Last updated: January 29, 2025
Thing to Do
Hiking off-trail

NPS Photo
A new kind of experience in the Guadalupe Mountains starts where the maintained trail ends. However, off-trail hiking requires planning and preparation and carries a great deal of risk.
Overestimating your ability and underestimating the challenges found in the Guadalupe Mountains can have serious consequences. The park expects visitors to exhibit a high degree of self-reliance and responsibility for their own safety.
Any person or persons planning to hike off-trail in the park must stop by the Pine Springs Visitor Center and receive an off-trail hiking permit. If you are unsure that your proposed route falls under this policy, please contact permit staff.
Restrictions and Conditions
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Off-trail hiking groups may not be bigger than 6 persons.
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GPS tracking units are HIGHLY advised when off-trail hiking.
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The permittee must possess, carry, and use a paper topographic map of the park.
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All off-trail routes are day use only. No overnight camping is authorized in these areas. Off trail hiking routes may be combined with previously booked wilderness campsites.
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Permittee must provide a proposed itinerary when obtaining their off-trail hiking permit.
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If applicable, the permittee must obtain all necessary overnight wilderness permits prior to the activity. Entrance fees and other permit fees will not be waived.
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Activity monitoring and cost-recovery charges may be required. Permit coordinators can help determine potential costs, if any, for the activity.
- Permit holders will be required to carry a minimum of one commercially graded human waste bag per person for the day for the duration of their off-trail trip and present proof that they have the required number of bags before their permit will be issued.
- All other administrative restrictions and closures apply.
Trail surfaces are loose rock or hardened rock surfaces. Hiking or trekking poles are highly recommended. Trail widths vary from two to six feet depending on the trail.
Parking
All trailhead areas have accessible parking available.
Service animals
Only service animals that have been individually trained to perform specific tasks for the benefit of persons with disabilities are allowed in the park and on trails.