5 Must-take Hikes at Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Find mountains and gorgeous views of Texas in this park

If you're looking for a great outdoor escape, look no further than Guadalupe Mountains National Park. The park is a hiker's paradise with various trails and stunning landscapes.

Established as a National park in 1972, Guadalupe Mountains National Park is located in West Texas and is home to Guadalupe Peak. This peak is the highest point in Texas, standing at 8,751 feet. The park covers over 86,00 acres and has several different ecosystems, including desert, woodlands, and mountains.

Not only does the park boast some of the most breathtaking trails, but it has several famous landmarks and historic sites. One of the most famous is El Capitan, an exposed peak made of limestone that was once the location of a great reef when Texas was underwater millions of years ago.

So, whether you're looking for a challenging hike or just a leisurely stroll, Guadalupe Mountains National Park has something for everyone. Here are five must-take hikes in the park.

Smith Spring and Manzanita Spring Loop

Looking to get a feel for the landscape but want to take it easy? The Smith Spring and Manzanita Spring Loop is a top tier option.

The loop is very family-friendly and easy for both young and old. It also takes you up to one of the mountain springs, which is a excellent  place to take a break and enjoy the scenery. Keep an eye out for many birds and lizards on this trail, as you might be able to spot a few that are native to the park!

Total Distance: 2.42 Miles

Elevation Gain: 387 Feet

Difficulty: Easy - Walking, Running, Hiking

Route Type: Loop

Other Info:

• Guadalupe Mountains National Park charges a fee to enter this trail
• Bring sunscreen and water as there is little to no shade on this trail
• This trail is family-friendly for little ones

McKittrick Canyon Trail

The McKittrick Canyon Trail is perfect for those looking for a bit of a challenge. This trail will take you through different landscapes, including a forest and meadow.

The mountain pass, also known as a notch, is the highlight of this trail. It's a narrow opening in the canyon walls that provides incredible canyon views. The lush trees, especially during the spring and summer months, can make you forget that you’re standing in a desert.

Total Distance: 24.9 Miles

Elevation Gain: 5370 Feet

Difficulty: Moderate - Hiking

Route Type: Out & Back

Other Info:

• Guadalupe Mountains National Park charges a fee to enter this trail
• A gravel trail is a large part of what you are hiking on, so bring proper footwear
• No dogs allowed on this trail

The Pinery

Want to give those feet of yours a bit of a breather? The paved hiking trail at The Pinery is the way to go. This is one of the shorter trails in the park, but it's still packed with beautiful scenery.

Surrounded by a beautiful mountain vista, you can visit the stagecoach ruins and get a glimpse of what life was like over 100 years ago. The trail is also home to many different types of cactus, so keep an eye out!

Total Distance: 0.99 Miles

Elevation Gain: 82 Feet

Difficulty: Easy - Walking, Running, Hiking

Route Type: Out & Back

Other Info:

• Guadalupe Mountains National Park charges a fee to enter this trail
• This trail is wheelchair and stroller accessible

Devil's Hall Trail

Ready to get technical and up the difficulty of your hike? If you are, the Devil's Hall trail is the ideal place to kick it up a notch.

With some rock scrambling and extremely hilly terrain, this trail is not for the faint of heart. But, if you're up for it, the views from the top are unlike anything else in the park. You can see for miles and miles!

Total Distance: 3.6 Miles

Elevation Gain: 577 Feet

Difficulty: Hard - Hiking

Route Type: Out & Back

Other Info:

• Guadalupe Mountains National Park charges a fee to enter this trail
• No dogs allowed on this trail
• This trail requires high physical fitness
• Bring sunscreen and water as there is little to no shade on this trail
• This trail is very rocky; bring proper footwear

Guadalupe Peak Texas Highpoint Trail

The view. That's why so many people make the 6 to 8-hour hike up to Guadalupe Peak, which is the tallest mountain in Texas. The Guadalupe Peak trail is the most popular in the park for a reason; it's an incredible experience.

The steepest part of the entire hike happens in the first mile of the trail.On your way up, you will go through many of the park's ecosystems, including alpine, desert, and forest. Watch out as you approach the peak as it is very rocky on the trail. 

Total Distance: 8.3 Miles

Elevation Gain: 2952 Feet

Difficulty: Hard - Hiking

Route Type: Out & Back

Other Info:

• Guadalupe Mountains National Park charges a fee to enter this trail
• No dogs allowed on this trail
• This trail requires high physical fitness
• This trail has some rock scrambling sections. Ensure proper footwear is worn.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park is a truly special place that should be on everyone's list of must-see places in Texas. Whether you choose to hike one, a few or all of these trails, you are sure to have an once in a lifetime  experience at Guadalupe Mountains National Park. 

Be sure to take plenty of water and sunscreen, as many of the trails offer little to no shade. And most importantly, have fun!

Happy hiking!