To explore Guadalupe Mountains National Park you will have to hike around because there is no road system cross the park. We hiked Guadalupe Peak Trail and McKittrick Canyon Trail. The McKittrick Canyon Trail did not impress me but the view along the Guadalupe Peak Trail was absolutely stunning. If you only want to hike one trail in this park, I think this should be the one.
Guadalupe Peak Trail is strenuous, with 3000 feet elevation gain. The round trip distance is 8.4 miles. While you are ascending, the view becomes better and better. The peak is the highest point in Texas, where you have 360 degree view of various land formation. Be prepared for very high wind. The time we were there, the wind blew about 75 miles per hour. When it blew I was not able to stand still. I had to hold the tripod with camera mounted all the time. There was no way to change lens under that condition because if I put the backpack on the ground I was sure it would be blew away!
If you are hardcore enough and want to watch sunrise and sunset on the peak, there is a backcountry campsite near by. Although we did not have time to do this, I am sure sunrise and sunset will be gorgeous there.
Guadalupe Peak Trail is strenuous, with 3000 feet elevation gain. The round trip distance is 8.4 miles. While you are ascending, the view becomes better and better. The peak is the highest point in Texas, where you have 360 degree view of various land formation. Be prepared for very high wind. The time we were there, the wind blew about 75 miles per hour. When it blew I was not able to stand still. I had to hold the tripod with camera mounted all the time. There was no way to change lens under that condition because if I put the backpack on the ground I was sure it would be blew away!
If you are hardcore enough and want to watch sunrise and sunset on the peak, there is a backcountry campsite near by. Although we did not have time to do this, I am sure sunrise and sunset will be gorgeous there.
Along highway 180, there is a picnic area #2. This place was also good for sunset and sunrise. If you are going to watch sunrise at this spot, be sure get there very early. The color probably starts an hour before sunrise.
El Capitan from Guadalupe Peak
El Capitan before Sunrise | This photo was taken at picnic area #2 along the highway 180.
Sunrise | This photo was taken at picnic area #2 along the highway 180.
View from Guadalupe Peak Trail
View from Guadalupe Peak Trail
View from Guadalupe Peak