At a glance
Come experience mountains and canyons, desert and dunes, night skies and spectacular vistas within a place unlike any other. Guadalupe Mountains National Park protects the world's most extensive Permian fossil reef, the four highest peaks in Texas, an environmentally diverse collection of flora and fauna, and the stories of lives shaped through conflict, cooperation and survival.
Things to do: Auto and ATV · Auto Off-Roading · Camping · Backcountry Camping · Car or Front Country Camping · Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use) · Group Camping · RV Camping · Guided Tours · Self-Guided Tours - Walking · Hiking · Backcountry Hiking · Front-Country Hiking · Horse Trekking
ParkAtlas, maintained by Stellaroos, combines its park and trail dataset with public information from the National Park Service. NPS data snapshot retrieved . Fees, access, and conditions can change; verify current details with NPS before traveling.
Popular trails
Curated routes with approximate round-trip distance. Tap one to log it in the app.In the app, tap one to log it.
Camping
Approximately 40 campsites across the park's campgrounds. Reservations are strongly recommended in peak season (March – May, Sept – Nov).
Best time to visit
Peak season: March – May, Sept – Nov. The park is open year-round, though some roads and facilities close or run reduced hours in winter.
The Guadalupe Mountains are known for high winds year-round; gusts can reach 60MPH or higher. In winter the mountains experiences occasional, light snowfalls which seldom last more than a day. From May through October, temperatures vary with highs between 80F-100F+ with lows in the 40F-60F range. November to April is generally milder with highs in between 50F-70F with lows in the 30F-50F range.
Elevations above 8,000’ will be about 10F cooler than headquarters, with corresponding wind-chill.
Pack for Guadalupe Mountains
Four things worth having for desert heat and long exposed miles. From the full gear list; links support ParkAtlas.
Outdoor Research Echo sun hoodie
Sun protection without the sunscreen-on-your-arms routine. Dries in minutes.
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LMNT electrolytes
Water alone isn't enough on a hot day. One packet per bottle.
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Sun Bum sunscreen
High elevation sun is not the sun you're used to. Reapply at lunch.
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YETI Rambler bottle
Ice at the trailhead is still ice back at the car.
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Entrance fees
- Entrance - Per Person — An entrance fee of $10 per person (16 years of age and older) is required; entrance fees/passes permit 1-7 consecutive days of use in this national park. Holders of the Annual, Senior, Military, 4th grade and Access Pass can bring in 3 adults free of charge under their pass. Any pass must be displayed in a vehicle while in the national park.$10
- Entrance - Education/Academic Groups — 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.Free
Annual Entrance - Park: $35. An America the Beautiful pass ($80/yr) covers every national park.
Getting there
Nearest city: El Paso, TX. Park center: 31.920°, -104.870°.
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.
Coming from a big city? See every park near Albuquerque or Tucson.
Common questions
How much does it cost to visit Guadalupe Mountains National Park?
Entrance - Per Person: $10. Entrance - Education/Academic Groups: Free.
When is the best time to visit Guadalupe Mountains?
Peak season is March – May, Sept – Nov. The park is open year-round, with some roads and facilities on reduced winter schedules. The Guadalupe Mountains are known for high winds year-round; gusts can reach 60MPH or higher. In winter the mountains experiences occasional, light snowfalls which seldom last more than a day. From May through October, temperatures vary with highs between 80F-100F+ with lows in the 40F-60F range. November to April is generally milder with highs in between 50F-70F with lows in the 30F-50F range.
Can you camp in Guadalupe Mountains National Park?
Yes — about 40 campsites across the park's campgrounds. Reserve ahead in peak season.
What is the closest city to Guadalupe Mountains National Park?
El Paso, TX is the nearest major city. 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.
What are the best hikes in Guadalupe Mountains?
Popular trails include Guadalupe Peak Trail (8.4 mi), El Capitan Trail (5.4 mi), Pine Springs Canyon Trail (3.0 mi), Bush Mountain Trail (8.0 mi). The park has roughly 80 named trails.
Plan your trip
The practical bits, so more of the weekend goes to the trail.