Wind Safety

Don't Get Blown Away During Your Visit

Top image
An airborne tent in the Pine Springs Campground.
Credit: NPS/E. Spoede

Bottom image
An airborne tent in the Pine Springs Campground.
Credit: NPS/E. Spoede

In the fall, winter, and spring high winds are often a part of the Guadalupe Mountains experience. Being prepared for high winds and being willing to change your plans in the event of high winds is critical to a successful visit. 

 

Hiking & Wind

• Look at the weather in advance. Different weather patterns may cause trails or campgrounds to become impassable. Knowing the weather beforehand can help you be prepared for any type of scenario.
• In strong winds, your balance may become compromised, increasing the risk of slips and falls.
  • At 30mph winds can start to affect your balance, in 40mph winds walking becomes difficult.
  • If the wind speeds are up to 50mph, it’s dangerous to continue for even experienced hikers. If the wind speeds exceed 55mph, then you should turn back immediately.
  • 70MPH wind gusts are the equivalent of a F1 tornado.
• When hiking during high winds, you should always be prepared to turn around. You should prioritize your own safety above all else in windy conditions.
• If you’re up at high elevations and high winds come, they might bring other unwanted weather conditions such as dust and debris. Make sure you prioritize getting down to lower elevations briskly. Even just descending a few hundred feet in elevation can bring more manageable conditions.