Guadalupe Peak: The Tallest Mountain in Texas!

I seriously debated titling this post “Guadalupe Peak: A Masochist’s Dream”, or even better, “Guadalupe Peak: What was almost my Grave.”

In the end, however, I decided to stick to milk-toast “The Tallest Mountain in Texas”.  It had a nicer ring to it.

I would be willing to bet that many of Texas resident’s haven’t even heard of the Guadalupe Mountains National Park, even though it’s home to the tallest point in the whole state, as well as the #1 place to see fall colors in the whole state.  I know I sure never heard of it, and I spent my first 23 years there!

Guadalupe Mountains National Park lies faaaaaaar out in West Texas, right on the TX/NM border. It’s a desert/mountain park that offers over 80 miles worth of hiking trails as well as camping.  The Park also is home to riparian zones, which are areas that are lush from water sources. You find these along certain trails, but not on the trail that I am going to cover today. (For those who are interested, this website offers a full listing of other trails that await you here!)

No folks, the trail that I’m going to post about today is the trail that takes you up to Guadalupe Peak, or as it’s oft referred to, “The Top of Texas”.

Directions to the Park:

Guadalupe Mountains National Park is smack dab in the middle of nowhere on HWY-62. There are three ways (that I know of) to get there. You can either drive about 1 hour and 45 minutes east from El Paso (113 miles), you can drive about 1 hour southwest from Carlsbad (51.6 miles), or you can head due north from Van Horn, TX up TX-54N, and then merge on HWY-62 right before reaching your destination. From Van Horn takes about an hour (63.1 miles).

What You Need to Know:

Directions to the Trailhead: From HWY-62, pull into turn off for the Pine Springs Visitor Center.  After turning from the highway, the Visitor Center will be on your right, but follow the road to the RV campground for the trailhead.

Where to stay: There are really only two options for lodging, and you are going to have to drive between 30-60 minutes to this trail depending on where you stay.  You could stay in White’s City, which is less than 4 miles from the Carlsbad Caverns (White’s City is close to halfway between the Guadalupe National Park and Carlsbad, NM) and about 30 minutes to the park, or you can stay at the far south end of Carlsbad, which is about an hour to the park. If you stay in Carlsbad, check out my post on the Top 10 things to do in Carlsbad.

Restrooms: Restrooms are at the Visitor Center as well as the RV campground

Distance: 8.4 miles roundtrip, with a 3000 ft. elevation gain

Difficulty: Killer.

Pets Ok? Pets can be brought in areas where vehicles are but pets are not allowed on most of the trails/backcountry. (Learned this the hard way after I drove an hour to get there just to find out I couldn’t take my dog…who was with me.) Horses, however, are allowed.

Crowds: Low to Moderate. (Depends on the time of year, fall is a crowded time because of McKittrick Canyon.)

Fees/Permits: Hiking fees are $5 and can be paid at the RV campground. Fees are good for 5 days.

Tips:

For starters, I would read this great article to get you started..it’s says everything I’m going to say and a lot more!

• First off, the most important thing to think about at this park is the weather. The heat is deadly out here. I’m serious. You need to be looking at the forecast to see how hot it’s going to be because heat can break 110 out here. I’ve literally seen it. 110 degrees = heat stroke.
• Bring lots of water. (The article recommends 4 quarts/person) My sister and I did not bring enough water my last time up the Peak, but luckily with a little kindness from strangers, we made it OK.
• Bring snacks! This is a very strenuous hike. Less than halfway to the top, you’ll be surprised how hungry you are!!
• Let other people know what time you start hiking and when to expect you back. I’m not making this up – there have been incidents where people become injured on this trail and have been left for days. Hike smart, and don’t let that be you!
• Start your hike early in the morning….and wear a hat!

When you start out on the trail, you will immediately begin the 7 stages of Grief as to why you wanted to hike this trail.

1. Shock: “Is this another switchback?? Will it ever end???”
2. Denial: “I refuse to believe that this whole trail is going to be an incline. It’s going to level out.”
3. Anger: “I could be binge-watching Netflix right now!!”
4. Bargaining: “If I make it to the top, I’m going to allow myself to spend $100 guilt free on clothes.”
5. Depression: “My legs are literally going to collapse.”
6. Testing: “Maybe if I pretend I’m relaxing on a beach it will make it easier.”
7. Acceptance: “You’re not hardcore unless you live hardcore. Let’s make this mountain our B*@$#!”

….or, ya know, maybe that’s just how I felt…

In all fairness, I did literally go from the couch to hiking this trail. Fit people, like my above pictured sister!!, will not find this trail quite as dramatically hard as I did, but it’s still a strenuous hike for any fitness level.

Because of the outrageous switchbacks in the beginning, you will soon find yourself admiring the far-off views of the surrounding desert. Go ahead and use those awesome views as an excuse to take a break and catch your breath!

When you’re close to halfway through, the trail’s incline will become less steep and actually feel doable for a good distance. Pretty soon you’ll see a looming mountaintop and rejoice, because the abuse is almost over!

Don’t let this lure you into a false sense of hope.  It’s actually what’s called a “false summit”.

You’re still almost a mile to the top.

My favorite part of this hike, which believe it or not, I’ve hiked twice (hence, the Masochist’s dream!!) is the part where you have El Capitan below you. It reminds me of Pride Rock from the Lion King.

By now you are forgetting the hellacious switchbacks (the switchbacks are no longer as steep), and you are beginning to feel like a badass.

When you see these hitching posts for the horses, you know that you are actually close!!

The view from the top is pretty cool, especially when you consider the fact that it’s the tallest point in the giant state of Texas! When you reach it, you’ll realize just how much in the middle of nowhere you really are!

So now that you climbed up to 8,750 feet, (and of course sign the register…which I did not do!! 🙁 ) what’s next?? Hike your sore butt back down!

I’m not gonna lie to you guys, my ankles were literally so weak that I took a step downhill and my ankle literally gave out on me!! Not a proud moment!!

Despite all my complaining, it’s a pretty nice feeling to have hiked all the way to the summit. There were more than one person who turned back and decided they couldn’t do it. It’s a hard hike, but it’s pretty badass to say you’ve done!

What about you guys?? Are you thinking about hiking this trail?? Have you already done it?? What did you think? I wanna know!

Until next time!