Places To Go

Stark contrasts between mountains, canyons, and desert; vast and majestic vistas, brilliant fall colors set against muted desert hues, and sparkling white dunes all combine to offer opportunities for personal renewal and inspiration. Consider including a visit to one or more of these special locations along with your other planned activities.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park is also home to the Guadalupe Mountains Wilderness, where visitors can explore 46,850 acres of Texas mountain and desert landscapes.

A Note About Goods & Services

Visiting Guadalupe Mountains requires some planning to ensure that your experience is a pleasant one. Below is a list of things to remember when visiting the park.

  • There is no gasoline available in the park. In Texas, the nearest communities with full services are Van Horn (60 miles south), and El Paso (120 miles west). When traveling from New Mexico, Whites City is the last place that offers gas, diesel, food and ice.
  • We're not kidding. No gas is available for 35 miles in either direction from the visitor center. Plan accordingly.
  • Campgrounds offer primitive dry camping for both tents and RVs. Other than restrooms and potable water, there are no other amenities. There are no lodges in the park.
  • Bring the food you need. There is no restaraunt or grocery in the park.
 
The stone walls of the visitor center stand before a desert mountain landscape

Pine Springs

Pine Springs is home to park headquarters, our largest campground, and the trailhead for some of the most popular trails.

A stone wall with doors and windows forms the front of a ranch house

Frijole Ranch

Frijole Ranch is a delightful oasis on the edge of the eastern slopes of the Guadalupe escarpment which captures the spirit of the West.

A stone shack in a mountain environment

McKittrick Canyon

Rich with history, rich in diversity, glorified by its beauty, and famous for fall colors, this location of the park is a "must-see!"

White dunes with desert vegetation and mountains in the background.

Salt Basin Dunes

Located on the remote west side of the park, these striking dunes cover nearly 2,000 acres.

A small ranger station is located along a road in a wide canyon

Dog Canyon

Dog Canyon lies in a secluded, forested canyon on the north end of the park at an elevation of 6,300 feet.

A small blue ranch house sits below tall yellow mountain cliffs.

Williams Ranch

Here, a single, well-preserved house, long since abandoned, stands as a testament of human struggle and survival.

View of a sidewalk and flagpole in front of a stone building

Visitor Centers

Get oriented to the park at a visitor center.

Steep canyon walls define a desert mountain landscape.

Guadalupe Mountains Wilderness

The park is home to the largest and oldest Wilderness area in Texas with many recreational opportunities.

Looking up into Dog Canyon with trees and grass without a road in view

Where is the Scenic Drive?

A frequently asked question is “where is the scenic drive?” The answer to that question reflects the history of conservation and the park.

A tall peak is seen at the end of a long ridge with clouds in the background

Peaks and Highpoints

Eight of the ten highest peaks in Texas are located in the park. Let altitude change your attitude.

Last updated: March 17, 2023

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

400 Pine Canyon
Salt Flat, TX 79847

Phone:

915-828-3251
Voicemail messages are responded to within five business days.

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