Mountain Biking in Guadalupe Mountains National Park

If you've got a mountain bike or a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle, cruise to the Williams Ranch Trail. Skittering down it will only take about an hour one way (for vehicles) and will lead you to the Williams Ranch House, which sits alone at the base of a 3,000-foot cliff. Before you set out, check out the gate key at the Headquarters Visitor Center. Then head west on Highway 62/180. Drive 8¼ mi to the brown metal gate with National Park signs; be sure to lock the gate behind you once you're through. Proceed for another ¾ mi to another gate; lock this one as well once you're through it. Follow the worn dirt road, which runs past arid scenery and cacti that bloom in the spring months, to the ranch house—and enjoy a great view of El Capitan. Leave before sundown and return the key to the visitor center.