The mountains of west Texas are unlike most other landscapes in the Lone Star State. Those who journey into this remote region will find that there is more to see than first imagined, and that visiting Guadalupe Mountains provides insight into a little known region of a state that is certainly not famous for mountains.
Here are some things you’ll want to know when visiting Guadalupe Mountains.
Guide to Guadalupe Mountains
Where is Guadalupe Mountains?
The Guadalupe Mountains are a ancient Permian Reef that now stand as a nearly 50-mile-long mountain range in Western Texas and Southern New Mexico. The range lies about 90 miles east of El Paso and spans the border between Texas and New Mexico. Guadalupe Mountains National Park is located in at the very southern tips of this range.
Most visitors will arrive via US Hwy 62/180, which provides access to Pine Springs, the park headquarters. A visit to Guadalupe Mountains should also include a visit to its sister park, Carlsbad Caverns, which lies under the northern section of this mountain range.
Entrance Fee
As a Park Junkie, you already have the National Parks Pass, aka the Interagency Pass. It’s only $80 and is one of the best purchases you’ll make this year. It grants entrance to more than 400 national park service units and is an economic necessity for those who make it a practice to visit multiple parks in a calendar year.
You may also access the park with a Military Pass, Annual 4th Grade Pass, a Senior Pass, an Access Pass or a Volunteer Pass.
These passes can be obtained at the gate to most national park units and can also be ordered online at the link below.
If this idea doesn’t turn you on, prepare to spend $30 to enter the park. It should be stated, that park junkie writes fortune cookies on his days off, and he predicts this fee will certainly increase, much like postal rates and taxes…
NPS – Guadalupe Mountains – Entrance Fee
Visitor Centers in Guadalupe Mountains
My first stop in any national park is usually the visitor center. This is where you’ll find cool exhibits and information about the park. Rangers are on duty during operating hours to provide answers to your questions. Guadalupe Mountains has two visitor centers.
The Pine Springs Visitor Center is conveniently situated in the park’s most visited area and provides park maps, trail guides and information about current conditions on trails and roads in the park. Park Junkies can view the park orientation film, and browse a small bookstore. There is a small museum with exhibits that detail the park’s complex geologic history as well. Visitors who wish to obtain a backcountry permit can do so here.
There is a second visitor center at the Dog Canyon location, on the far north end of the park. This remote location offers little in the way of exhibits or gift shops. There is really nothing here other than a ranger and some handy maps on the wall. Visitors can call this visitor center to ask specific questions about service provided at Dog Canyon. Office – 575-981-2418
Seasons in Guadalupe Mountains
Conditions are generally mild in Guadalupe Mountains, but don’t let that lull you into a complacent attitude when preparing for your trip. These conditions can change with a quickness. Nasty winds are common during the winter months, and I have battled these hurricane force winds on nearly every one of my Guadalupe visits.
Winter months can bring freezing temperatures, along with snow and ice. Storms can leave the mountains with heavy snowfall and deliver bitterly cold winds.
Overall however, the winter conditions would be considered mild by most standards, with typical daytime highs reaching the mid 50s… Nevertheless, bring your layers and always have some dry clothes in your pack. Oh yeah, did I mention the wind? It can be windy… very windy.
Spring is a great time to visit Guadalupe Mountains, as temperatures warm and blooms release. Daytime temps rise into the 60s with occasional 70s, but nighttime temps can still dip below freezing. Spring showers are common, so pack some rain gear.
Summers offer warmth and sunshine, with temperatures in the mid-90s. Pack your sunscreen and take plenty of water out there. Don’t forget the rain gear, as the skies can release moisture unexpectedly.
The fall months are a popular time to visit Guadalupe Mountains, as the fall foliage displayed here is among the most vibrant in the country. Warm temperatures and mild conditions welcome guests to the show, but those pesky winds can begin to rage.
For current conditions at Pine Springs, check the National Weather Service – Pine Springs page.
Camping in Guadalupe Mountains
There are limited options for camping in the park, with only two campgrounds, one of which is pretty remote.
The Pine Springs Campground is located near the visitor center, and offers 20 tent sites and 19 RV sites. Sites are first-come, first-served as of March of 2021. There are restrooms with flushing toilets, but no showers. There are no hookups, or dump stations.
NPS – Guadalupe Mountains – Pine Springs Campground
The Dog Canyon Campground is located at the far north end of the park, and is fairly remote. It is not convenient to camp here if your itinerary includes activities in the Pine Springs area. Camping at Dog Canyon means that you’ll be recreating at Dog Canyon, and that is cool, as there are plenty of good hikes here.
The Dog Canyon Campground offers 9 tent and 4 RV sites and all sites are first-come, first-served as of March 2021. There is potable water and flush toilets, but no hookups, dump stations or showers.
NPS – Gaudalupe Mountains – Dog Canyon Campground
Camping Outside the Park
Less than 3% of the landmass of Texas consists of public land. The luxury of pulling in to a random dispersed camping area that exists in many western states is not an option when visiting the Lone Star State. Thus, free camping options are limited outside of Guadalupe Mountains National Park. However, a short drive north will provide an alternative.
Just a few miles north, across the state line, in The Land of Enchantment, there are plenty of dispersed sites that are open for the taking. Numerous options for free dispersed camping can be found along US Hwy 62/180 in New Mexico.
The best sites are found on Country Road 424, to the East of the highway. You’ll notice a large parking lot with a number of RVs, but I prefer to pull about 1/8 of a mile further down the road and just set up my rig on the south side of the road. There are plenty of options.
Lodging and Dining
There are no lodging or dining services near Guadalupe Mountains National Park. The nearest options are either White City, New Mexico, about 35 miles north of Pine Springs, which has very limited options, or Carlsbad, New Mexico, about 55 miles north of Pine Springs.
Another option would be Van Horn, Texas, about 62 miles south of Pine Springs. El Paso, Texas is 110 miles to the west.
Services in Guadalupe Mountains
There is little in the way of services in or near Guadalupe Mountains. There are no “gateway towns” or trinket shops. No hotel, motel, Holiday Inn… No goody mob… None of that…
Bring what you’ll need when you come to this park. The nearest services are 35 miles away in Carlsbad, New Mexico. The small town of White City, gateway to Carlsbad Caverns has a gas station, a small campground and offers a few services. Most items will need to be retrieved from Carlsbad, which has a few grocery stores and a Wal Mart, if you can deal with that… You may just have to.
Plan ahead and save yourself some inconvenience. The Guadalupes are a splendid range and the park has a lot to offer, but convenience and services are not included.
Guide to Guadalupe Mountains
Relevant Links
National Park Guides
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