Guadalupe Mountains National Park Tours and Activities

Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Guadalupe Mountains National Park showing building ruins
Guadalupe Mountains National Park which includes mountains
Guadalupe Mountains National Park featuring views
Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Within the vast area of Guadalupe Mountains National Park are high peaks and fossils from a reef once located on the ocean floor.

Hike and backpack year-round in the wilderness of Guadalupe National Park. Here you’ll find mountains, fossils, sand dunes and hummingbirds.

Travel along 80 miles (130 kilometers) of hiking trails. Since the park has no paved driving tours, hiking is the best way to access the park’s interior. Trails start from northern Dog Canyon and McKittrick Canyon entrances and Frijole Ranch History Museum and Pine Springs Visitor Center in the south.

Smith Spring Trail is great for spotting wildlife, including elk and mule deer. Leave from the Frijole Ranch on this 2.3-mile (3.7-kilometer) round-trip hike. The shorter Manzanita Spring nature trail in the same area is wheelchair accessible.

McKittrick Canyon trail, less than 5 miles (8 kilometers) round-trip, offers views of brilliant fall scenery as maple, ash and walnut leaves turn color. Follow the Permian Reef Geology Trail here to learn about the ancient reef and fossils once underwater in the Delaware Sea.

Plan a challenging day hike up Guadalupe Peak, with an elevation gain of 3,000 feet (900 meters) and round-trip distance of 8.4 miles (13.5 kilometers). Sign the “Top of Texas” registry here for your accomplishment of reaching the highest point in the state. Along the hike, look for hummingbirds, horned lizards and Texas Madrone, a tree with distinctive red bark.

At the Salt Basin Dunes, see white gypsum and red quartz hills created by winds passing over a dry lake. Dunes rise up to 60 feet (18 meters) in height and cover about 2,000 acres (800 hectares).

Leave your car in a parking lot at one of the park’s entrances. Pay the fee to camp or access trails by dropping your payment in boxes at the trailheads and campgrounds.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park is about 110 miles (177 kilometers) from El Paso, Texas. Combine your visit here with a trip to Carlsbad Caverns National Park, 42 miles from Guadalupe’s park headquarters in Pine Springs.

Visit U.S. national parks across the nation for affordable adventure for the whole family. Enjoy your southwestern U.S. trip to view the peaks and fossils of Guadalupe Mountains National Park.

Popular places to visit

McKittrick Canyon

McKittrick Canyon

Explore the great outdoors at McKittrick Canyon, a lovely green space in Salt Flat. Wander the forest and riverfront while you're in the area.

McKittrick Canyon
Sitting Bull Falls

Sitting Bull Falls

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Sitting Bull Falls during your travels in Carlsbad. Amble around the area's parks, or seek out its hiking trails.

Sitting Bull Falls
Carlsbad Caverns National Park featuring caves as well as an individual male

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

5/5(3 reviews)

See the wondrous geologic formations in a vast underground cavern system. Cave facilities offer easy walks or adventurous climbs and crawls.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Pinery Trail

You can take time to visit Pinery Trail during your travels to Salt Flat. Experience the area's entertainment choices and acclaimed theater scene.

Pinery Trail

The Pinery Ruins

Learn about the local history of Salt Flat when you take a trip to The Pinery Ruins. Stroll along the riverfront or discover the area's mountain views.

The Pinery Ruins

Pine Springs Visitor Center

Explore the great outdoors at Pine Springs Visitor Center, a lovely green space in Salt Flat. Wander the forest or discover the area's mountain views.

Pine Springs Visitor Center

Best Lodging Options Near Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Hunting Party/Family Getaway

Hunting Party/Family Getaway

Carlsbad
Hunting Party/Family Getaway
Perfect for family reunions and retreats

Perfect for family reunions and retreats

Carlsbad
Perfect for family reunions and retreats
Zion Cabin

Zion Cabin

Carlsbad
Zion Cabin
Perfect for romantic getaways

Perfect for romantic getaways

Carlsbad
Perfect for romantic getaways
In the middle of Lincoln National Forest. About an hour outside of Carlsbad.

In the middle of Lincoln National Forest. About an hour outside of Carlsbad.

Carlsbad
In the middle of Lincoln National Forest. About an hour outside of Carlsbad.
An hour from Carlsbad and about 80 miles from Guadalupe Peak.

An hour from Carlsbad and about 80 miles from Guadalupe Peak.

Carlsbad
An hour from Carlsbad and about 80 miles from Guadalupe Peak.
PARK RANGER GUEST HOUSE GUADALUPE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

PARK RANGER GUEST HOUSE GUADALUPE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

2 out of 5
Dell City
PARK RANGER GUEST HOUSE GUADALUPE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
Sunrise Ridge Retreat 3-Bedroom 2-Bath Peaceful Home - WiFi - Guadalupe Mtn View

Sunrise Ridge Retreat 3-Bedroom 2-Bath Peaceful Home - WiFi - Guadalupe Mtn View

DELL CITY
Sunrise Ridge Retreat 3-Bedroom 2-Bath Peaceful Home - WiFi - Guadalupe Mtn View
White's City Cavern Inn

White's City Cavern Inn

2.5 out of 5
17 Carlsbad Cavern Hwy, Carlsbad, NM
White's City Cavern Inn
See all 9 properties in Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Guadalupe Mountains National Park

At Guadalupe Mountains National Park, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including hiking on scenic trails, camping under the stars, and guided tours. Popular hiking routes offer stunning views, while designated group campsites provide a communal experience. For those planning a day trip, a well-structured itinerary can help maximize your adventure, and catching a beautiful sunset is a must, whether you're camping or just visiting for the day.

Recreation

At Rattlesnake Springs, 41.8km from Guadalupe Mountains National Park, immerse yourself in nature's serenity. Enjoy leisurely strolls, picnics under the shade, and the calming sounds of water. This recreational area offers a perfect escape for relaxation and rejuvenation amidst stunning landscapes.

Find the best attractions near Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Guadalupe Mountains National Park in Salt Flat, Texas, offers a variety of attractions, including visitor centres, history museums, and ancient ruins. Ideal for those seeking outdoor adventures and cultural experiences, the park features stunning highlights such as Guadalupe Peak and the majestic Guadalupe Mountains. Explore the rich history and breathtaking landscapes, making it a perfect destination for Canadian travellers looking for adventure and natural beauty.

  • Pine Springs Visitor Center: Located only 483m from Guadalupe Mountains National Park, this visitor centre offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and family-friendly activities. It's a great starting point for exploring the park, with knowledgeable staff ready to provide insights and maps for hiking trails and scenic viewpoints.
  • The Pinery Ruins: Situated a mere 161m from the park, The Pinery Ruins are a fascinating glimpse into the area's cultural history. These remnants of an early 19th-century trading post allow visitors to reflect on the region's past and appreciate its archaeological significance.
  • Frijole Ranch Cultural Museum: About 1.6km from the park, this museum showcases the rich history and heritage of the area. With engaging exhibits and artifacts, it provides a deeper understanding of the local culture and the lives of early settlers.

Best time to go to Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Visitor numbers around Guadalupe Mountains National Park is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Guadalupe Mountains National Park is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. June and July are its hottest month on average. At the time of June, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January43.2°F (6.2°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
February47.3°F (8.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
March55.6°F (13.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April63.0°F (17.2°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
May70.7°F (21.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowAverage
June80.2°F (26.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
July80.2°F (26.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
August79.3°F (26.3°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowAverage
September72.7°F (22.6°C)Light RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
October63.3°F (17.4°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
November52.2°F (11.2°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
December44.6°F (7.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Guadalupe Mountains National Park

To save money during your visit to Guadalupe Mountains National Park, consider traveling in the off-peak months of February and September to October when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel 1-3 months in advance or check last-minute deals on Expedia for discounts. Aim to stay on a Tuesday for the best rates, and use Expedia's search tool to filter by budget and eco-friendly options. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities in a package can also lead to significant savings. Walking is an economical way to explore the park's beautiful surroundings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Guadalupe Mountains National Park are February and September to October, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March, July and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Guadalupe Mountains National Park is usually 1-3 months out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Guadalupe Mountains National Park is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Guadalupe Mountains National Park is Thursday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly accommodations available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Guadalupe Mountains National Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.