All the National Parks are treasures, but the two we have here in Texas are personal favorites. There is something magical about the desert and the remoteness of Big Bend National Park, and Guadalupe Mountains National Park is where you can hike to the highest point in Texas for some amazing views (and bragging rights.)
When you arrive, stop at the Pine Springs Visitor Center. They have some good information on the park, including museum exhibits, a park film, current trail conditions, and a gift shop. Pick up a Junior Ranger book for the kids to complete and so they can earn their badge. If you’re unfamiliar with this program, click here for more information.
The main attraction here is hiking, from short nature walks to backcountry camping trails, there is something for everyone.
A Quick Overview of Trails
Visitor Center Trailhead
- The Pinery Trail (.75 mile paved, easy, wheelchair accessible)
- Features: Pinery Station Ruins, Chihuahuan Desert Exhibit
Pine Springs Trailhead
- Devil’s Hall Trail (4.2 miles roundtrip, 3-5 hours, Moderate)
- Features: Hiker’s Staircase (rock form,) Devil’s Hall (canyon), Outstanding Fall Foliage
- Frijole/Foothills Trails (4.5 miles, roundtrip, Moderate)
- Features: Connecting loop between Pine Spring campground and Frijole Ranch, Desert Vegetation
- Guadalupe Peak Trail (8.4 miles roundtrip, 6-8 hours, Strenuous)
- Features: Highest point in Texas (8,751 feet, or 2,667 meters), Backcountry Campsites, Summit Monument & Logbook, Impressive Mountain & Desert Views, including El Capitan
- The Bowl (9.1 miles roundtrip, 8-10 hours, Strenuous)
- Features: Canyons, Pine Forests
- El Capitan/Salt Basin Overlook Trails (11.3 miles roundtrip, 6-8 hours, Moderate)
- Features: Base of El Capitan, Historic Williams Ranch site
McKittrick Canyon Trailhead
- McKittrick Canyon Nature Trail (0.9 mile roundtrip, under 1 hour, moderate)
- Features: Exhibits for Plants and Permian Reef Geology
- McKittrick Canyon Trail (6.8 miles roundtrip, 4-6 hours, Moderate)
- Features: Desert Stream, Canyon woodlands, Historic Pratt Lodge, Grotto Picnic Area, Hunter Cabin. Visitor Center.
- The Permian Reef Trail (8.4 miles roundtrip, Strenuous)
- Features: Trail Markers for use with the Geology Guide, Views of McKittrick Canyon
Frijole Ranch Trailhead
- Smith Spring Trail (2.3 miles roundtrip, 1-2 hours, moderate)
- Features: Wildlife Sightings, Smith Spring, Manzanita Spring
- Frijole/Foothills Trails (4.5 miles, roundtrip, Moderate)
- Features: Connecting loop between Pine Spring campground and Frijole Ranch, Desert Vegetation
Dog Canyon Trailhead
- Indian Meadow Nature Trail (.06 mile, under 1 hour, easy)
- Features: Historical Trail Guide to Learn about the Meadow Area
- Marcus Overlook (4.5 miles, moderate)
- Features: Views of West Dog Canyon.
- Lost Peak (6.4 miles, moderate)
- Features: Meadow, Canyon Floor
The Guadalupe Peak Trail is the quintessential “Top of Texas” hike, and the trek to the summit is both challenging, and rewarding. If you have younger kids, take your time, have snack breaks, play silly games like 20 questions, and enjoy every minute. Our 8 year old got lots of high fives and encouragement from other hikers. The “wow” factor at the top will be worth it. This is one of our family’s very best memories together.
At the peak, you’ll find a logbook to sign and a monument commemorating the highest point in Texas.
View El Capitan, the park’s most recognizable formation.
When everyone has finished high-fiving, head back down to the Ranger Station for your Junior Rangers to receive their badges (and maybe shop for a celebratory souvenir.)
Other Activities at this park include:
- Camping (2 main campgrounds, 10 backcountry campgrounds)
- Equestrian Trails
- Bird Watching & Wildlife Viewing
- Historical Sites
- Stargazing
- Geological Studies
Fun Fact: Guadalupe Mountains National Park was once under water and is now the most extensive Permian fossil reef in the world. The park offers 4 geological guides and 1 trail guide (Permian Reef Trail) dedicated to interpreting the parks geological history.
The Basics:
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
- 400 Pine Canyon
Salt Flat, TX 79847 - Hours: 8:00am-4:30pm
- Adults: $10
Additional Resources:
Books:
Hiking Carlsbad Caverns & Guadalupe Mountains National Parks, Second Edition (Regional Hiking Series)
For the Long Hikes :
Family Talk (Cards)
by Around the Table Games
