National park · Texas

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Home to Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas, and over 10,000 years of human occupation along what was a critical westward transportation route.

Entrance
$10 per person
Hours
Open 24 hours daily Pine Springs
Established
September 1972
Region
Desert Southwest
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Photo: NPS Photo · Public domain (US National Park Service)
The Guadalupe Mountains National Park patch

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History

Guadalupe Mountains National Park is home to the highest point in Texas, Guadalupe Peak, and has a rich history of human occupation spanning over 10,000 years. The area was significant for both indigenous tribes and European settlers, serving as a critical transportation route during the westward expansion.

Key events

  1. The Butterfield Overland Mail stagecoach line used the area in the 1850s, with Pinery Station established in 1858.
  2. Frijole Ranch, built in 1876, served as a community center and post office until 1942.
  3. In 1978, nearly half of the park was designated as a wilderness area by the United States Congress.

Trails

  • Guadalupe Peak Trail 8.4 mi · Hard
  • Devil's Hall Trail 4.2 mi · Moderate
  • McKittrick Canyon Trail 4.8 mi · Moderate
  • Smith Spring Loop 2.3 mi · Easy
  • El Capitan Trail 9.4 mi · Hard

Plan your visit

Hours · Pine Springs

Open 24 hours, every day

The Pine Springs area, including the campground, visitor center, trailhead, and associated parking areas are open and accessible all of the time during normal operations. Camping is permitted in designated campsites only.

Entrance fees

  • Per Person $10
  • Education/Academic Groups Free

Fees and hours as of May 2026. Check current details on NPS.gov

When to go

  • Fall. McKittrick Canyon fall colors late October, mild temps
  • Spring. Wildflowers, wildlife emerging, but very windy
  • Winter. Cooler hiking temps, solitude, clear skies
  • Summer. Extremely hot in desert, only early morning hiking

Wildlife

ElkMule deerBlack bearsMountain lionsGray foxesGolden eaglesRoadrunnersCollared lizards

Nearby patches

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