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.

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.

In western Texas near the Texas-New Mexico border, Guadalupe Mountains National Park features the highest point in the state. Below Guadalupe Peak lies a national park of striking natural beauty, with winding trails that meander through serene forests, spots of captivating local history, and the world’s most extensive Permian fossil reef. Campers, hikers, and thrill-seekers will love exploring the park’s deserts, dunes, canyons, mountains, and much more.

An easy day trip from El Paso, Guadalupe Mountains National Park holds stunning canyons, gypsum dunes, clear night skies and high-reaching peaks. Guadalupe Peak is the highest in Texas, reaching 8,751 feet, and the 4.25-mile trek up the stony trail through pinyon pine and Douglas fir is world-class. The park protects the world’s most extensive Permian fossil reef, along with plenty of living flora and fauna. Kit foxes, coyotes, mountain lions, bobcats and badgers are some of the rarer sightings.

In western Texas near the Texas-New Mexico border, Guadalupe Mountains National Park features the highest point in the state. Below Guadalupe Peak lies a national park of striking natural beauty, with winding trails that meander through serene forests, spots of captivating local history, and the world’s most extensive Permian fossil reef. Campers, hikers, and thrill-seekers will love exploring the park’s deserts, dunes, canyons, mountains, and much more.

Guadalupe Mountains has a lot going for it. The park offers quite a few nice hikes, including a nearly 9-mile trek up to Guadalupe Peak, the highest spot in Texas. The 4-mile Devil’s Hall hike promises some pretty spectacular rock formations, or walk the 3-mile Smith Spring loop that leads to the eponymous watering hole. Even when the spring is running dry, the hike itself is filled with gorgeous views. Dark Sky tourism is also popular, so bring your camera and keep an eye out for the Milky Way.