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Guadalupe Mountains Activities
The Guadalupe Mountains have often been referred to as an "Island in the Desert". As a rugged and ancient limestone reef, they rise more than 5,000 feet above the surrounding desert floor. Between the folds of this unparalleled landscape are lush streamside woodlands with oaks and maples, rocky canyons, and mountaintop forests of ponderosa pine and Douglas fir. Together, these ecosystems provide exceptional habitat for hundreds of species of plants and animals, making the park an ideal location for birding, wildlife observation, and nature photography. With over 80 miles of trails, there are limitless possibilities to explore these and other resources of the park while hiking, backpacking, or horseback riding. At night a canopy of stars is visible from horizon to horizon, one of rewards of camping in wilderness.
Backpacking
With over 80 miles of hiking trails and 10 backcountry campgrounds, Guadalupe Mountains National Park offers outstanding backpacking opportunities. All backpackers must obtain a backcountry use permit and pay an entrance fee prior to entering the backcountry. All trips require preparation. Improper equipment, poor conditioning, and disregard for unpredictable weather changes can result in an unpleasant or dangerous outing. Respect for the land you hike through will protect the park for you and future visitors.
Camping
Campgrounds
Pine Springs (Elevation 5,822')
Located just off U.S. Highway 62/180 near the Headquarters Visitor Center, Pine Springs Campground is a simple, desert camping area situated at the base of the mountain.
Campground conveniences include: potable water, accessible flush-toilet restrooms , utility sink, pay telephones, and a drink machine. There are no showers available in the campground.
Tent campers have a choice of 20 leveled, gravel sites. Small junipers and oaks partially shade most of the sites and each site has a picnic table. Numbers are limited to 6 people or 2 tents per site.
The RV camping area is a paved parking lot with 19 sites to choose from. RV sites are defined by painted lines and numbers on the pavement. There are no hook-ups and there is no dump station. RV water tanks can be filled from an outside water faucet near the registration board. RV campsite #21 is wheelchair accessible.
Dog Canyon (Elevation 6,280')
Dog Canyon is in a secluded, forested canyon on the north side of the park. Due to a slightly higher elevation, and protected location beneath steep cliff walls, it remains cooler than Pine Springs campground in the summer, and sheltered from strong gusty winds in winter and spring. The campground has 9 tent sites and 4 RV sites (no hookups, no dump station). Restrooms have sinks and flush toilets, but no showers.
Day Hikes
Trails
Over 80 miles of hiking trails offer easy nature walks through desert flora; more moderate hikes follow canyons and reach riparian oases, and strenuous all day hikes can take you into high country forest or to the "Top of Texas". Each is unique - the magic of Guadalupe Mountains National Park awaits you.
Horseback Riding
The park offers diverse riding opportunities. Sixty percent of the trails are open to stock use. Those closed to stock are difficult to maintain, or pass through unique and fragile areas intolerant of such use. Stock manure droppings introduce exotic plants that displace native vegetation.
There are no horses or pack animals for hire in or near the park; you must bring your own stock. All rides require thorough preparation. Improper equipment, poor conditioning, and disregard for weather conditions can result in an unpleasant or dangerous ride. Respect for the environment you ride through will help further the mission of protecting park resources for you and for future generations.
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