Backpacking

A lone hiker stands at the edge of a great cliff with desert mountains behind him.
A lone hiker with a loaded backpack stands on the edge of McKittrick Ridge.

NPS Photo

A backpacking trip in Guadalupe Mountains National Park can be an exciting and rewarding experience if you are prepared. Prior planning and decision making will ensure that you are prepared for the trip.

Preparing for your Backpacking Trip in the Guadalupe Mountains:

  1. Plan your itinerary: Read about our wilderness campsites and pick your destination. Bringing a group to backpack in the wilderness requires special considerations.
  2. Be realistic about elevation gains and water weight. The first mistake many hikers make is overestimating their ability and underestimating the challenges found in the Guadalupe Mountains. Every campsite in the wilderness requires a hike of at least three miles and a climb of at least 2,000 feet on rocky surfaces. All water must be carried.
  3. Planning: While the park map can be a useful reference in planning your trip, backpackers should carry a detailed topographic map. Always have a backup itinerary as you plan. It's your responsibility to know and follow all wilderness camping regulations.
  4. Prepare and Pack: Check out our page with suggestions on how to prepare for your trip. Don't forget to check the weather to make sure that you pack appropriately.

  5. Obtain your Wilderness Use Permit: A Wilderness Use Permit must be obtained before backpacking overnight. Wilderness Permits have a $6.00 non refundable reservation fee that is required for each overnight permit reserved and an Overnight Recreation Fee of $6 per person per night fee for each hiker on the permit.

    Permit Reservations
    Advanced reservations for overnight Wilderness trips may be made up to three months in advance. Reservations must be made at least two days in advance of the trip start. Reservations must be converted into a permit up to two days in advance of the start of your trip at the Pine Springs Visitor Center from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., daily.

    Walk Up Permits
    Walk-up permits for unreserved sites in the Wilderness may be issued on-site on a first-come, first-served basis at the Pine Springs Visitor Center from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Noon, daily. Walk up permits may be obtained up to 24 hours in advance of the trip.

 
A paper permit form is on top of a topographic map of the park.
Wilderness Use Permits

Wilderness Use Permits are required for backpacking overnight and may be obtained in-person or by advanced reservation.

Dirty toilet paper lays across a natural landscape
Human Waste in the Wilderness

Nothing can spoil a hike as quickly as the discovery of toilet paper. Always use the restroom before hiking. Pack out your toilet paper.

Two hikers in warm clothes stop on a snowy trail in the forested Bowl
Preparation and Safety

Knowledge and preparation can increase your comfort level and reduce your chances of injury while in the Wilderness

A group of hikers with heavy packs proceed on a trail
Backpacking Groups

To protect park resources, special restrictions apply when bringing groups to camp overnight in the Wilderness.

A backpacker walks along a stony trail in a steep desert mountain landscape
Suggested Itineraries

Still not sure about what route to take? Check out these ranger favorites!

A view of Guadalupe and El Capitan peaks from an off-trail location to the north
Hiking off-trail

Any person or persons planning to hike off trail in the park must obtain a Special Use Permit before they attempt the hike.

The setting sun highlights a trail in Pine Springs Canyon
Trail Descriptions

A network of trails throughout the park provides many opportunities to explore and find your challenge.

A metal sign in front of a wilderness campsite pad
Wilderness Campgrounds

Backpackers can choose from 10 designated campgrounds when planning a trip in the Guadalupe Mountains Wilderness.

A narrow trail leads into a desert canyon trail with wildflowers and cactus.
Guadalupe Ridge Trail

This strenuous route traverses 100 miles through Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Lincoln National Forest, ending at Guadalupe Peak.

Last updated: June 2, 2023

Be Prepared for the Wilderness

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

400 Pine Canyon
Salt Flat, TX 79847

Phone:

915-828-3251
Voicemail messages are responded to within five business days.

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