Guadalupe mountains

Quick Facts | Top Experiences | Best time to Visit | Guides

Guadalupe Mountains National Park is known for its rugged mountain peaks, fossil-rich canyons, and some of the best hiking in Texas. Home to the state’s highest point—Guadalupe Peak—this remote and underrated park offers a mix of challenging trails, sweeping desert views, and fascinating geology.

Guadalupe Mountains Quick Facts

Native Lands: Ndé Kónitsąąíí Gokíyaa (Lipan Apache),
Mescalero Apache (Native Land Digital)

Founded: 1972

Annual Visitors: 226,134 visitors in 2024

Size: 83,367 acres

Location: Texas

Entrance Fee: $10.00 per person

Notable Fact: Guadalupe Peak is the highest peak in Texas at 8,751 feet.

Top Experiences in Guadalupe Mountains

Hike to the “Top of Texas”
Look for fossils from the Permian Reef
Rock scramble on the Devil’s Hall Hike
Play in the Sand Dunes on the west side of the park
Hike the McKittrick Canyon Trail to Pratt Cabin

Best Time to Visit the Guadalupe Mountains

The best time to visit Guadalupe Mountains National Park is in the fall or spring. Fall brings cooler temperatures and colorful foliage in McKittrick Canyon. Spring brings blooming wildflowers and mild weather, although winds tend to pick up considerably. Summers tend to be very hot and dry, and winters can bring snow and icy trail conditions.