Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Rising from the desert, this mountain mass contains portions of the world's most extensive and significant Permian limestone fossil reef. Also featured are a tremendous earth fault, lofty peaks, unusual flora and fauna, and a colorful record of the past. Guadalupe Peak, highest point in Texas at 8,749 feet; El Capitan, a massive limestone formation; McKittrick Canyon, with its unique flora and fauna; and the "Bowl", located in a high country conifer forest, are significant park features.

While scenic driving in the park is limited to one 4X4 road, there are over 80 miles of trails that offer a wide range of opportunities for exploring. Other available activities include: backpacking, camping and wildlife viewing. Visitors may also see ruins of a stage station, or visit the Frijole Ranch History Museum (open intermittently).

Driving Directions

Plane - Commercial airlines service El Paso, Texas. By car, El Paso is 110 miles from the park.

Car - The Headquarters Visitor Center at Pine Springs is accessed via U.S. highway 62/180 between Carlsbad, NM and El Paso, TX. Dog Canyon, on the park's north side, is accessed via New Mexico state road 137.

Public Transportation - No public transportation available.

For Visitors...

The things to do at Guadalupe Mountains National Park are hiking, horseback riding and wildlife viewing. Visitors taking a west Texas vacation can find camping spots here. There's a picnic area.

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