Where To Stay Near Guadalupe Mountains National Park?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Carlsbad

is the well serviced town closest to Guadalupe Mountains National Park. The tiny Van Horn south of the park and the major El Paso west of the park are other cities in the Guadalupe Mountains National Park area.

How many days do you need in Guadalupe Mountains National Park?

This park is best explored over a period of

2 or 3 days

, with at least 1 day devoted to the visitor center, historic attractions, and trails in the Pine Springs section, and another full day allotted to McKittrick Canyon.

Is it worth visiting Guadalupe Mountains National Park?

Compared to the Great National Parks, Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Canyon . . .

Guadalupe Mountains NP is a good park, but not in the same category

. If you’re in West Texas, definitely combine this NP with Carlsbad Caverns NP, White Sands NM, or a bunch of excellent Texas and New Mexico State parks and attractions.

Do I need reservations for Guadalupe Mountains National Park?

Camping at Guadalupe Mountains National Park


You don’t need to make a reservation to camp in Guadalupe Mountains National Park

, in fact, reservations aren’t accepted, all campgrounds are allocated on a first come, first served basis.

How hard is Guadalupe Peak Trail?

Guadalupe Peak is a rewarding, although

very strenuous

, 8.5 mile round trip hike with a 3,000 foot elevation gain. It will take from six to eight hours to complete the hike. The peak provides fantastic views from the highest point in the state of Texas (8,751 feet / 2,667 meters).

Can you see Mexico from Guadalupe Peak?


To the southwest, you can see Mexico

. Over to the south and southeast, no mountains obstruct your view of the vast desert below. And to the west, northwest, and north, the Guadalupe Mountains continue out of sight into New Mexico. Panoramic view from the top.

Are there bears in the Guadalupe Mountains?


Black bears are shy, reclusive, and rarely seen

. They generally do not hibernate here since it is usually mild enough in the Guadalupe Mountains to find food all year round. Black bears feed on nuts, berries, roots, insects, and small mammals. The gray fox is an animal of the forests and canyons.

What is the best time of year to hike Guadalupe Peak?

Guadalupe Peak Hiking Stats


Spring and fall

are the best times to do this hike, when temperatures are mild. During the summer months, expect hot weather, and plan on getting a very early start to beat the midday heat. In the winter, it can get below freezing.

What city is Guadalupe Mountains National Park in?

Guadalupe Mountains National Park is located in

Pine Springs, Texas

, which is located 110 miles east of El Paso, Texas on U.S. Highway 62 / 180; 55 miles southwest of Carlsbad, New Mexico on U.S. Highway 62 / 180; 65 miles north of Van Horn, Texas on Texas Highway 54.

How many days do you need in Big Bend National Park?

Plan to spend

at least 2 days

in Big Bend, although more time is better. This is a fairly large national park with three distinct areas: the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive region, Chisos Basin, and the sights in and around Rio Grande Village.

Can you drive through Guadalupe Mountains National Park?


There are no scenic drives through Guadalupe Mountains National Park

. Park roads only provide access to the Headquarters Visitor Center and Pine Springs Campground, the McKittrick Canyon Contact Station, Frijole Ranch, Williams Ranch (4X4 only), Dog Canyon, and trailheads.

Are the Guadalupe Mountains safe?

Guadalupe Mountains National Park is

extremely safe

! The National Parks Service works hard to keep this park clean and conditioned to welcome thousands of visitors every year.

Can I Boondock in Guadalupe Mountains National Park?

About Guadalupe Mountains National Park Dispersed Camping


Find everything from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking with The Dyrt

. Whether you’re looking for a quiet location in the trees or wide open spaces, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect dispersed campsite.

Do you need a reservation for White Sands National Park?

From family reunions to weddings to boy scout jamborees, White Sands National Park has long been a popular location for large gatherings. Our group use area is the perfect location for private functions, and

it is available for reservation

.

How much does it cost to camp at Guadalupe National Park?

Pass Type Duration Price 7-Day Entry Pass

$10 (per adult)

7 Days $10 (per adult)

How do you prepare for the Guadalupe Peak hike?

My advice would be to make sure you

take plenty of water, snacks for energy, start out early, rest when needed and enjoy the views

. It took us 5 hours to make it to the top and 3 hours to get back to the parking lot. If you freeze your water, not only will it keep you cool, it’s easier to drink than warm water.

Is Guadalupe Peak the highest point in Texas?

8,751′

Does Guadalupe Peak get snow?

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

With elevations from 3,000 to 8,000-plus feet,

winter snow is common at higher elevations of the park

. Snow can cover high-altitude hiking trails during December and January, like the route to the summit of Guadalupe Peak.

What makes Guadalupe Mountains National Park unique?

Guadalupe Peak is the highest point in Texas, and below it lies a park that offers

striking natural beauty, winding trails through serene forests, captivating local history, and the world’s most extensive Permian fossil reef

.

What mountain range is the Guadalupe Mountains part of?

Guadalupe Mountains

Are there mountain lions in Big Bend?

Encountering a Mountain Lion


Each year, more than 150 lion sightings are reported by visitors to Big Bend National Park

. While most of these sightings happen along park roadways, encounters along trails also occur. Since 1984 several mountain lion encounters in the park have resulted in attacks on people.

How many mountain lions are in Big Bend National Park?

Biologists estimate that

approximately two dozen

lions live in Big Bend National Park. Around 130 sightings of mountain lions are reported each year in the park, primarily along roads.

Do Mexican black bears hibernate?

Due to the relatively mild climate and availability of food Mexican black bears

do not hibernate

as such but will come and go to and from winter dens or nests for three or four months between mid-December and mid- April.

Is December a good time to visit Guadalupe Mountains National Park?

Based on this score, the best time of year to visit Pine Springs, Guadalupe Mountains National Park for general outdoor tourist activities is from

mid May to early October

, with a peak score in the first week of June.

How hot is Guadalupe Mountains National Park in July?

July Weather at Pine Springs, Guadalupe Mountains National Park Texas, United States.

Daily high temperatures decrease by 2°F, from 90°F to 87°F

, rarely falling below 79°F or exceeding 98°F. Daily low temperatures are around 69°F, rarely falling below 62°F or exceeding 75°F.

Can you hike Guadalupe Peak in December?

A challenging but rewarding day hike. Doable in 4 hours in a rush, but probably really needs 5-6 depending on fitness and time available. The views of the Chihuahan desert are fantastic.

Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.