Guadalupe MountainsNational Park

Physical Address

Operating Hours & Seasons

Visitor Centers

Internet & Cellular Access

Internet & Cellular Access Details

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.

A Note About Time Zones

The Park is in Mountain Time. Your smart devices will probably be wrong.

Current Conditions

Alerts, operations updates, and other information.

Pets Prohibited on Most Trails

Opportunities for dogs are severely limited. We encourage visitors to think twice before bringing their dog to the park.

What time is it?

Guadalupe Mountains is in the Mountain Time Zone; it is likely that your smart phone will display the time incorrectly during your visit.

Plan Your Visit

Planning a visit? Discover the hiking, birding, backpacking, picnicking and many more opportunities that await you.

Developed Campgrounds

Guadalupe Mountains has three developed campgrounds open year round which are open to tent or vehicle camping (RVs, etc.) one of which can only be used by groups with horses. All campsites in the Pine Springs and Dog Canyon Campgrounds are reservable up to six months in advance through recreation.gov. The Pine Springs Campground is located just off U.S. Highway 62/180 near the Pine Springs Visitor Center, and is a simple, desert camping area situated in Pine Springs Canyon near the base of Guadalupe Peak. Campground conveniences include: potable water (for water bottles and hydration packs only), accessible flush-toilet restrooms, and utility sink. There are no showers available in the campground. Tent campers have a choice of 20 leveled, gravel walk-in sites. Small junipers and oaks partially shade most of the sites and each site has a picnic table. Occupancy of individual campsites is limited to 6 people and 2 tents per site. The RV camping area is a paved parking lot with 13 sites to choose from. RVs and trailers 55 feet in length or longer are prohibited. RV sites are defined by painted lines and numbers on the pavement. There are no hook-ups and there is no dump station. No hose connection for fresh water tanks. RV campsite #21 is wheelchair accessible. The Dog Canyon Campground is in a secluded, forested canyon on the remote north side of the park, a two hour drive from Pine Springs. Due to a slightly higher elevation and protected location beneath steep cliff walls, it remains cooler than Pine Springs campground in the summer and sheltered from strong gusty winds in winter and spring. The campground has 9 tent sites and 4 RV sites (maximum length 23 feet, no hookups, no dump station). Restrooms have sinks and flush toilets, but no showers. The Frijole Horse Corra

Direct Reservation Links

Pine Springs Campground Dog Canyon Campground Small campground in remote north district (two hour drive from Pine Springs)

General Regulations

Camping is permitted in designated campsites only.

Camping is limited to 14 consecutive nights within a 30-day period and not more than 60 total nights per calendar year anywhere within the park. These limits apply to all camping activities within the park.

At all park campgrounds, where tent pads are provided, all tents and/or camping shelters must be erected on the tent pads.

The use of hammocks, slacklines, tarps or similar devices tied to natural and/or manmade features is prohibited.

Skunks and other small mammals roam the campground at night. These animals are attracted to food odors. Prevent encounters by keeping campsites free of food scraps.

Dispose of scraps and other garbage in trash receptacles.

Store food, including pet food, in vehicles, not in tents.

Please refrain from using faucets in the campground for dish washing or bathing. Wash dishes in the utility sink beside the restrooms.

Discharge of dishwater or gray water on the ground is prohibited. Use the utility sinks for their disposal.

The closest free RV dump station is off Canyon Street in Carlsbad, NM (behind the TNM&O bus terminal).

Pets on leash are permitted in the campground, but please abide by the following with regard to your pet's welfare, the protection of park wildlife, and consideration of other park visitors:

Leashed pets may be exercised on the trail between the campground and Pine Springs Visitor Center + the Pinery Trail at the Visitor Center. Pets are not allowed on other park trails because they may disturb park wildlife or be harmed themselves by wild animals. There are many rattlesnakes in the park, and park wildlife may carry plague or rabies. Do not allow your pet near animals or their dens or burrows.

Please clean up after your pet.

Pets may not be left unattended. The nearest kennel service (with limited hours) is at Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

Wood and charcoal fires are strictly prohibited due to generally dry weather conditions and intermittent high winds. Fires are permitted only in stoves using containerized fuels.

Quiet hours are from 8:00 PM to 8:00 AM. Generators may not be run during these hours.

Visitor Centers

The Pine Springs, Dog Canyon, and McKittrick Canyon Visitor Centers are all accessible. Accessible features found at the centers include designated parking spaces, accessible restrooms, drinking fountains, paved nature trail, and a captioned park slide show.

Accessible Trails

The Pinery Trail departs from the Pine Springs Visitor Center. This 0.75 mile (1.2 km) round-trip paved trail leads to the ruins of a mid-1800s Butterfield Stagecoach Station. The ruins can also be reached off US 62/180 a quarter-mile from the Pine Springs Visitor Center.

The Manzanita Spring Trail is a paved 0.5 mile (0.8 km) round-trip trail that departs from the Frijole Ranch parking lot. This paved trail leads to Manzanita Spring and through the orchard once belonging to the Smith family.

The Frijole Ranch Parking has three large shade structures with picnic tables, water fountains, and vault toilets.

Service Animals

Service Animals as defined by titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act are excepted and are permitted in park buildings, restrooms, at public programs, and in the backcountry; service animals that have been individually trained to perform specific tasks for the benefit of persons with disabilities are allowed in the park.

Emotional support (“therapy animals”) are not service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act and may not access buildings, trails or other non-motorized areas.

Key Information

Get an entrance pass All visitors must have one of these entrance passes: Pass Price Standard Pass $10.00 Annual Pass $35.00 America the Beautiful Pass (includes Senior Passes) FREE–$250.00 Help me choose an entrance pass

Choosing an Entrance Pass

Do you have or qualify for a discounted America the Beautiful Pass?

If you already have an America the Beautiful—the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, that's the only entrance pass you need. Seniors, military, visitors with a permanent disability, and families with a 4th grader are eligible for a free or discounted America the Beautiful pass.

America the Beautiful Pass

How often do you plan to visit national parks in the next 12 months?

If you don't qualify for a discounted America the Beautiful pass, we recommend choosing an entrance pass based on your trip plans.

Entrance Passes

Standard Entrance Pass

For Individuals

All visitors over the age of 16 need an entrance pass, including vehicle passengers. Children under the age of 16 don't need an entrance pass.

Per Person $10.00

In-person Purchase Locations

Pine Springs Visitor Center Cash or Credit/Debit

McKittrick Canyon Contact Station Cash or Credit/Debit

Pine Springs Trailhead Cash or Credit/Debit

Frijole Ranch Trailhead Cash or Credit/Debit

The Dog Canyon Trailhead Cash or Credit/Debit

McKittrick Canyon Trailhead Cash or Credit/Debit

For Organizations & Businesses

Education/Academic Group $0.00

Entrance fee waivers are available to groups when the purpose of their visit is educational rather than recreational. Completed applications along with required documentation must be submitted via email. Fee waiver requests must be submitted at least six weeks before a scheduled visit to allow for consideration. More information

Annual Entrance - Park

This pass is valid for entrance into Guadalupe Mountains National Park for one year from the month of purchase. The pass admits up to four adults in a private vehicle and is non-transferable; visitors under 16 years of age are free. You can purchase this pass at the Pine Springs Visitor Center.

US citizens and residents

Pine Springs Visitor Center Credit/Debit Only

McKittrick Canyon Contact Station Credit/Debit Only

America the Beautiful—the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass

Covers entrance fees and standard amenity (day-use) fees at lands managed by

National Park Service

US Fish & Wildlife Service

US Forest Service

Bureau of Land Management

Bureau of Reclamation

US Army of Corps of Engineers

Depending on the type of entrance fee charged at a site, covers One private vehicle fee or Four per person fees

America the Beautiful Passes are non-refundable, non-transferable and cannot be replaced if lost or stolen . Passholders must show valid photo identification (ID) with each pass.

How to Get an America the Beautiful Pass

Physical passes can be purchased or picked up at over 1,000 federal recreation sites.

Purchase and pickup locations

To receive your pass by mail, order online at the USGS Online Store . Online orders are for physical passes, not digital passes, and may take up to three weeks to be processed and delivered. Order receipts may not be used in place of a physical pass. We recommend ordering at least three weeks in advance of your visit, or picking up a pass in person instead.

Skip the wait! Get a Digital America the Beautiful Pass through recreation.gov. Your digital pass can be saved to a mobile device and used immediately.

Get a Digital America the Beautiful Pass

2026 Free Entrance Days in the National Parks

Come experience the national parks! All National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to US citizens and residents (other fees, including timed entry or reservation fees, may apply). Mark your calendar for these entrance fee-free dates:

February 16 : Presidents Day (Washington's Birthday)

May 25 : Memorial Day

June 14: Flag Day/President Trump's birthday

July 3–5: Independence Day weekend

August 25: 110th Birthday of the National Park Service

September 17: Constitution Day

October 27 : Theodore Roosevelt's birthday

November 11: Veterans Day

The fees you pay when visiting Guadalupe Mountains National Park are important! Under the Federal Recreation Lands Enhancement Act, national parks use the fees collected to fund critical projects that improve visitor services and protect natural and cultural resources.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park is located on the north side of US Hwy 62/180. If you are traveling east from El Paso, TX, we are 110 miles East of the city. Follow US Hwy 62/180 North to the Pine Springs Visitor Center. If you are traveling from Van Horn, TX, you will travel north on US 54 and make a right-hand turn at the junction of US 62/180 to arrive at the park. If you are traveling west from Carlsbad, NM, you will travel on US Hwy 62/180 South and cross into Texas. Follow signs to the park.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park is located in far West Texas on U.S. Highway 62/180. The driving distance is 110 miles east of El Paso, Texas, 56 miles southwest of Carlsbad, New Mexico or 62 miles north of Van Horn on Hwy 54. Visitors traveling to Dog Canyon, on the park's north side, can access the area via New Mexico State Road 137. The Dog Canyon District is a two-hour drive from park headquarters at Pine Springs.

The closest large commercial airline service is El Paso, Texas. Other airlines serve Albuquerque, New Mexico, Lubbock and Midland, Texas and Mesa Airlines offers passenger service between Albuquerque and Carlsbad, New Mexico.

Public Transportation

There is no public transportation or shuttle service available in the park.

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 restaurant or grocery in the park.

As you enjoy the splendor of this great wilderness area, make safety a priority. By giving forethought to your actions you can have a safe, exciting, and rewarding experience in Guadalupe Mountains National Park.

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.

Hiking in the desert requires some planning ahead of time to ensure a safe and successful hike. Make sure to always:

Carry plenty of water. There is no water available along trails or in the wilderness. Make sure to carry at least one gallon per person, per day.

Dress appropriately. Wear sunscreen, hats, long sleeve shirts and long pants.

Hike during appropriate times. Make sure to start early in the day to avoid the mid-day summer heat.

Know the signs of heat-related illnesses: dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.

Trails in the Guadalupe Mountains vary in difficulty and require some form of preparation.

Carry a map and compass/gps. Make sure that you know how to use them.

Always let someone know your plans. Make sure they know where you are going and when you will return.

Carry a pack with appropriate gear: water, flashlight, map, etc.

Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable.

Make sure to check the weather before leaving for your hike.

Summer days can bring high temperatures and beware of quickly oncoming thunderstorms. If you see lightning, move quickly to a safe place. Avoid hilltops, ridges, and flat open areas.

Elevation plays a role in weather. Pine Springs is at 5,600 feet in elevation. The Sand Dunes on the west side of the park are 2,000 feet lower; plan on it being ten degrees warmer. Guadalupe Peak and the high wilderness are 2,000 feet higher; plan on ten degrees cooler, and wind speeds ten miles per hour faster.

Pine Springs is at 5,600 feet in elevation.

The Sand Dunes on the west side of the park are 2,000 feet lower; plan on it being ten degrees warmer.

Guadalupe Peak and the high wilderness are 2,000 feet higher; plan on ten degrees cooler, and wind speeds ten miles per hour faster.

November through March is the windy season in the Guadalupe Mountains, with winds above 30MPH often, and gusts ranging from 50-80MPH. Hiking on open trail will be challenging if the wind speed is at 40mph. If the wind speeds are up to 50mph, it’s dangerous to continue for even experienced hikers. If the wind speeds exceed 55mph, then you should turn back immediately if you don’t want to risk an accident. 70MPH wind gusts are the equivelent of a F1 tornado.

Hiking on open trail will be challenging if the wind speed is at 40mph.

If the wind speeds are up to 50mph, it’s dangerous to continue for even experienced hikers. If the wind speeds exceed 55mph, then you should turn back immediately if you don’t want to risk an accident. 70MPH wind gusts are the equivelent of a F1 tornado.

In strong winds, your balance may become compromised, increasing the risk of slips and falls. When hiking during high winds, you should always be prepared to turn around. You should prioritize your own safety above all else in windy conditions.

Climbing is Prohibited

Wildlife Encounters

Black bears , mountain lions , javelinas, coyotes may be encountered on trails, and skunks frequent campgrounds. Although they sometimes appear tame, all of the animals in the park are wild, and could pose a threat to your health and safety if you attempt to approach or feed them.

Never feed wildlife.

Store all food, coolers, cooking utensils, and toiletries in a hard-sided vehicle, preferably in the trunk of your car. Use available food storage lockers in campsites.

Dispose of garbage properly. Throw garbage in the trash cans provided.

Watch children closely; never let them run ahead or lag behind.

If you encounter a bear or mountain lion, do not run, but back away to get out of range. If you feel threatened by a bear or lion, hold your ground, wave your arms, throw stones, and shout; never run. Keep groups together, look large.

Venomous snakes, scorpions, spiders, and centipedes are active during warmer months. Inspect shoes, sleeping bags and bedding before use. Carry a flashlight at night. Pay attention to where you walk and place your hands. Consider wearing high boots or protective leggings while hiking.

In the fall, winter, and spring high winds are often a part of the Guadalupe Mountains experience.

Visitors are responsible for their own safety. Search and rescue actions are conducted on a discretionary basis.

While they are rarely seen by visitors, the entirety of Guadalupe Mountains National Park is mountain lion habitat.

While rarely seen, black bears live throughout the high country of the Guadalupe Mountains Wilderness.

Carrying the Ten Essentials (plus one) with you can help you be prepared for minor injuries, sudden weather changes, or unexpected delays.

Over 80 miles of hiking trails offer easy nature walks through desert flora; more moderate hikes follow canyons and reach riparian oases, and strenuous all day hikes can take you into high country forest or to the "Top of Texas". Each is unique—the magic of Guadalupe Mountains National Park awaits you.

Carrying the Ten Essentials (plus one) with you can help you be prepared for minor injuries, sudden weather changes, or unexpected delays.

Nothing can spoil a hike as quickly as the discovery of toilet paper. Always use the restroom before hiking. Pack out your toilet paper.

As with most activities, the more you know before you start your hike, the more likely you will have a good experience

A network of trails throughout the park provides many opportunities to explore and find your challenge.

To limit impacts on the landscape and other visitors, a special use permit is required for day hiking groups with more than twenty persons.

Any person or persons planning to hike off trail in the park must obtain an off-trail hiking permit before they attempt the hike.

McKittrick Canyon is the heart of the park and offers trails to dramatic landscapes, foliage, and the high-country.

Pine Springs is the starting point for the Guadalupe Peak Trail and other beginning hikes into the high-country of the park.

The trail to the summit of Guadalupe Peak is a rewarding, and very strenuous, 8.5 mile round trip hike with a 3,000 foot elevation gain.

The west side of the mountains offers remote hiking and access to the Salt Basin Sand Dunes.

A number of short trails and access to the high-country all begin near the historic Frijole Ranch.

Trails from Dog Canyon offer excellent access, with relatively easy grades, to the Guadalupe Mountains Wilderness.

Click on the arrow in the map's top left corner to toggle between the Brochure Map and the interactive Park Tiles map. These maps are meant for general orientation and are not meant for detailed wilderness trip planning or hiking. For safe wilderness travel get a detailed topographic map at the visitor center.

At Guadalupe Mountains, opportunities for pets are limited:

Leashed pets are permitted in Guadalupe Mountains National Park only in areas accessed by vehicles, including established roadsides, parking areas, developed picnic areas and campgrounds. 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. Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet and attended at all times. Federal regulations require all pet excrement to be picked up and disposed of in a marked trash receptacle.

Leashed pets are permitted in Guadalupe Mountains National Park only in areas accessed by vehicles, including established roadsides, parking areas, developed picnic areas and campgrounds.

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.

Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet and attended at all times.

Federal regulations require all pet excrement to be picked up and disposed of in a marked trash receptacle.

At Guadalupe Mountains, pets are prohibited:

in park buildings in restrooms at public programs in the backcountry on ALL park trails except the Pinery Trail and the Pine Springs Campground connector trail.

in park buildings

at public programs

in the backcountry

on ALL park trails except the Pinery Trail and the Pine Springs Campground connector trail.

Why Can't I Hike With My Dog or Cat?

Dogs and cats are considered to be unnatural predators in a natural environment

Pets may harass and even kill wildlife, carry disease and disrupt the habitats of native species in the park

Pets could become prey for larger carnivores like mountain lions, black bears, bobcats, coyote packs or many other desert animals which could pose a threat to your pet

Many Chihuahuan desert plants are spiny or poisonous and can easily injure a pet

Pets can bite visitors or intrude on the visitor experience anticipated in Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Other Park Pet Rules

Pet owners are required to immediately remove and properly dispose of fecal matter deposited by pets in an appropriate refuse container.

Do not leave pets unattended at campsites, tied to an object in the park, or in vehicles for prolonged periods of time. Interior vehicle temperatures can rise within minutes and pets can quickly overheat and die, even with the windows cracked. The nearest kennel service (with limited hours) is at Carlsbad Caverns National Park .

Some adjacent US Forest Service lands do allow leashed pets on trails and in dispersed areas. Contact them directly for details and specific locations.

Service Animals

Service Animals as defined by titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act are excepted and are permitted in park buildings, restrooms, at public programs, and in the backcountry; service animals that have been individually trained to perform specific tasks for the benefit of persons with disabilities are allowed in the park.

Emotional support (“therapy animals”) are not service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act and may not access trails or other non-motorized areas.

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Current Conditions and Forecast

The Guadalupe Mountains weather can vary drastically in elevations ranging from 3,000 feet to 8,000+ feet. Spring and summer seasons bring warm and mild temperatures with ocasional showers, while fall and winter can bring cooler temperatures with high winds that can reach over 70+ mph on occasions. Snow and freezing fog is also common during the cooler months of December and January. When planning your trip, make sure to check the latest weather to ensure that you pack the appropriate equipment for the terrain you will be hiking in and check our park webcams to see live conditions. The park's remote north district at Dog Canyon is at 6,000 ft in elevation and tends to be slightly cooler than the Pine Springs area. When preparing to hike, make sure to note that the temperature at the higher elevations will up to 10 degrees cooler with the possibility of stronger winds and higher windspeeds.

The Guadalupe Mountains weather can vary drastically in elevations ranging from 3,000 feet to 8,000+ feet. Spring and summer seasons bring warm and mild temperatures with ocasional showers, while fall and winter can bring cooler temperatures with high winds that can reach over 70+ mph on occasions. Snow and freezing fog is also common during the cooler months of December and January. When planning your trip, make sure to check the latest weather to ensure that you pack the appropriate equipment for the terrain you will be hiking in and check our park webcams to see live conditions. The park's remote north district at Dog Canyon is at 6,000 ft in elevation and tends to be slightly cooler than the Pine Springs area.

When preparing to hike, make sure to note that the temperature at the higher elevations will up to 10 degrees cooler with the possibility of stronger winds and higher windspeeds.

Hazardous Weather Conditions

Current Conditions

Humidity Wind Speed Barometer Dewpoint Visibility Wind Chill

Extended Graphical Forecast for This Location

Extended Text Forecast for This Location

Average Temperatures and Precipitation

The table below is based on average temperatures and precipitation at Pine Springs area at an elevation of nearly 5,700 feet above sea level. At the higher mountain elevations temperatures average 5–10 degrees cooler during the day and 0-5 degrees cooler at night. The mountains also receive more precipitation and higher winds. The lower desert of the Salt Basin Dunes and Williams Ranch average 5–10 degrees warmer during the day and is 0-5 degrees warmer at night (except winter when its 0-7 degrees cooler) and receives less precipitation.

Conditions Through the Year

Sunshine is abundant most of the year. Spring and Fall are typically warm and pleasant and are the parks busiest seasons. November through March is the windy season in the Guadalupe Mountains, with winds above 30MPH often, and gusts ranging from 50-80MPH. June-August are the hottest months. Visitors should be familiar with heat safety. The rainy season runs from May through September, with locally heavy thunderstorms and some flash flooding. The rainy season can be a delightful time to visit since afternoon and evening rains often cool temperatures.

Fall quickly melds into winter which is pleasantly mild and usually sunny, although periods of cloudy weather and freezing cold do occur. Snow and ice are common at high elevations throughout the season. Winter visitors must prepare for a variety of conditions.

Elevation is Everything

Most weather forecasts highlight the temperature at Park Headquarters which lies at nearly 5,700 feet. Temperatures in lower elevations such as the Williams Ranch Road and the Salt Basin Dunes will be approximately 10 degrees hotter. Temps in the higher elevations average approximately 10 degrees cooler. Be prepared for this kind of variation during your trip.

Dress for the Weather

No matter the time of year, a wide-brimmed hat, comfortable clothing and sturdy walking shoes or boots are necessary for anyone planning to explore outdoors. Sunscreen is a must and hikers should always carry plenty of water; one gallon per person per day is recommended. Summer visitors should be aware of heat safety, such as wearing clothing that protects from the sun and avoiding activity during midday. Winter visitors should be prepared for any weather; temperatures vary from below freezing to above 80 degrees Fahrenheit .

NPS/Laurence Parent

The Guadalupe Mountains Wilderness has over 80 miles of trail to explore with a great range of elevation, ecological zones, and solitude. Whether you are day hiking or backpacking, your trip is a uniquely protected opportunity to provide maximum freedom to roam in Wilderness. So, in planning a trip, it is important to find the right experience for your interests, timeframe, and abilities. A good planning process will enhance your understanding of the park and your safety. Therefore, as part of the wilderness experience, park rangers can provide general guidance but will not plan a wilderness trip for you; you must plan your own trip.

When you have thought about or decided what you want from your trip, you can start planning and researching your hike. A detailed topographic map is a must for any hike. In addition, a good guidebook can help you choose a trip that is right for you. Remember that visiting the wilderness is an adventure: do not be afraid to explore a new area and discover what wonders it has to offer!

Trail Descriptions

Bear Canyon Trail

Blue Ridge Trail

Bush Mountain Trail

El Capitan Trail

Trailhead(s): Pine Springs, Williams Ranch Duration: Total distance from Pine Springs to Williams Ranch is 9.4 miles (15.2 km). From the Pine Springs Trailhead to Guadalupe Canyon and the east junction of the Salt Basin Loop is 3.4 miles (5.5 km); From Gudalupe Canyon to the west junction of the Salt Basin Loop is 0.9 miles (1.5 km); From the west junction of the Salt Basin Loop to the Shumard Canyon Wilderness Campground is 4.7 miles (7.6 km); From the Shumard Canyon Wilderness Campground to Williams Ranch is 0.4 miles (0.6 km).

The El Capitan Trail begins at the Pine Springs Trailhead. The trail leads around the base of El Capitan and along the west side of the Guadalupe escarpment, ending at the historic Williams Ranch House. It is the only trail to provide access to the west side of the Guadalupes. As such, the trail provides excellent opportunities for solitude and sweeping views. This trail connects to the Salt Basin Overlook Trail.

Foothills Trail

Guadalupe Peak Trail

Indian Meadow Nature Trail

McKittrick Canyon Trail

McKittrick Canyon Nature Trail

Salt Basin Dunes Trail

Salt Basin Overlook Trail

Permian Reef Trail

Smith Spring Trail

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Starting from the center of things

The Pine Springs area is the primary starting point for many trails, and is the most heavily used day use area in the park.

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