paso, Texas and Carlsbad, New Mexico. You'll see sweeping views of the Guadalupe escarpment, gypsum dunes, and salt flats from roadside pullouts. Most visitors treat it as a scenic pass-through while traveling between towns, but the drive rewards stopping for photography and geology observation. Mule deer and bighorn sheep frequently cross the highway at dawn and dusk.
The only accessible way most visitors experience Guadalupe Mountains National Park; combines dramatic desert mountain views with easy, self-guided access from a major highway
Quick facts
- Duration
- 1-4 hours
- Group style
- Any size; self-guided highway drive
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Cancellation
- N/A (self-guided activity)
- Guide certification
- N/A (self-guided)
- Meeting point
- Highway 62/180 entry points from El Paso, Texas or Carlsbad, New Mexico. Texas Rest…
✓ Book this if…
- You're traveling between El Paso and Carlsbad and want to see dramatic desert mountain scenery without leaving your vehicle.
- Photography enthusiasts, scenic travelers, families on road trips between El Paso and Carlsbad, geology/nature lovers, those interested in Chihuahuan Desert ecology
× Skip it if…
- You want an active experience, guided interpretation, or a high-adrenaline activity—this is a passive scenic drive.
- None; suitable for all health levels. No restrictions for pregnancy or mobility issues (highway/pullouts accessible).
- Open year-round, but Guadalupe Pass subject to closure in winter due to snow/ice. High winds common. Extreme summer heat (100°F+). Call (915) 828-3251 for current road conditions.
Before you book
Do I have to pay to drive through?
No; the highway passage is free. The $10 per person entry fee applies only if you stop in the park to visit trailheads, campgrounds, or other areas beyond the highway pullouts.
Can I see wildlife?
Yes, mule deer are common at dawn and dusk. Bighorn sheep are visible on distant ridges with binoculars. Mountain lions exist but are rarely seen. The highway itself is a wildlife corridor.
What if my vehicle breaks down?
This is a remote area. Call 911 or get to the Texas Rest Area (if possible). Carry a paper map, extra water, and emergency supplies. Cell service is unreliable.
Is it suitable for young children?
Yes; no walking or special skills required. Very young children might get bored on long drives; bring entertainment and snacks. Pets must stay in the vehicle.
When should I drive this route?
Spring and fall offer ideal weather (60-80°F). Summer is extremely hot (100°F+); winter can have icy conditions on Guadalupe Pass. Drive at dawn or dusk for wildlife.
Can I stop and take pictures?
Yes, multiple pullouts are designed for photography and interpretation. Stop safely at designated pullouts, never on the highway shoulder. Give wildlife safe distance (100 yards for mountain lions, 25 yards for others).
