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Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas (View Photos):
Deep in the American Southwest lies a wondrous region known as Guadalupe Mountains National Park. What sets this place apart from other mountainous areas is its geology. Millions of years ago, this region was submerged by an enormous inland sea. Over time, the algae and other marine organisms living in this sea mixed with seawater lime to form a large reef. As the sea disappeared, the reef became subsumed under a thick layer of sediment. When this structure was uplifted, it formed today's Guadalupe Mountains which stretch for 50 miles.
For a small park, Guadalupe Mountains has much to recommend it. It boasts the highest point in Texas, Guadalupe Peak at 8,749 feet. In the far western district there are large gypsum sand dunes which require some planning to access. There is an impressive array of wildlife and birds, including elk, mountain lion, black bears, golden eagles, vultures, peregrine falcons, and lizards. There are even a number of historic sites as well as a museum. But for many vistors, the indisputable attraction is McKittrick Canyon which features spectacular views of mountain peaks and ridges as well as a phenomenal display of fall color each year from late October to early November when the bigtooth maples put on a show.
Unlike many National Parks in the lower 48, this one cannot really be explored with a car - you are required to get out of your vehicle and take to one of the hiking trails of which there are 80 miles to explore. These trails are easily accessed and followed. Due to its remote location and relative obscurity, Guadalupe Mountains National Park receives few visitors which makes for a rather peaceful experience as US National Parks go. Hopefully this web site will reveal some of the discoveries that await while hiking this magical realm.
Recommended Day Hikes:
McKittrick Canyon
Round Trip Length: up to 14.8 miles
Trailhead location: McKittrick Canyon parking lot
Level of Difficulty: Easy to Strenuous depending on how far you go
Attractions: This can be an overnight or day hike, depending on how far you go. An
excellent day hike takes you to a ridge called "The Notch". From here, the trail opens up to expansive views of
McKittrick Canyon. A shorter hike takes you to the Grotto. Allow about 3-5 hours for the round trip hike. The hike is
best undertaken between late October and early November when the bigtooth maples show their dazzling colors
Permian Reef Geology trail
Round Trip Length: 8.4 miles
Trailhead location: McKittrick Canyon parking lot
Level of Difficulty: Strenuous
Attractions: Affording the perspective that comes with hiking along Wilderness ridge, this trail offers fantastic views
of McKittrick Canyon; with a guidebook (fee), this hike makes for an excellent interpretive trail about geology
Guadalupe Peak
Round Trip Length: 8.3 miles
Trailhead location: Pine Springs Campground
Level of Difficulty: Strenuous
Attractions: Outstanding perspective of El Capitan peak; panoramic vistas of the Guadalupe
Mountains and the surrounding Chihuahuan desert
The Bowl
Round Trip Length: 9.5 miles
Trailhead location: Pine Springs Campground
Level of Difficulty: Very Strenuous
Attractions: Quiet and solitude; lush forest; spectacular views; explores many different facets of the park's landscape
Recommended Points of Interest:
Hiker's Staircase in Pine Springs Canyon; Dog Canyon; any of the 80 miles of hiking trails that lace the park
Helpful travel tips and observations
Avoid the heat of summer; plan your visit for fall to take advantage of cooler temperatures and the
excellent fall foliage. The nearest decent hotels are in Carlsbad, New Mexico, so be prepared to
camp if you're visiting for more than one day
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Fall foliage in McKittrick Canyon, (November 2006)
Fall foliage in McKittrick Canyon, (November 2006)
Fall foliage in McKittrick Canyon, (November 2006)
Fall foliage in McKittrick Canyon, (November 2006)
McKittrick Canyon, (November 2006)
McKittrick Canyon, (November 2006)
McKittrick Canyon, (November 2006)
McKittrick Canyon, (November 2006)
