Trails

Day Hike Preparation

Mandatory briefing before Guadalupe day hikes: water, heat, and preparation separate success from collapse.

Dealing with Human Waste

Pack it out or stay home—commercial waste bags required for Guadalupe Wilderness overnight permits.

Devil’s Hall

Boulder scramble to Devil's Hall's rock staircase. 4.2 miles, strenuous, exposed, no shade—bring poles and 2L water.

Foothills Loop

Rocky loop with exposed desert heat. El Capitan views beat the grind—bring poles, water, and grit.

Guadalupe Peak

Claw your way to Texas's roof—8.4 miles of steep, rocky, lung-busting gain. Views reward the grind.

Hike to Fall Colors

Rare high-desert colors, Oct-Nov. Tactical move: weekday dawn start, poles mandatory. Skip weekends.

Hiking off-trail

Loose rock scrambles and true solitude—if you navigate backcountry with map and GPS, you've earned untracked wilderness.

Hunter Peak

8.7-mile alpine loop with 2,700ft gain. Strenuous scramble up Bear Canyon, reward views of desert and peaks from 8,368ft summit.

Indian Meadow Nature Trail

0.6mi loop with grassland views and prairie dogs. Loose rocks demand attention—trekking poles recommended.

Leave No Trace

Master the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace and protect Guadalupe Mountains on every visit.

Lost Peak Saddle

6.4-mile moderate climb to Lost Peak Saddle with 1,386ft vertical on loose rock. Expect relentless wind and solitude.

Manzanita Spring

Half-mile paved walk to a bird-watching spring. Easy, accessible, dawn-light payoff.

Marcus Overlook

Solitary 5.2-mile moderate hike to commanding mountain views. Loose rock, no shade, serious desert exposure.

McKittrick Canyon Nature Trail

0.9mi loop through ancient geology. Short burn, big views—bring poles and water.

Overnight on Wilderness Ridge

Strenuous overnight to alpine ridge—water carry is your killer. Permits required, sparse crowds, massive views.

Permian Reef Trail

Punishing 4-mile grind, 2,000ft ascent, relentless sun. Reward: pristine solitude and ancient fossil views.

★ 4.8 149 reviews

Pine Springs Trailhead

8.5 miles round trip with 3,000 ft gain. The Top of Texas awaits—grit up.

Pinery Trail

Quick paved walk to 1858 stagecoach ruins. No grit required—just history.

Pratt Cabin

4.8-mile moderate hike to a historic cabin in McKittrick Canyon. Stream crossings, loose rock, canyon views.

Salt Basin Dunes Trail

White gypsum dunes meet dark Guadalupe cliffs. Zero shade, full sun—bring double water and poles.

Smith Spring Trail Loop

Two water sources and shaded oases break a desert loop. Paved start, rocky finish—poles and water are non-negotiable.

Visit the historic Frijole Ranch

Spring water, shade, historic ranch museum, prime birding ground. Zero sweat—all history and wildlife reward.