Guadalupe Mountains National Park: Guadalupe Peak
You'll summit the highest point in Texas on this 8-mile overnight trip in Guadalupe Mountains National Park.
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.
The Guadalupe Mountains rise from the west Texas salt flats like a limestone shiv. Reach the top of Texas (8,751-foot Guadalupe Peak) on an 8-miler with long-distance views of scrubland stretching to Mexico and New Mexico. Camp at the site a mile from the summit to extend your stay.
SEASON: Fall to winter
PERMIT: Overnight camping in Guadalupe Mountains National Park requires a free backcountry permit. Get more trip planning details at nps.gov/gumo/planyourvisit/backpacking.htm.
MORE INFO: Guadalupe Mountains National Park, (915) 828-3251; nps.gov/gumo.
-Mapped by Steven Smith, mylifeoutdoors.com
Trail Facts
- Distance: 12.9
Waypoints
GDL001
Location: 31.896654, -104.828276
Hike west from the Pine Springs Campground.
GDL002
Location: 31.896638, -104.829488
Bear left, heading northwest.
GDL003
Location: 31.896497, -104.834909
The trail swings left, heading south.
GDL004
Location: 31.895199, -104.834064
The switchback climb starts here. In the next mile, you’ll gain nearly 1,000 feet of elevation.
GDL005
Location: 31.896706, -104.839504
The trail wraps around the northern slopes of Guadalupe Peak.
GDL006
Location: 31.8923, -104.852518
Turn right to spend the night at Guadalupe Peak Backcountry Campground.
GDL007
Location: 31.892441, -104.851834
Guadalupe Peak Backcountry Campground: Be prepared for wind at this campground There’s minimal protection from high winds.
GDL008
Location: 31.892202, -104.85512
Cross the highest bridge in Texas at 8,093 feet.
GDL009
Location: 31.890157, -104.856391
More switchbacks ahead.
GDL010
Location: 31.891193, -104.861265
Guadalupe Peak: Crest the highest peak in Texas.
Eastern Views
Location: 31.89585, -104.838409
Campsite
Location: 31.892471, -104.851745
Looking east from the campground
Location: 31.892316, -104.851783
Views to the east
Location: 31.892393, -104.851735
Hunter Peak
Location: 31.892521, -104.851815
Looking northeast from the campground.
Looking west from the campground
Location: 31.892498, -104.851944
The highest bridge in Texas
Location: 31.892329, -104.854959
Guadalupe Peak
Location: 31.891204, -104.861222
El Capitan
Location: 31.891236, -104.861251
Looking south from the peak.
American Airlines Monument and El Capitan
Location: 31.891241, -104.86131
View of the campground
Location: 31.89123, -104.86138
Looking east from the peak.
Shumard Peak
Location: 31.891209, -104.861463
View to the northwest from the summit.