Alert: Temporary Closure of Dog Canyon

National Park

Guadalupe Mountains

El Capitan with blooming claret cup cacti
Blossoming claret cup cacti add a splash of color to the Chihuahuan desert. NPS/Bieri

Overview

Come experience mountains and canyons, desert and dunes, night skies and spectacular vistas within a place unlike any other. Guadalupe Mountains National Park protects the world's most extensive Permian fossil reef, the four highest peaks in Texas, an environmentally diverse collection of flora and fauna, and the stories of lives shaped through conflict, cooperation and survival.

State: TX915-828-3251

Hours

  • Sunday: All Day
  • Monday: All Day
  • Tuesday: All Day
  • Wednesday: All Day
  • Thursday: All Day
  • Friday: All Day
  • Saturday: All Day

Fees & Passes

  • Entrance - Per Person:  10.00

    An entrance fee of $10 per person (16 years of age and older) is required; entrance fees/passes permit 1-7 consecutive days of use in this national park. Holders of the Annual, Senior, Military, 4th grade and Access Pass can bring in 3 adults free of charge under their pass. Any pass must be displayed in a vehicle while in the national park.


  • Entrance - Education/Academic Groups:  0.00

    Entrance fee waivers are available to groups when the purpose of their visit is educational rather than recreational. Completed applications along with required documentation must be submitted via email. Fee waiver requests must be submitted at least six weeks before a scheduled visit to allow for consideration.


Map

Things To Do

Category

6 Results
    A hiker sets up a blue tent in a forest

    Backpacking Preparation

    $

    Description

    A backpacking trip in Guadalupe Mountains Wilderness requires some prior planning and decision-making to ensure the best experience.

    More info

    Fees

    Park entry fee required for all adult visitors. A Wilderness Use Permit fee is required for all overnight use of any wilderness camping sites. 

    A roadside picnic table stands before a desert mountain vista

    Guadalupe Peak Viewpoint

    Free

    Description

    This viewpoint, located just to the southeast of the park boundary alongside U.S. Highway 62/180 provides an excellent view to the summit of Guadalupe Peak. 

    More info
    Pet FriendlyTime:1-30 Minutes
    The setting sun casts light and shadows over buildings and a fenced yard with trees.

    Visit the historic Frijole Ranch

    $

    Description

    Frijole Ranch is a delightful oasis on the edge of the dry, lower slopes of the Guadalupe escarpment which truly captures the rugged sprit of the American West. Today the Frijole Ranch History Museum occupies the old ranch headquarters and displays the human history of the Guadalupes. The grounds are open from dusk to dawn, with picnic tables at the parking area and under the large shade trees in the courtyard. Bring your binoculars; this is an excellent location for birding!

    More info

    Fees

    Park entry fee required for all adult visitors.

    Time:10-60 Minutes
    Tent on a dirt pad in a lightly forested environment

    Overnight on Wilderness Ridge

    $

    Description

    The lesser used Permian Reef Trail leads to sheltered campsites and spectacular views into McKittrick Canyon, making a great destination of a one night, two day backpacking trip into the Wilderness. 

    More info

    Fees

    Park entry fee required for all adult visitors.

    Time:2-3 Days
    A trail runs through a small gap in a ridge

    The Notch

    $

    Description

    The hike to "the Notch" is a challenging day hike that proceeds through McKittrick Canyon to a dramatic viewpoint about half way up toward McKittrick Ridge.

    More info

    Fees

    Park entry fee required for all adult visitors.

    Time:5-7 Hours
    A primitive dirt road leads to a small blue ranch house dwarfed by desert mountains.

    Drive to Williams Ranch

    $

    Description

    If you have a high-clearance, four wheel drive vehicle, the primitive dirt road to Williams Ranch provides a unique opportunity to get off the beaten path and get close to the remote and imposing western escarpment of the Guadalupe Mountains. The Williams Ranch Road is currently CLOSED.

    More info

    Fees

    Park entry fee required for all adult visitors.

    Pet FriendlyTime:4-6 Hours

More Images

El Capitan with blooming claret cup cacti
El Capitan with blooming claret cup cacti
the slat flats become flooded during monsoon months after large rain events.
the slat flats become flooded during monsoon months after large rain events.
Fall colors in Devil's Hall
Fall colors in Devil's Hall
Pratt Cabin in McKittrick Canyon
Pratt Cabin in McKittrick Canyon
wildflowers blossom along The Bowl trail
wildflowers blossom along The Bowl trail
A metal and stone entrance sign stands in front of a building and desert mountains
A metal and stone entrance sign stands in front of a building and desert mountains