Day Hikes Beginning at Pine Springs

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.

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.

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.

Opportunities for pets are limited. Leashed pets may walk on the short Pine Springs Campground connector trail or along the Pinery Trail from the visitor center to the Butterfield Stage Station.

The strenuous route to Devil's Hall departs from the Pine Springs Trailhead and is 4.2 miles round-trip. After the first mile the trail enters a rocky wash which leads hikers to an impressive natural rock staircase that connects to a "hallway" formed by steep canyon walls. Rock surfaces in the wash can be slippery when dry and visitors should exercise caution on this hike.

The Pinery Trail offers visitors an opportunity to take a quick walk on a paved trail. The trail also features ruins of the Old Butterfield Stagecoach Route Pinery Station built in 1858.

When you reach a summit or other destination in the park, take a group photo or selfie in areas of the park and post to social media and include the hashtag #GuadalupeMountains #guadalupepeak #hunterpeak #lostpeak or others hashtags using your device and social media service.

Climb to the "Top of Texas" with a hike up Guadalupe Peak. Guadalupe Peak is a rewarding, although very strenuous, 8.4 mile round trip hike with a 3,000 foot elevation gain. It will take from six to eight hours to complete the hike. The peak provides fantastic views from the highest point in the state of Texas (8,751 feet / 2,667 meters). It also introduces hikers to several of the park’s ecosystems including the high desert and the high elevation forests.