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Guadalupe Mountains National Park is one of the best off-the-beaten-path national parks to visit. So here are some of my favorite Guadalupe Mountains National Park pictures to inspire your travel plans!
U.S. National Park Guides
The closest city to the national park is Carlsbad, New Mexico. Carlsbad is the best “home base” if you also want to visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Whites City, New Mexico, is the closest town with an RV campground with full hook-ups. There are also two rustic campgrounds for tent and RV camping in the park.
My top recommendations for Guadalupe Mountains National Park are to hike the McKittrick Canyon Trail at least as far as Pratt Cabin, drive the scenic drive south from the Pine Springs Visitor Center along Highway 62/Highway 180 that forms the perimeter of the national park, and hike the Devil’s Hall Trail.
Here are my top Guadalupe Mountains National Park pictures!
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Guadalupe Mountains National Park Pictures
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I stay when visiting Guadalupe National Park?
The closest city to the national park is Carlsbad, New Mexico. This town has several nice chain hotels and lots of restaurants and grocery stores. Carlsbad is the best “home base” if you also want to take day trips to Carlsbad Caverns National Park or Roswell.
Whites City, New Mexico, has a tent and RV campground with full hook-ups. There are two rustic campgrounds for tent and RV camping in the park – Pine Springs and Dog Canyon. All sites are level, but there are no hook-ups.
Do you need reservations for Guadalupe Mountains National Park?
No, reservations are not required for any hike or park entrance. The in-park campgrounds are first-come, first-serve.
Can you drive through Guadalupe Mountains National Park?
There are no scenic drives through the interior of the park, but I highly recommend the scenic drive south from the Pine Springs Visitor Center along Highway 62/Highway 180 that forms the perimeter of the national park. This is where you’ll get those iconic views of Texas’s El Capitan.
What is Guadalupe Mountains National Park known for?
Guadalupe Mountains National Park is famous for its iconic El Capitan peak.
Fun fact: Guadalupe Mountains National Park was once a reef beneath the waters of an ancient inland sea. Today, this park protects the world’s most extensive Permian fossil reef and the four highest peaks in Texas.
Is Guadalupe Mountains National Park worth it?
Yes! Guadalupe Mountains National Park is one of the best off-the-beaten-path national parks to visit in the country.
Is hiking Guadalupe Peak hard?
Yes. This is an 8.4-mile round trip hike that gains 3,000 feet of vertical elevation that’s rated as “very strenuous.” You should expect this hike to take you between 6-8 hours, so start early and come prepared with the right clothes, gear, and supplies.
How much time do you need in Guadalupe Mountains National Park?
You can explore Guadalupe Mountains National Park in a full day. Start with the McKittrick Canyon Trail. Then head south to the ruins of a mid-1800s Butterfield stagecoach station right off of US 62/180. If you want to go on another hike, I recommend the Devil’s Hall Trail (a moderate-difficult 3.6 out and back trail).
End your day with the scenic drive south from the Pine Springs Visitor Center along Highway 62/Highway 180 that forms the perimeter of the national park.
If you have a second day to spend in the park, I recommend hiking either the Guadalupe Peak Texas Highpoint Trail (8.4 miles out and back, 2900 feet elevation gain) or the Bowl and Hunter Peak via Frijole and Bear Canyon Trails (an 8.4-mile loop, 3000 feet elevation gain). Both of these hikes will take the entire day.
Does Guadalupe Peak get snow?
Yes. This park’s higher elevations get snow and freezing fog in the winter.
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This post of Guadalupe Mountains National Park pictures is not a sponsored post, and, as always, the thoughts and opinions expressed in this post of Guadalupe Mountains National Park pictures are entirely my own. Some of these links are affiliate links, and, at no cost to you, I may earn a small commission.
