Hey there! Are you ready to plan an awesome trip to Guadalupe Mountains National Park?! This park protects the four highest peaks in Texas and a Permian fossil reef, all while supporting a fragile desert ecosystem! You are sure to find something here that everyone in your group will LOVE.
Guadalupe Mountains is a place you will never forget — and likely somewhere you will talk about for years to come. At 8,751 feet above sea level, the majestic Guadalupe Peak is the highest point in Texas. The mountain views here are incredible!
There is so much to do. You may have already looked at a map and been a little overwhelmed — and eager — to make sure that you don’t miss the best sights.
I’m a former park ranger, and I’ll help you plan your vacation down to the details. I’ve extensively explored Guadalupe Mountains National Park and am here to help! Whether this is your first time to these peaks, or if you are returning after many years and would like to be reintroduced to the park, this list of 5 things is for you.
What You Need to Know
- Guadalupe Mountains National Park is located on the Texas/New Mexico border. Services are minimal, but Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a short drive from here and offers additional options. Be sure to hit both parks while you’re in the area!
- Hiking in the desert can be a challenge! Come prepared with extra water and sunscreen, hike during the coolest hours of the day, and know the signs of dehydration and heat stroke.
- There are no hotels within the park, but there are places to stay in Dell City, Whites City, or Carlsbad. If you’d like to stay in the park, check out the Pine Springs or Dog Canyon Campgrounds.
- There are no gas stations within 35 miles of the visitor center, and the nearest stations are in Dell City or Whites City.
- You’ll find only a few short roads that travel through the park, and most points of interest are accessed via their own road. Keep a map handy as you drive and hike around the park.
I’ll make sure that you don’t miss the sights that make this park so famous, but I also want to provide a few treasures off the beaten path. Let the adventure begin!
Click NEXT to see this fabulous list of 5 things you can’t miss on your first visit to Guadalupe Mountains National Park!
Hello Ash,
I am confused about the timed entry system at Carlsbad Caverns NP.
We are planning on doing 2 days in the park.
The 1st day we want to do the self-guided Cavern Tour to the Big Room.
The 2nd day we want to do the ranger-guided Kings Palace Tour.
I see there are three timed entry reservations for Carlsbad on recreation.gov.
The website says: :”Reservations are required to enter the cavern. This system reserves the entry time only. All park visitors must purchase an entry ticket or present a valid National Park pass upon arrival (we do have the senior pass). Pass holders must still reserve an entry time on the system.”
There seems to be a park entrance reservation and a cavern entrance reservation?
Your help would be appreciated on what we need to do in advance. Thx
Everyone needs to reserve the cavern entrance in advance – the timed entry. When you get there and check in, you’ll then need to pay your entrance fee or show them your annual pass :)
hi Ash,
Can you send me the pdf for saguaro and guadalupe? I’ve bought several of your pdfs and love them!
Thank you
Cheri
Yes, please contact me!
Ash,
Are there any recommended places to stay &/or eat near Guadalupe? We need accommodations due to our age.
Thanks!!
You’ll likely need to drive into Carlsbad for that!
We just did this trip last week and stayed at Sleep Inn & Suites in Carlsbad off Hwy 62 it was great! Close to Carlsbad Nat Park too, no hotels around so you’ll have to stay in Carlsbad. We did the Caves first (early) then headed to Guadalupe. Not much to see here but if you’re hiking Guadalupe Peak or Devils Hall or want to drive to Salt Basin then you’re in luck. Also note worthy The Ranger working the Pine Springs visitor entrance will try to steer you away from parking there… Don’t listen to him just go on in the loop and he will find a spot. Also, the bookstore/visitor center where you get your stamps etc is very tiny and have limited souvenirs.
Thank you for the great info! My son and I are heading to Carlsbad Cavern and Guadalupe Mtns this winter. Did you feel safe staying in Carlsbad? I have heard mixed reviews about the safety of the area.
Thank you!
I’ve never felt unsafe while staying there!