Trip Idea

Day Hikes Beginning from Frijole Ranch

Multiple Parks

The trailhead at Frijole Ranch provides opportunities to reach the high country of the mountains, explore desert landscapes, discover a historic ranch, and visit life-giving springs.
  • Guadalupe Mountains National Park

    Day Hike Preparation

    • Activity Fee: Yes
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Hiking
    • Pets: No
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day, Dawn, Dusk
    a woman with hiking poles ascents a mountain trail

    As with most activities, hikers face potential risks. Knowledge and preparation can increase your comfort level and reduce your chances of injury. Remember, you are ultimately responsible for your own safety.

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  • Guadalupe Mountains National Park

    Know the Rules

    • Activity Fee: Yes
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Hands-On
    • Pets: No
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Any Time
    Park Ranger kneels next to a vehicle

    There are a variety of rules and regulations that dictate how the parks must be managed. These laws and regulations help us protect park resources while also providing visitors with a safe and enjoyable experience.

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  • Guadalupe Mountains National Park

    Leave No Trace

    • Activity Fee: Yes
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Hiking
    • Pets: No
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Any Time
    A hand holds two waterproof cards with text in front of a green background

    Each of us plays a vital role in protecting our national parks. As we spend time outdoors, in the natural world and in wilderness, it’s important to be conscious of the effects our actions may have on plants, animals, other people, and even entire ecosystems. Following the Leave No Trace Seven Principles, summarized below, can help us minimize those impacts.

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  • Guadalupe Mountains National Park

    Smith Spring Trail Loop

    • Activity Fee: Yes
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Hiking
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Trailhead
    • Duration: 1–2 Hours
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day, Dawn, Dusk
    Water cascades down rocks in a forested setting.

    Begin this hike at the trailhead sign. Look for birds, mule deer, and elk as you walk this loop trail to the shady oasis of Smith Spring. Take a break here and enjoy the gurgling sounds of the tiny waterfall before continuing around to sunny Manzanita Spring. Scars from wildland fires of 1990 and 1993 are evident along the trail. The trail is rated moderate, with a round-trip distance of 2.3 miles. Allow one to two hours.

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  • Guadalupe Mountains National Park

    Manzanita Spring

    • Activity Fee: Yes
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Hiking
    • Pets: No
    • Duration: 20–30 Minutes
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day, Dawn, Dusk
    A pool of water surrounded by vegetation and blue sky

    The Manzanita Spring Trail is a 0.5 mile (0.8 km) out and back trail that begins adjacent the Frijole Ranch. Manzanita Spring is a wide pool that provides excellent bird watching opportunities.

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  • Guadalupe Mountains National Park

    Foothills Loop

    • Activity Fee: Yes
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Hiking
    • Pets: No
    • Duration: 2–4 Hours
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day, Dawn, Dusk
    A desert mountain landscape with buildings and a prominent point in the background.

    This moderate loop route uses the Frijole Trail and the Foothills Trail to make a loop below the eastern escarpment of the Guadalupe Mountains.

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Last updated: January 17, 2023