Blossoming claret cup cacti add a splash of color to the Chihuahuan desert.
After the monsoon storms, the salt flats will often become flooded creating a seasonal lake.
Changing maple trees line the Devil's Hall trail during the fall months.
Pratt Cabin is nestled in McKittrick Canyon with abundant trees and

About

High desert limestone peaks and ancient fossil reefs define this stretch of West Texas. You can hike through pinyon pine forests up to Guadalupe Peak or follow the old stagecoach routes near the Frijole Ranch ruins.

Quick Facts

Notable for: world's most extensive Permian fossil reef, the four highest peaks in Texas, an environmentally diverse collection of flora and fauna

Founded: September 1972

Elevation: 8,751 feet (2,667 m)

Park Details

Designation: National Park

Weather

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.

Entrance Fees

  • Entrance - Per Person$10.00

    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.

  • Entrance - Education/Academic Groups$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.

Activities

Auto and ATVAuto Off-RoadingCampingBackcountry CampingCar or Front Country CampingHorse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)Group CampingRV Camping

Topics

ArcheologyRuinsColonization and SettlementFarming and AgricultureRanchesMilitary

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Sources

  • NPS - National Park Service
  • National Park Service - Data and descriptions courtesy of the National Park Service (NPS), U.S. Department of the Interior. Public domain.
  • Wikipedia - Wikipedia

Trips featuring Guadalupe Mountains National Park