Copyright: National Park Service
Guadalupes
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Description - The park is open year-round. The Visitor Center hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., slightly longer in summer. The Visitor Center closed on Christmas Day. The gate to McKittrick Canyon day-use area is locked at night. The McKittrick Canyon fall colors season runs from approximately mid-October through mid-November.
Attractions
- Rising from the desert, this mountain mass contains portions of the world's most extensive and significant Permian limestone fossil reef. Also featured are a tremendous earth fault, lofty peaks, unusual flora and fauna, and a colorful record of the past. Guadalupe Peak, is the highest point in Texas at 8,749 feet; El Capitan, and is a massive limestone formation; McKittrick Canyon, with its unique flora and fauna; and the "Bowl", located in a high country conifer forest, are significant park features. The park has eighty-plus miles of trails, ranging in difficulty from easy to strenuous. Please be aware, the trails are rocky and often steep and rugged. Trails lead to Guadalupe Peak, around the base of El Capitan, up into the high country and across the top of the escarpment, and into McKittrick Canyon. Self-guided nature trails are located at McKittrick Canyon, Pinery trail at Pine Springs and Indian Meadow Trail at Dog Canyon. Accessibility: The Headquarters Visitor Center is fully accessible this includes accessible rest rooms; The 0.75 mile round trip Pinery Trail from visitor center to Butterfield Stage Ruins is accessible. There is a Wheelchair available for use. The McKittrick Canyon Visitor Center is accessible.
Recreation - Recreation in this park ranges from hiking and walking, to camping, to viewing geology. Climate - Climate conditions in the park range from hot summers, mild winters. Sudden and extreme weather changes are common. Frequent high winds occur from winter through spring. Cool nights are normal even in summer. It is recommended that visitors to the park wear loose, comfortable clothing, sturdy walking shoes, hat, sunscreen, and bring plenty of drinking water. Location -
The park is located on U.S. Highways 62/180 between Carlsbad, New Mexico and El Paso, Texas. Facilities and services within or near Guadalupe Mountains National Park are extremely
limited. The park offers camping (RV and tent), but lodging is not available. Gasoline, ice, food and other camping supplies should be purchased prior to your arrival.
Directions from Whites City, NM: Travel south along Highway 62/180
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