• The Western Escarpment of the Guadalupes rises above the white gypsum sands of the desert floor.

    Guadalupe Mountains

    National Park Texas

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  • Smoking Restrictions

    Guadalupe Mountains National Park Superintendent Dennis A. Vásquez announced that the park will restrict smoking beginning Sunday, May 12, 2013, as a precautionary measure due to the park’s HIGH fire danger rating. More »

Plan Your Visit

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Majestic and powerful relative to the flat earth below, El Capitan is viewable from the Guadalupe Peak trail.
NPS Photo - Adam Butterick
 
As a hiker's paradise, you will find more than 80 miles of trails that meander through woodland canyons and lush riparian springs, or zigzag up steep switchbacks directly into the park's rugged wilderness. Many trails are available for horseback riding if you bring your own stock. The park is a wonderful place to look at fossils and learn about Permian Age geology, enjoy bird watching and wildlife observation, delve into nature photography, or enjoy unlimited opportunities for stargazing under pristine night skies.

The Pine Springs Visitor Center is the best place to begin your visit to Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Here you can pick up maps and brochures, view an informative orientation slide show, enjoy remarkable interpretive exhibits, browse the bookstore for additional education sources, get a current weather forecast, and talk directly with knowledgeable staff at the information desk about your itinerary. Just outside the door is the Pinery Trail - a short, paved path that has scenic vistas, offers an introduction to the native plants, and leads to the historic ruins of the Butterfield Overland Mail stage station. If your kids are tired of traveling and itching for something to do, our Junior Ranger program is fun, educational, and generally takes less than an hour to complete!

Did You Know?

Nesting Hummingbird

Hummingbirds are often described as "flying jewels" – for good reason. Most males have feathers in their gorgets which shine with a rich, jewel-like iridescence when light hits them. Guadalupe Mountains National Park is host to at least 8 species of hummingbirds, 4 of which are known to nest here.