Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Current alerts

• InformationPark Store To Go Cashless

  Starting August 14th, 2025 the park store will go cashless. All major credit cards, debit cards and mobile electronic payments will be accepted.

• CautionDevil's Hall is a Strenuous Hike

  The hike to Devil's Hall is rated as strenuous. The portion of the route in the wash requires rock scrambling and is dangerous when wet or if water is present. The wash surface is loose gravel and rocks and may be unstable.

  More information

Location

31.9230, -104.8855

Key trails & viewpoints

• The Notch

  The hike to "the Notch" is a challenging day hike that proceeds through McKittrick Canyon to a dramatic viewpoint about half way up toward McKittrick Ridge.

• McKittrick Canyon to Dog Canyon

  The McKittrick Canyon Trail follows the floor of South McKittrick Canyon for four miles before climbing steeply to gain the ridge on the north side of the canyon. This is an arduous climb provides spectacular views into the canyon and to the ridges that border it. This is an extremely rewarding trail, offering both the variety of McKittrick Canyon and the grandeur of the high ridges that surround it.

• McKittrick Ridge

  For most hikers, plan to take from eight to twelve hours round-trip to complete the hike. McKittrick Ridge can be done as a long day hike or as a overnight multi-day trip.

  The journey to the top of McKittrick Ridge is "the toughest hike in Texas." This arduous hike is best enjoyed as an overnight hike allowing for rest, recovery, and fabulous night skies at the McKittrick Ridge Wilderness Campground. An overnight Wilderness Use Permit is required for camping.

• Day Hike Preparation

  As with most activities, hikers face potential risks. Knowledge and preparation can increase your comfort level and reduce your chances of injury. Remember, you are ultimately responsible for your own safety.

• Pinery Trail

  The Pinery Trail offers visitors an opportunity to take a quick walk on a paved trail. The trail also features ruins of the Old Butterfield Stagecoach Route Pinery Station built in 1858.

• Dealing with Human Waste

  Nothing can spoil a trip in the Guadalupe Mountains Wilderness as quickly as the discovery of human waste or toilet paper at a prime camping spot or along the trail. Always use the restroom before hiking. If you are on the trail for the day or an extended trip, be prepared to pack out human waste, toilet paper, diapers, and hygiene products. Human waste disposal bags are highly recommended to transport solid waste.

• Tejas Thru Hike

  For most hikers, plan to take from seven to nine hours to complete the hike, expecially if starting at Pine Springs. This can be done as a day hike or can be done as an overnight multi-day trip.

  The Tejas Trail is the primary north/south through trail within the park, connecting the Pine Springs Trailhead with the Dog Canyon Trailhead at the park's northern boundary. This major artery can be used to connect to numerous other trails to make a variety of loops. The central portion of the trail from Pine Top until the McKittrick Canyon Trail junction is forested, passing through the Bowl and numerous drainages.

• Hike to Fall Colors

  Duration for viewing fall colors depends on which trail(s) you choose and what area of the park you are in. 

  Bright fall colors of deciduous trees are not common in the southwest, but elevation and environment combine in the Guadalupe Mountains for a seasonally striking display usually from mid-October to Mid-November. A series of short and long hikes of varying degrees of difficulty will bring you to glimpse of this annual splendor.

Hours & 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 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
• Horse Camping (see also camping)
• Horseback Riding
• Junior Ranger Program
• Wildlife Watching
• Birdwatching
• Museum Exhibits