GUADALUPE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

This 86,416 acre park encompasses the scenic southern part of the Guadalupe Mountains. The park includes eight of the nine highest peaks in Texas with the highest being Guadalupe peak at 8,749' above sea level. Over 80 miles of trails are available for hiking, backpacking and horseback riding. Park Headquarters Visitor Center - Open: Summer - 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.; winter - 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Audiovisual program, natural history museum, bookstore, topo maps,, hikers guides and permits are available. For information call 915-828-3251. While you are visiting don't miss:

• The Pinery - The ruins of the Butterfield Overland Mail stagecoach station built in 1858. A .75 mile round trip mile self-guided nature trail leads to the station. The trail is accessible to wheelchair users. Rated Easy. Trailside exhibits
• Frijole Ranch - The Frijole Historical Site has the park cultural history museum and substantial buildings of early ranching enterprises in the area. From the Frijole Ranch trailhead you may hike to:
  • Pine Springs Campground via Frijole - Foothills Trail 5.5 miles round trip. Rated Moderate.
  • Smith Springs Loop Trail - Look for birds, deer, and elk on the way to the shady oasis of Smith Springs. 2.3 miles round trip. Rated Moderate. Please do not drink the water or wade in the springs.

Pine Springs Campground - Water and restrooms. No RV hookups. No fires, stoves only. Located one-third mile from Park Headquarters. Visitor center at Pine Springs. Cost $6 per night. Trail head for:

• Guadalupe Peak - The top of Texas at 8,749'. A register at the top of Guadalupe Peak allows those who care to be different to record their successful adventure. A special marker honors the landmark, highest point east of the Rockies. 8.4 miles round trip. Rated strenuous - 3,000 ft. elevation gain. Avoid the peak during high winds and thunderstorms. High winds in the local area have been known to blow vehicles off of the roads below! The observant eye will spot trees along the trail that have been hit by lightning.
• The Bowl - A high country forest of pine and Douglas fur awaits hikers who climb 2,500 feet above the surrounding desert. Recommended route: Tejas Trail, Bowl Trail, Hunter Peak side trip, Bear Canyon Trail, Frijole Trail. 9.1 miles round trip. Rated strenuous.
• Devil's Hall - A rocky, but level 4.2 mile trip along the wash of Pine Spring Canyon. Climb the Hiker's staircase of natural rock to the Devil's Hall. The trail is marked with cairns (rocks stacked on trails side) along the canyon floor. Rated Moderate, level but very rocky.
• El Capitan Trail - This trail leads to the base of El Capitan at the southern end of the Guadalupe Mountain range. Recommended route: El Capitan Trail, Salt Basin Overlook Trail, El Capitan Trail. Beyond the Salt Basin Overlook, the trail continues to the Williams Ranch, an additional 4.7 miles one-way. 11.3 miles round trip. Rated Moderate.

McKittrick Canyon - On a hike through the twisting gorge of the canyon, you can witness the transition from desert to forest. As the canyon narrows and the walls loom higher, lush vegetation abounds in this cool, moist setting. You'll hike along the perennial spring-fed stream through this canyon. In late October/early November the tree foliage turns a brilliant red, yellow and orange. Day use area, open Summer - 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Winter 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

• McKittrick Canyon Nature Loop - A self guided nature trail that covers nine-tenths of a mile near the visitor center. Trailside exhibits. Rated Moderate.
• Permian Reef Geology Trail - A rugged trail with numbered markers (used with guide book available at visitor center) that reveals the building blocks of the reef. Excellent views of McKittrick Canyon from the top of this ancient Permian structure. 8.4 miles round trip. Rated Strenuous.

Dog Canyon Campground - Water and restrooms. No RV hookups. No fires, stoves only. Eighteen tent sites, five RV spaces. Cost $6 per night.

• Indian Meadows Nature Trail - A six-tenths of a mile self-guided nature trail. Pick up a trail guide booklet that describes the plants and animals of a meadow community. Rated Easy.
• Lost Peak - Climb out or Dog Canyon on the Tejas Trail to visit the conifer forest above. Outstanding views from Lost Peak. 6.4 miles round trip Rated Strenuous. 1.500 ft. elevation gain.
• Marcus Overlook - Follow the Bush Mountain Trail for 2.3 miles to the ridge top for a view into West Dog Canyon. 4.5 miles round trip. Rated Moderate.