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Guadalupe Mountains National ParkSpectacular desert sunsets are always beautiful.
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Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Outdoor Activities
 
Hiking the highcountry in fresh winter snow.
NPS Photo
Winter hiking can not only be exhilarating, but also offer a serene
opportunity for solitude.
 
The Guadalupe Mountains have often been referred to as an “Island in the Desert”. As a rugged and ancient limestone reef, they rise more than 5,000 feet above the surrounding desert floor. Between the folds of this unparalleled landscape are lush streamside woodlands with oaks and maples, rocky canyons, and mountaintop forests of ponderosa pine and Douglas fir. Together, these ecosystems provide exceptional habitat for hundreds of species of plants and animals, making the park an ideal location for birding, wildlife observation, and nature photography. With over 80 miles of trails, there are limitless possibilities to explore these and other resources of the park while hiking, backpacking, or horseback riding. At night a canopy of stars is visible from horizon to horizon, one of rewards of camping in wilderness.
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Park Map
View or download the detailed map of the park.
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Flowers of the desert willow are perfectly formed for the fat, rounded bodies of bees.  

Did You Know?
The long narrow leaves of the desert willow (Chilopsis linearis) gives it its common name, but it is not a true willow. It is beautiful when in bloom, and provides valuable nectar for hummingbirds, butterflies, bees and other insects.

Last Updated: October 31, 2007 at 17:53 EST