Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Hiking
With more than 80 miles of trails and no real designated scenic drives through the park,
Guadalupe Mountains National Park is a hiker's oasis, with trails ranging from short
nature walks to strenuous climbs. The weather can be unpredictable out here. Thunder-
storms are likely on summer afternoons, and winds frequently blow 40mph to 50mph in
spring and early summer.
To find the hike that's right for you, try the visitor center, but here are a few good ones
to get you started:
McKittrick Canyon Trail
is among the park's most popular trails, and deservedly so. The
6.8-mile round-trip is level and scenic any time of year, though never so scenic as in the
fall. The
Pratt Cabin
(4.8 miles round-trip) is a highlight. The cabin was built in 1932 by
petroleum geologist Wallace Pratt, who later donated the land to the Park Service. The
cabin remains furnished as the Pratt family left it. Big Adirondack chairs beckon on the
porch, and picnic tables and rest rooms make this a good lunch spot.
Want to stand on the highest spot in Texas? Needless to say, you'll have to work for it
on the 8.5-mile round-trip hike up
Guadalupe Peak
. No rock climbing is necessary, but
there's a 3000ft elevation gain, so go easy if you've just driven in from the lowlands.
If you're looking for something a little easier, try the
Smith Spring Trail
starting at Frijole
Ranch. This path, shaded by Texas madrone and alligator juniper, is a perfect spot to get
out of the desert heat without too much exertion. The 2.3-mile loop takes you to Manzan-
ita Spring and gradually climbs up to the refreshing Smith Spring, both precious watering
holes for wildlife.
Other Activities
Bird-watchers
flock to the park, especially McKittrick Canyon, for excellent viewing oppor-
tunities. There are no formal programs, but a checklist of the park's 260 species is avail-
able at the park headquarters.
Although many park trails are open to
horseback riding
, no horses are available in or near
the park, and no overnight pack trips are permitted. For people bringing their own horses,
corrals and campsites are available at Dog Canyon and Frijole Ranch; reserve them by
calling the visitor center.
Sleeping & Eating
