Mountains, sand dunes, and fall colors aren’t typically the first things that come to mind when thinking about Texas, but Guadalupe Mountains National Park in western Texas has it all. Because of its incredibly diverse natural features, Guadalupe Mountains National Park is one of the top hiking destinations in Texas. With many trail options in the park, it can be tough to decide which trail to hike. This guide ranks the best hikes in Guadalupe Mountains National Park to add to your itinerary.
The 6 Best Hikes in Guadalupe Mountains National Park
1. Guadalupe Peak Trail
Guadalupe Peak Trail earns the top spot in our list of the best hikes in Guadalupe National Park. As the highest point in Texas, Guadalupe Peak offers breathtakingly vast views across the Chihuahuan Desert. This 8.4 mile round trip hike with 3,000 feet in elevation gain hike is a workout, but the views at the peak (and along the way!) are worth the grind.
Guadalupe Peak can be done as a day hike or a backpacking trip. To backpack to Guadalupe Peak, request a free permit from the visitor center. The backcountry campsite is about a mile away from the peak.
A few tips for your hike: Guadalupe Peak Trail is fairly steep and can be tough on the knees on the way down so hiking poles are recommended. Also, check on the weather forecast before your hike – Guadalupe Mountains National Park is notorious for bouts of VERY strong winds. Hiking to Guadalupe Peak is best on a day with low winds.
2. McKittrick Canyon Trail
When it comes to the best hikes in Guadalupe Mountains National Park, McKittrick Canyon is a very close second to Guadalupe Peak. In October and November, McKittrick Canyon becomes a kaleidoscope of spectacular fall colors. The canyon foliage turns to brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold. While hiking in McKittrick Canyon is beautiful any time of year, it is an absolute must-do in the fall.
The McKittrick Canyon area has several trail options to choose from. The McKittrick Nature Trail is an easy 0.9 mile loop. To get the full canyon and fall color experience, take the McKittrick Canyon Trail. Good turnaround points on this out-and-back trail are the Pratt Cabin (4.8 miles roundtrip), the Grotto (6.8 miles roundtrip), or to “The Notch” scenic overlook (9.6 miles roundtrip).
3. Devil’s Hall Trail
Devil’s Hall Trail is a 4.2 mile roundtrip trail that leads to a unique “hallway” formed by the steep walls of Pine Springs Canyon. In October and November, Devil’s Hall is a fantastic hike for viewing fall colors.
4. El Capitan
El Capitan (not to be confused with Yosemite’s iconic crag) juts out from the desert floor beside neighboring Guadalupe Peak. While Guadalupe Peak is the highest peak in Texas, El Capitan is the most recognizable. In fact, El Capitan was a landmark for travelers and mail carriers on the Butterfield Stage Route in the 1800’s!
Today, El Capitan can be viewed from a lookout point along Highway 62 just south of the park entrance. The lookout is a large highway pull-off with picnic tables for dining with a view. Visit El Capitan at the end of the day to watch a stunning sunset.
For those who want to step back in time while viewing El Capitan, request a gate key from the visitor center, drive to the gate marked on the NPS map that’s south of the main park entrance, and take a 4WD ride or hike along the old Butterfield Stage Route. From 1858 to 1861, the 2,800-mile route was used by the Butterfield Overland Mail Company to deliver passengers and mail between St. Louis and San Francisco. Imagine riding a stage coach halfway across the country! Imagine the effort it took to deliver mail like this!
5. Smith Spring Trail
Smith Spring Trail is a 2.3 mile loop that leads to Manzanita Spring and Smith Spring. These springs serve as a precious water source for the local flora and fauna that would otherwise not be able to survive in the open desert. Javelinas, birds, mule deer, and other wildlife can often be spotted along this quiet trail.
6. Salt Basin Sand Dunes
The Salt Basin Sand Dunes is the second largest gypsum dune field in the United States. (The largest is in New Mexico’s White Sand National Park.) Due to its relatively remote location on the west side of Guadalupe Mountains National Park, the Salt Basin Sand Dunes are less frequently visited than other areas, which means you may have this quiet and serene landscape to yourself.
To explore these white dunes, exit the park and drive about 1 hour from the main Pine Springs entrance to the dunes day use area.
What to Pack for Guadalupe Mountains National Park
For ideas on what gear and clothing to bring on your trip to Guadalupe Mountains National Park, check out our packing list here!