---

Questions or comments? We'd love to hear them!

---

Guadalupe - New Mexico

---

Descriptive:
The Guadalupe mountain range stretches 50 miles through southern New Mexico and eastern Texas, and are 20-30 miles wide. The National Park consists of the southernmost tip of the Guadalupe mountain range, where the rock outcroppings are at their highest, standing like monoliths in this arid desert.

Vegetation:
Ponderosa pine
Douglas fir
Quaking aspen
Lechuguilla
Creosote bush

Wildlife:
Mule deer
Elk
Bighorn sheep
Mountain lion
Black bear
Spotted owl

Key locations:
Pine Canyon leads to a curious section of canyon known as Devil's Hallway.

McKittrick Canyon is a hike along the Capitan reef, the world's largest known fossil reef. A small stream flows through the canyon. The trail continues past Pratt Cabin and the Grotto to Wilderness Ridge, a high elevation forest of Ponderosa pine. Excellent views await one atop this ancient Permian edifice.

The strenuous trail to Guadalupe Peak is full of switchbacks. At 8,800 feet, this is a choice spot for stunning views, and is aptly called the "Top of Texas."

The El Capitan Trail traces sinuously through Chihuahuan Desert to the base of El Capitan.

Frijole Ranch is an old ranch house from the 1870s, now a museum of frontier history. This trail takes you past Manzanita and Smith springs.
Dog Canyon opens up via the Tejas Trail an reveals impressive views of the canyon from Lost Peak or Marcus Overlook. Mescal roasting pits, used by the Apache Indians, are still visible in the canyon.

A gate key is needed to access the four-wheel drive vehicle and mountain bike road to the Williams Ranch House. Pick a key up at the Headquarters Visitor Center. This is stupendously rugged terrain for both activities.

Activities:
Four-wheel drive travel
Mountain biking
Backcountry camping
Horseback Riding

Trails:
Bear Canyon Trail
Bush Mountain Trail
El Capitan Trail
McKittrick Canyon Trail
Permian Reef Geology Trail
Tejas Trail