Pictograhs still remain today in several areas of the park, and though we can often clearly identify what they depict, we can only guess at what they meant. NPS Photo - Cookie Ballou

Early Occupants

Archaeologists believe that the first humans in the Guadalupe Mountains were hunter-gatherers that arrived here between ten and twelve thousand years ago. Although very little is known about these people, we still find evidence that they were here. Projectile points, baskets, pottery, petroglyphs and pictographs have been found throughout the park.

Since the arrival of the earliest inhabitants, people have continued to visit this area for over 10,000 years. They have come here for a variety of reasons. To some, the Guadalupes were a place of refuge, to others the mountain range presented an obstacle, difficult to overcome. These mountains were feared by many, while others came to appreciate their rugged beauty. Nearly all who passed through here were, in some way, touched by this majestic landscape.

Protecting Cultural Resources

It is always exciting to discover evidence left behind by earlier inhabitants, but in order to preserve our history, and continue to be able to interpret the cultures that came before us, it is imperative that all cultural and historic artifacts and evidence remain undisturbed. Please help us preserve these items. It is illegal to collect them.