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Backpacker Magazine – April 2008
Highpoint Texas
Traverse Guadalupe Mountains National Park to the state's airiest perch.
Guadalupe Peak, Donna Ikenberry
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Tags:
- Weekends |
- Adventures |
- Texas |
- Secret Spots |
- Climbing |
Supplies
Whites City, NM (35 miles E on US 62/180) has the nearest market and gas.
Water
Pack at least 1 gallon per hiker per day for the two-day trek to Pine Springs. Tank up before climbing Guadalupe Peak, then again for the walk out.
Gear
Pack the standard kit plus a wide-brimmed hat, a light-colored long-sleeve shirt (like Columbia's Silver Ridge, $40, columbia.com), and a cactus-proof closed-cell foam sleeping pad. And guyline your tent: The winds here can whip.
Season
Late spring, with highs in the 70s, is primo. Fall's changing leaves are also sweet.
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READERS COMMENTS
Don't forget the "bowl."
If you really want backcountry, hike over the rim of the Guadalupes into the bowl. You can then hike to the northern boundary at the NM state line and loop back south on a different trail.
Be careful here. I spent a long weekend in Guadalupe in April, but was told there is no shuttle running between McKittrick and Pine Springs. Forced me to change my plans and do a bunch of loops instead of through hikes. Wonderful place though, well worth a visit!
I have done Pine Springs to McKittrick numerous times each time is an adventure. Water is a problem. Spring is good time to go, but wind can blow up to 70 mph.
This is a beautiful hike although I hiked it from Pine Springs to McKittrick Canyon. I would have enjoyed it more if there were a water source once you top out. That 3000' of vertical from Pine Springs to the ridge packing water for 4 days is tough. Sounds like the suggested route might be easier!!
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