Overview:
Located only 40 miles away from Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a park not many are familiar with. Guadalupe Mountains National Park contains the southernmost and highest part of the 50-mile-long Guadalupe range. At first glance, it looks like a beautiful mountain range, but upon closer inspection, the park offers much more. With dramatic canyons, rich desert land, and a variety of plants and animals, this park is a refuge worth visiting.
History:
Although the establishment of the park was proposed as early as 1923, the idea did not become reality until Wallace Pratt became involved. Pratt, a geologist for Humble Oil and Refining Company (now Exxon) was one of the early explorers of oil in the Permian Basin. In 1921, he was captivated by the geology of McKittrick Canyon and began buying land in the canyon. He built two separate homes in the canyon, the Pratt Cabin and Ship-On-The-Desert, both used as summer homes until 1960. Shortly after, his generous contribution of nearly 6,000 acres of McKittrick Canyon became the center for Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Another 80,000 acres was purchased by the government to complete the parcel. Congress passed legislation in 1966 and in September, 1972, Guadalupe Mountains National Park was dedicated and opened to the public.
When to Visit:
The park is open year-round but visitors are encouraged to plan a trip during spring or fall. During the spring, the foliage is lush and abundant. From late October to mid-November, the changing leaves display stunning fall foliage.
Getting There:
Guadalupe Mountains National Park is located 110 miles east of El Paso, TX, or 56 miles southwest of Carlsbad, NM. The main Visitor Center and majority of activities are localed in the Pine Springs-Frijole area which is located off US 62/180.
Visitors traveling to Dog Canyon, on the park's north side, can access the area via New Mexico State Road 137.
If you are flying into the area, the closest commercial airline service is El Paso, TX. Other airlines serve Albuquerque, NM, Lubbock and Midland, TX, while Mesa Airlines offers service between Albuquerque and Carlsbad, NM.
Keep in mind there is no public transportation or shuttle service available in the park.
Fees/Permits:
The entrance fee for the park is $5 per person for adults 16 years of age and older. This fee is valid for 7 days. If you plan on visiting the park multiple times during the year, consider purchasing the Guadalupe Mountains Annual Pass for $20. This will waive the entrance fee for one year. If you already own a National Parks Pass, your entrance fee will also be waived.
If you plan on camping in the backcountry area, you will need a permit. Permits are available free of charge at the Pine Springs Visitor Center. Be sure to arrive no later than 4:15 pm. Please be sure to have your driver's license ready, your itinerary, and your vehicle's license plate number.
Things to Do:
The Guadalupe Mountains have often been referred to as an “Island in the Desert” and offers many outdoor activities such as backpacking, birding, camping, hiking, horseback riding, stargazing, and wildlife viewing.
Kids are encouraged to stop by the Headquarters Visitor Center to become a Junior Ranger! Complete any 3 activities to earn a certificate and a badge, complete 6 activities and receive a certificate, badge, and a patch!
Major Attractions:
McKittrick Canyon: Referred by some as the "most beautiful spot in Texas," this canyon is located within 2,000-foot-high limestone walls. It’s a park must-see with its unusual community of plants and variety of animals.
Frijole Ranch: The Frijole Ranch History Museum once served as the primary headquarters for ranching in the mountains. Today, it displays the history of the Guadalupes, from Native Americans and ranchers to park visitors.
Dog Canyon: Located in a secluded, forested canyon on the north end of the park, this canyon is far removed from civilization. At an elevation of 6,300 feet, it serves as an ideal location for quiet camping, birding, hiking, and solitude.
Williams Ranch: The lonely 7.5 mile road that leads to Williams Ranch follows a section of the old Butterfield Overland Mail stage route. After winding through dry, desert gulches, it ends abruptly at the base of a 3,000 foot rock cliff on the west side of Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Here, a single, well-preserved house, long since abandoned, stands as a testament of human struggle and survival. Behind the ranch is Bone Canyon, whose cliffs and slopes in its gaping mouth hold the oldest rocks in the Guadalupes.
Salt Basin Dunes: The shimmering, white Salt Basin Dunes cover nearly 2,000 acres of the park and are a must-see. The dunes range from heavily vegetated three-foot mounds to sixty-foot dunes that glisten in the desert sun. To visit the Salt Basin Dunes, talk with park personnel at the Headquarters Visitor Center information desk.
Accommodations:
Within the park, your only accommodation is camping. There are two campgrounds, open all year and run on a first come, first served basis. When you arrive, select a campsite, then pay at the self-registration board near the restrooms, or at the Headquarters Visitor Center. The fee is $8 per night per site or $4 for Golden Age/Senior and Golden Access/Access Passport holders. (There is no discount for Golden Eagle or National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass holders.)
Backcountry camping is also an option at designated sites. Permits are available free of charge at the Pine Springs Visitor Center.
Outside the park, there are hotel options including the Best Western American Inn in Van Horn, TX, and the Whites City Resort and Best Western in Whites City, NM.
Pets:
Pets are welcome in the park, though keep in mind that pets are not allowed on most park trails or in the backcountry. Pets are permitted in developed areas (parking lots, campgrounds, and roadways, but not inside buildings) and must be under control/leashed at all times. Pets may walk with you (on leash) on the short trail between the campground and the Headquarters Visitor Center, or along the Pinery Trail from the visitor center to the Butterfield Station. The nearest kennel service (with limited hours) is at Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
Contact Info:
By Mail:
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
400 Pine Canyon Road
Salt Flat, Texas 79847
Phone:
Headquarters Visitor Center (Pine Springs): (915) 828-3251
Dog Canyon Ranger Station: (575) 981-2418
