Guadalupe Mountains National Park is the home of 8,749' tall Guadalupe Peak. That elevation makes it the highest point in Texas and a very popular destination in the Lone Star State! There is a beautifully constructed trail that travels right from the park's main trailhead all the way to the summit.

When visiting Guadalupe National Park, it is well-worth checking out what its sister park, Carlsbad Caverns National Park, has to offer. Besides the famous caverns and caves, Carlsbad also has some wonderful trails and beautiful destinations. The backcountry route up Yucca Canyon offers solitude and splendor aplenty. On a typical day in March, it is likely that the only encounters will be with desert bighorn sheep, lizards, and birds.

While the rest of the visitors to McKittrick Canyon are hiking the flat McKittrick Canyon Trail to the historic Pratt Cabin, the adventurous hiker will head up the Permian Reef Geology Trail! This gorgeous trail is known mostly to geology buffs, as it is marked with 28 numbered signs that correspond to geology information. Even if geology is not your thing, this route is highly recommended for its views and the trail clinging to steep canyon walls.

While the majority of Guadalupe Mountains National Park hikers aim for the summit of Guadalupe Peak, a lucky few head in the opposite direction to summit Hunter Peak. This 11-mile loop route begins at the same trailhead as its famous counterpart but provides starkly different views and lots of solitude.

Devil's Hall is one of the shorter must-do hikes in Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Just 4 miles round-trip, the destination of this moderate hike is a stunning vertical-walled canyon that is especially beautiful when the fall colors are turning.

Of all 85 miles of hiking trail in Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Smith Spring is one of the best short and easy hikes you will find. The National Park Service describes it as a "beautiful oasis in the desert" that includes two lush springs, a riparian woodland, diverse ecology, and plenty of opportunities to view wildlife. Just over two miles total, the loop can be hiked in either direction and is the perfect option for a family-friendly outing.

McKittrick Canyon Nature Trail is one of the classic short hikes in the Guadalupe Mountains. The trail is less than one mile and rated as moderate since it is not entirely flat. On average, most hikers can complete the loop in less than one hour. If you're new to hiking in the desert, this is an excellent option as "trailside exhibits describe common plants, and reference wildland fire."

McKittrick Canyon Nature Trail is one of the classic short hikes in the Guadalupe Mountains. The trail is less than one mile and rated as moderate since it is not entirely flat. On average, most hikers can complete the loop in less than one hour. If you're new to hiking in the desert, this is an excellent option as "trailside exhibits describe common plants, and reference wildland fire."

This easy hike is your opportunity to explore "the natural and cultural history" of Dog Canyon in the northern reaches of Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Less than one mile in length, this short walk can be completed in under one hour, even at a relaxed and leisurely pace.

In contrast to the abundance of backcountry trail in the Guadalupe Mountains, this .75-mile hike is paved, wheelchair accessible, and even dog friendly. The traditional way to hike this trail is to begin at the park headquarters below the Pine Spring Campground, but if you're running short on time, you could park at a small gravel lot on US-62, less than 1/4-mile east from the main entrance.