Summary:
The reward for this strenuous climb is attaining the summit of the highest mountain in Texas, 8,749-ft Guadalupe Peak.

Keep left at the fork just beyond the trailhead. Shortly after that, the trail divides again. Ignore the El Capitan Trail on the left. Either take the middle fork, for hikers only; or the right, for horses and hikers – the two will meet up again. The distance given in the Fact File is based on the longer, but less steep, horse-and-hiker option for the ascent, and the shorter hikers-only option for the descent.

The right fork heads up Pine Spring Canyon for about 0.8 mile/1.3 km. Where Devils Hall Trail branches off to the right, turn left (south) to climb out of the canyon and meet up with the hikers-only trail in another 0.7 mile. Bear right to continue the climb to the summit (remember to keep right here on the way back to take the shorter route on the descent).

It is a hard, unrelenting climb. Vegetation changes from the typical desert plants you see at the start, to pondorosa pine and douglas fir. Indeed, the switchbacks climb through pine and fir forest for much of the way.

A side trail leads off to the Guadalupe Peak backcountry camp about 1 mile/1.6 km from the summit. From here, the trail drops a little to a saddle before the final ascent via switchbacks. At last you reach the rocky summit, marked by a large metal pyramid, and its 360 panorama (although the view is often hazy due to air pollution). To the west are the salt flats, 5,000 ft below. To the south is 8,078-ft El Capitan, the massive monolith marking the southern end of the Guadalupe Mountains. Stretching north are the other peaks and ridges of the range.

Directions: Approach from the north-east or west on US 62/180. From the south, Hwy 54 from Van Horn joins the 62/180 just south of the Park. For Headquarters visitor center, turn off the 62/180 about 8.5 miles north of this intersection.

Trailhead: Pine Springs Campground, at the end of the road, 0.5 mile beyond Headquarters visitor center.

Length: 9 miles / 14.4 km

Trail Type: Out and back

Elevation Change: 2,930 ft / 893 m

Duration: 6 hours

Trail Condition: Marked and maintained.

Features: Canyon, strenuous climb, rugged mountain, panoramic view.

Climate: Best in spring (although can be very windy) and autumn. Hot in summer with afternoon thunderstorms. Snowstorms may temporarily block access to the Park in winter.

Accommodation: Pine Springs Campground has tent and RV sites on a first-come, first-served basis. Nearest motels at White’s City, New Mexico, 35 miles north-east on US 62/180.

Trail Notes: Topographic map available at the visitor center. The peak is exposed to lightening so avoid being on the summit on summer afternoons. Start early and carry plenty of water.

Summary:
This stunning canyon, carved into the high cliffs of the Guadalupe range, has been called “the most beautiful spot in Texas”.

From the visitor center, keep straight ahead into canyon, ignoring the short nature trail on left and the Permian Reef Geology Trail on the right a little later. Desert scrub and cacti dominate initially as you follow clear McKittrick Creek, the only year-round stream in the Park. But, as the canyon narrows, the vegetation becomes ever more lush, enhancing the high cliffs surrounding you. Cross the shallow creek a number of times over stepping stones as you head through the canyon.

2.3 miles/3.7 km into the canyon, at the picnic area, a short fork on the right leads to the Pratt Cabin, built of stone by geologist William Pratt in 1930. The clear trail continues along the south fork of the canyon (the north fork branches off just beyond Pratt Cabin, but there is no trail).

Head through beautiful woods of ponderosa pine, juniper, oak, Texas madrone and maple for 1.1 mile/1.8 km to a fork. Take the short trail on the left for around 0.3 mile/0.5 km to the Grotto, where the limestone formations resemble the stalagmites of a cave.

Back at the fork, the level trail starts its steep climb out of the canyon to McKittrick Ridge. This is the turning round point for day-hikers, but you may want to climb up for about 0.5 mile to a rock with good views.

Smith Spring
Another easy hike, this time starting at Frijole Ranch, gently climbs 400 ft/122 m through desert scrub to Smith Spring. This peaceful oasis at the foot of the Guadalupe Mountains is resplendent with maidenhair ferns, pine, madrone, alligator juniper, oak and bigtooth maple. Although you have only walked just over a mile, you feel far from civilization: dappled sunlight filters through the green canopy and the only sounds are water softly running over weathered rocks and the faint hum of busy insects. Loop back via a second oasis, Manzanita Spring, for a total distance of 2.3 miles/3.7 km. Trailhead: Turn off US 62/180 1.5 miles north of Headquarters visitor center onto the 0.75-mile gravel road to Frijole Ranch.

Directions: Approach from the north-east or west on US 62/180. From the south, Hwy 54 from Van Horn joins the 62/180 just south of the Park. Continue north from this intersection for about 16 miles (passing Headquarters visitor center after 8.5 miles) to the paved McKittrick Canyon access road. This is a day-use area only, and the entrance gate is locked at dusk.

Trailhead: Behind McKittrick Canyon visitor center, at the end of the 4-mile access road.

Length: 7.5 miles / 12.0 km

Trail Type: Out and back

Elevation Change: 340 ft / 104 m

Duration: 3.5 hours

Trail Condition: Maintained and easy to follow.

Features: Creek and canyon, high cliffs, rock formations.

Climate: Best in spring and autumn. Hot in summer. Snowstorms may temporarily block access in winter.

Accommodation: Inside the Park, Pine Springs Campground near the Headquarters visitor center has tent and RV sites on a first-come, first-served basis. Nearest motels at White’s City, New Mexico, 35 miles north-east on US 62/180.

Trail Notes: Trail map and booklet available at both visitor centers, but McKittrick Canyon visitor center is only manned intermittently. Treated water is sometimes available at Pratt Cabin, but do not rely on it.