Top Reasons to Go

Top Reasons to Go

Tower over Texas: The park is home to 8,749-foot Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in the state.

Fall for fiery foliage: Though surrounded by arid desert and rocky soil, the park has miles of beautiful foliage in McKittrick Canyon. In late October you can watch it burst into flaming colors.

Hike unhindered: The main activity at the park is hiking its rugged, remote, and often challenging trails: 80 mi worth will keep you captivated and spry—and far away from civilization.

Eat with elk, loll with lions: Despite the surrounding arid region, a variety of wildlife—including shaggy brown elk, sneaky mountain lions, and shy black bears—traipses the mountains, woods, and desert here.

Catch a (ghost) stagecoach: In the late 1830s a stagecoach line ran from St. Louis and San Francisco with a stop at what's now Guadalupe Mountains National Park. The stages are long gone, but ruins of an old station still remain in the park, along with old ranch houses.