Last updated: January 5, 2023
Thing to Do
Guadalupe Peak
Laurence Parent
Climb to the "Top of Texas" with a hike up Guadalupe Peak. Guadalupe Peak is a rewarding, although very strenuous, 8.4 mile round trip hike with a 3,000 foot elevation gain. It will take from six to eight hours to complete the hike.
The peak provides fantastic views from the highest point in the state of Texas (8,751 feet / 2,667 meters). It also introduces hikers to several of the park’s ecosystems including the high desert and the high elevation forests. On a clear day you will be rewarded with a tremendous view of the surrounding mountains and desert. Stop for a while and enjoy the view before beginning the hike back down.
Be Prepared:
- Make sure you are prepared for the hike with the Eleven Essential items. Carrying the Ten Essentials (plus one) with you can help you be prepared for minor injuries, sudden weather changes, or unexpected delays.
- This is a strenuous hike which begins at a mile above sea level and gains 3,000 feet. Do you have a medical conditions that could be worsened by certain activities or changes in altitude (asthma, heart condition)?
- While the stock trail adds a mile to the hike each direction, it is significantly less steep than the main trail, and may be useful if backpacking.
- When you consume half of the water you are carrying, turn around.
- The descent is often more difficult than the climb to the peak due to the rocky trail surface and fatigue. Hiking poles help!
- The top of Texas is not a toilet. Make sure to bring a commercial toilet bag system with you to protect the environment you are hiking in. Pack out all of your trash.
- Layers and sunscreen are important to protect you from the elements.
- At the top of the peak expect temperatures at least ten degrees cooler and wind speeds at least ten miles per hour faster than Pine Springs.
- In areas more than a quarter of a mile from restroom facilities, and all areas inside the Wilderness boundary, all solid human waste, feminine hygiene products, and toilet paper must be carried out in a landfill-safe commercial toilet bag.
- Much of the trail is over steep, rocky terrain. Hikers should wear comfortable hiking boots with good traction, and that are well broken in. Trekking poles aid in stability and can be a useful addition.
- Hikers should carefully monitor the weather. Afternoon thunderstorms are common through the summer months. Lightning can be especially dangerous at high elevations on the exposed peak. Watch the sky. If storms develop, seek a lower elevation.
- Winds can be severe on the peak, especially in winter months. Winds in excess of 40 miles per hour are not uncommon. 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.
- There is little shade along the trail. Summer temperatures can be quite hot. Bring plenty of water, at least one gallon per person, per day. Also come prepared with sunscreen, a hat, and protective clothing.
- The 8.4 mile hike to the summit and back takes the average hiker from six to eight hours round trip. Plan to start the hike early in the morning, especially in the summer when high temperatures and afternoon thunderstorms are a concern.
- Bring enough warm clothing. Even in the hottest weather, thunderstorms can cause the temperature to drop significantly.
- If you intend to make the peak for sunrise or sunset, make sure you have a light source, either a head lamp or a flashlight.
Details
Duration
6-8 Hours
For most hikers, plan to take from six to eight hours to complete the hike.
Activity
Hiking
Guadalupe Peak is a rewarding, although very strenuous, 8.4 mile round trip hike with a 3,000 foot elevation gain. This is the most popular hike in the park and is often crowded on the weekends.
More effort is required to hike at higher elevations due to the reduced amount of oxygen available in the air. Remember that at 8,000 feet you are at risk of altitude illness, a potentially life-threatening condition.
Search and Rescue Policy
Search and rescue actions are conducted on a discretionary basis. The level and necessity of the response is determined through evaluation of the situation by field personnel. Rescuer safety is always our first priority. This park expects visitors to exhibit a high degree of self-reliance and responsibility for their own safety in line with the difficulty of their chosen activities.
If you choose to carry a hand-held electronic signaling device, be familiar with its operation, limitations, and frequency of failure to transmit. Do not rely on it to summon rescue personnel or notify family that you are “OK”. The device only acts as a communication link. All decisions regarding rescue will fall to park field staff. If you do activate the emergency help function on the device, understand the consequences of what you may be asking of rescue personnel.
If you find yourself in a true emergency and have exhausted all means of self-rescue/help, contact a ranger in the field or call Texas DPS Pecos Dispatch (432) 447-3533. There is little to no cell reception in most areas of the park. When you make contact, provide clear and concise information regarding the nature and exact location of the problem or injury, as well as the number of people involved. Be aware that help may be several hours to several days out. You must be prepared to help yourself.
If you have any questions, please contact the Visitor Center at (915) 828-3251.
Pets Allowed
No
Pets disturb wildlife and are not allowed on trails. Your pets should remain at home as opportunities for pets are very limited in the park.
Location
Trail Summary
The trail starts at the Pine Springs Trailhead (1/2 mile from the Pine Springs Visitor Center – check in at the visitor center, then turn right out of the visitor center parking lot). Follow the signs for the Guadalupe Peak Trail. Follow the hiker trail; the horse trail will add about 1 extra mile to the trip (although it is less steep).
You will encounter the steepest part of the hike in the first mile and a half, as the trail switchbacks up the first steep slope. Be sure not to cut across the switchbacks, as this causes accelerated erosion. The views will get better with every switchback you climb.
After about a mile and a half, the trail will become less steep as it passes a cliff and then turns around to the north-facing slope. Here, hikers will discover a small forest of pinion pine, south-western white pine, and Douglas fir. The forest exists here since on a north-facing slope there is not as much sunlight. The slightly cooler, shadier climate allows these pines to survive.
After nearly three miles the trail will top out at a false summit. It is still a little more than a mile to the actual summit. The trail will flatten out for a short distance as it passes through a sparse forest of ponderosa pine. The backcountry campsite for overnight backpackers is on this summit (backcountry permit required to camp).
After passing the backcountry campsite, the trail descends slightly and crosses a wooden bridge. After the bridge, the trail begins the final climb to the summit. After only a few switchbacks, the top of El Capitan will dominate the view to the south. Eventually you will pass the horse hitching posts and arrive at the summit, where on a clear day you will be rewarded with a tremendous view of the surrounding mountains and desert.
You will encounter the steepest part of the hike in the first mile and a half, as the trail switchbacks up the first steep slope. Be sure not to cut across the switchbacks, as this causes accelerated erosion. The views will get better with every switchback you climb.
After about a mile and a half, the trail will become less steep as it passes a cliff and then turns around to the north-facing slope. Here, hikers will discover a small forest of pinion pine, south-western white pine, and Douglas fir. The forest exists here since on a north-facing slope there is not as much sunlight. The slightly cooler, shadier climate allows these pines to survive.
After nearly three miles the trail will top out at a false summit. It is still a little more than a mile to the actual summit. The trail will flatten out for a short distance as it passes through a sparse forest of ponderosa pine. The backcountry campsite for overnight backpackers is on this summit (backcountry permit required to camp).
After passing the backcountry campsite, the trail descends slightly and crosses a wooden bridge. After the bridge, the trail begins the final climb to the summit. After only a few switchbacks, the top of El Capitan will dominate the view to the south. Eventually you will pass the horse hitching posts and arrive at the summit, where on a clear day you will be rewarded with a tremendous view of the surrounding mountains and desert.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Guadalupe Peak is the most popular trail in the park. If hiking on a weekend, expect trailhead parking to fill early in the day. Overflow parking for the trailhead is located at the Pine Springs Visitor Center.
Time of Day
Day, Dawn, Dusk
Sunrise and sunset views from the summit can be breathtaking. If attempting a sunrise or sunset viewing at the summit make sure to carry headlamps or flashlights.
Accessibility Information
Trail surfaces are loose rock or hardened rock surfaces. Hiking or trekking poles are highly recommended. Trail widths vary from two to six feet depending on the trail.
Parking
All trailhead areas have accessible parking available.
Service animals
Only service animals that have been individually trained to perform specific tasks for the benefit of persons with disabilities are allowed in the park and on trails.