Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Explore Texas's Guadalupe Mountains National Park, home to the state's highest peaks, rugged trails, and ancient fossilized reefs.
Nestled in the heart of West Texas, Guadalupe Mountains National Park is a pristine natural haven known for its rugged peaks, breathtaking desert landscapes, and fascinating geological history. Home to the tallest peak in Texas, Guadalupe Peak, the park offers visitors a glimpse into an ancient marine fossil reef, diverse wildlife, and miles of trails that traverse canyons, dunes, and woodlands. Perfect for hikers, nature enthusiasts, and history buffs, this park is a hidden gem waiting to be explored.
Location
Guadalupe Mountains National Park is located in West Texas, near the border of New Mexico. It lies about 110 miles east of El Paso, Texas, along U.S. Highway 62/180. The park's remote setting offers a true escape from the bustle of modern life, with vast desert skies and sweeping views of the surrounding Chihuahuan Desert.
Quick Facts
Size: 86,367 acres
Year Established: 1972
Unique Features:Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas at 8,751 feet
El Capitan, an iconic limestone formation and a landmark for travelers
Fossilized remains of an ancient marine reef from the Permian Period
The Salt Basin Dunes, a striking gypsum dune field
McKittrick Canyon, famous for its vibrant fall foliage
Guadalupe Mountains National Park offers a unique combination of towering peaks, desert landscapes, and rich geological history, making it one of the most diverse natural destinations in the U.S. Visitors can explore the ancient Capitan Reef, hike to breathtaking viewpoints, or simply revel in the solitude of the desert. With its stunning biodiversity, from desert shrubs to lush riparian zones, the park provides opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and stargazing under some of the darkest skies in the country. Whether you’re scaling Guadalupe Peak for sweeping vistas or marveling at the vivid hues of McKittrick Canyon in autumn, this park is a must-visit for those seeking adventure and natural beauty.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park is home to the world's most extensive Permian fossil reef, the Capitan Reef. Over 250 million years ago, this region was covered by a vast, ancient sea, where marine life thrived. Over time, the remains of these sea creatures accumulated, forming the limestone reef that is now exposed due to geological uplift and erosion. Today, visitors to the park can hike through rugged desert landscapes and towering cliffs while standing on what was once an underwater ecosystem teeming with life, offering a unique glimpse into Earth's distant past.