The trail is rated moderate; though it is only 4.2 (6.8 Km) miles round trip, allow 3-4 hours to enjoy this hike. Distance: 0.9 miles round-trip | Difficulty: Easy | Time: 30 minutes. SUMMER: Since the park sits at 5,000 feet, daytime highs arent too bad. The most popular part of the park to visit is the Pine Springs area. There are 9 ways to get from Carlsbad to Guadalupe Mountains National Park by train, plane or bus Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner. I am planning a 50 day road trip this summer, and this area is on my list. Those with 4-wheel drive and high-clearance vehicles may check out a key at the Pine Springs Visitor Center to visit isolated Williams Ranch, as well as the Salt Basin Dunes on the western flank of the park. Devils Hall Trail | Best Things to Do in Guadalupe Mountains National Park. From Guadalupe Peak, you have panoramic views over the national park as well as the Chihuahuan Desert. Would staying there be inconvenient? Carlsbad Caverns & Guadalupe Mountains are located 30 minutes away from each other. Each park has an entrance fee: Carlsbad is $20 to go into the lower cave and Guadalupe is $10 per person. Read our post Best National Parks, where we narrow down the long list into 15 must-see parks. The hike takes you partially uphill, through cacti and desert forest, and then leads you down into a rocky creek. It's the perfect area to get away for the weekend and we're going to show you how! Rome2Rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. This hike is rated moderate; it is 11.3 miles ( 18.2 Km) round trip. We will be hiking with our two boys (ages 23 and 14) in Big Bend and think it makes the most sense to stay at Chisos Basin Lodge for convenience. Scars from wildland fires for 1990 and 1993 are evident along the trail. The Frijole Ranch Cultural Museum is a one-room schoolhouse and spring house that was part of the Frijole Ranch. In just under an hour, you get from Guadalupe Mountains National Park hotels in Carlsbad to the top of Texas. If you are in the passenger seat, you can also get some nice photos of El Capitan as you drive US Highway 62/180 between Pine Springs and the El Capitan Lookout. Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico contains some of the largest caves in North Americaa must-visit stop for vacations in New Mexico. The national park preserves the worlds largest Permian fossil reef, which dates back to this time. The trail is very steep, but is well established. Base on our activities, the length stay at each worked out very nicely. The fee is $8.00 per night per site, $4.00 for Golden Age/Senior and Golden Access/Access Passport holders. GETTING HERE FROM DOG CANYON: From Dog Canyon, you will drive on some very remote unpaved roads, but it is a lot quicker to go this way than heading to Carlsbad and driving US Highway 62/180 to get here. Tim and I both wear Garmin Fenix watches and the trail maps show the location of Lost Peak, so we knew when and where to head off trail towards the peak. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Visit Carlsbad National Park in the morning. The distance to Lost Peak and return is 6.4 miles (10.3 Km). Non-profit cooperating association Carlsbad Caverns Guadalupe Mountains Association operates a bookstore inside the Pine Springs Visitor Center where you may purchase books, post cards, posters, photos and films about the park, as well as walking sticks, hat pins, patches, nalgene water bottles, granola and energy bars, sunblock and ice. Guadalupe Mountains National Park is located in west Texas. As previously mentioned, I would take at least one full day, ideally two to do the park. There is a map and signs. McKittrick Nature Trail | Best Things to Do in Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Get the latest deals and discounts right in your inbox! On our first day in the park, winds were high so we hiked the McKittrick Canyon trails, which were more sheltered, and saved Guadalupe Peak for the next day when the weather was calmer. Day 3. It is also not wheelchair accessible. They serve salads, steak, burgers, sandwiches and pasta. Rome2Rios travel guides to the US tell you the best ways to explore the country, from Amtrak to Greyhound to the New York Subway. This trail leads to a viewpoint of the western side of the Guadalupe Mountains. Note: Parts of the Big Room Trail are wheelchair accessible. From here, you can hike some of the best trails in the park, including Guadalupe Peak and Devils Hall, and it is just a short drive to Frijole Ranch. Can you take a trip Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe Mountains in one day? Join local experts and a small group of fellow hikers as you explore the varied ecosystems of three national parks: Big Bend, the Guadalupe Mountains and Carlsbad Caverns. Its a tough hike to get up here, but on the way, you hike through a mini slot canyon and past unique rock formations. This is where the really cool stuff starts. Dog Canyon is a quieter, more remote area of Guadalupe Mountains National Park. The reservation is only $1 per person. You can see stalactites and stalagmites, of course, but also soda straws, draperies, columns, cave pearls, popcorn, and helictites. Videos Fees Hours Trails Activities Contact Want More Information? For travel flexibility, you can board or get off a Greyhound bus at official Greyhound stations, partner stations and curbside stops. The nearest major city with an international airport is El Paso, Texas, which is less than two hours away. This is another popular hiking destination and trails to Pratt Cabin, the Grotto, the Notch, and the Permian Reef Trail all start here. Get updates on road conditions and trail closures, as you plan your trip and just before your visit, on the National Park Service website. Here is a link to the Carlsbad weather in July so you know more what to expect. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. According to the park, prehistoric Native peoples lived in the Guadalupe Mountains 12,000 to 14,000 years ago, . he show is free and seating is first-come first-served. Frijole Ranch Visitors are welcome to drive to the ranch site year-round, walk the grounds, see the spring house and one-room school, or enjoy a picnic under large shade trees. Greyhound carries around 18 million passengers a year who travel 5.4 billion miles (8.6 billion km) a year on their fleet of around 1700 vehicles. OUR VISIT IN MARCH: We visited Guadalupe Mountains on March 14, 15, and 16, 2022. It is very remote and it takes some time to get here, but your reward is stunning views of the Guadalupe Mountains from the snow white dunes. You keep going and just when you think you must surely have passed it, there it is in front of you. Rome2Rio displays up to date schedules, route maps, journey times and estimated fares from relevant transport operators, ensuring you can make an informed decision about which option will suit you best. This loop trail briefly heads uphill for great views over McKittrick Canyon and to the Permian Reef. We loved the remote feel of this part of the park. There are a huge variety of formations in these caves. Guadalupe Peak Trail On a clear day, the view from the Top of Texas is outstanding. We are waking up early to visit two National Parks on the way to Carlsbad, NM where we will spend the next night. The road ends at the parking lot. Avoid the peak hike during high winds and thunderstorms. NATIONAL PARKS BY SEASON: Guadalupe Mountains National Park appears in our Best US National Parks in March,Best National Parks in April, and Best National Parks in Octoberarticles. And with prices ranging from $100 per night to $100 per night, it's easy to find lodging or campsites near Guadalupe Mountains National Park that suits your . The Dog Canyon, McKittrick Canyon and Salt Basin Dunes (Dell City) Visitor Contact Stations are open intermittently, as are historic Pratt Cabin and Ship on the Desert (in McKittrick Canyon), so call ahead to make sure they are open. Fee Waivers Entrance fee waivers are available to groups when the purpose of their visit is educational rather than recreational. McKittrick Canyon Trail beyond Pratt Cabin, The Grotto | Best Things to Do in Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Distance: 9.8 miles out-and-back | Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous | Total Ascent: 1,675 feet | Time: 4 to 6 hours. Km) wilderness area is the largest federally-designated wilderness area in the state of Texas. Are you ready for an Alaska road trip? It took us 1 hour and 45 minutes to drive from Dog Canyon to the dunes (Google says it will take 2.5 hours). McKittrick Canyon Nature Trail An intermittent seep lies hidden within junipers, shrubs, and grasses that cling to this tiny ecosystem. Trekking poles are also recommended for stability and support, particularly when coming back down the mountains. From the Big Room, you start the second part of the hike that takes you around a large loop to the true variety and beauty of these caves. McKittrick Canyon or Lost Peak? On our wa, Your Comprehensive Guide to Guadalupe & Carlsbad, Explore Guadalupe Mountains National Park. The Trinity Restaurant is our favorite of the two. At 8,751 feet, Guadalupe Peak is the highest point in Texas. ', 'Should I book online before I travel? Continued hot and dry weather across southeast New Mexico and far west Texas prompted closures at Guadalupe Mountains National Park starting Wednesday. The average high at the peak of summer is in the high 80s, but during a heat wave, the temperature can hit 100F. Get an external frame backpack to hold small kids if you can; they are often available used on Facebook groups for $15 or so. Plus, it gets awesome reviews. Carlsbad is the eastern option for where to stay near Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Its not ugly either. Day 1 - Getting To Guadalupe Mountains and Carlsbad Caverns National Parks The natural entrance trail is 1.25 miles and takes about 1.5 hours to walk it. FALL: High temperatures range from the 70s to the 60s, cooling off as it gets closer to winter. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. If you want to hike, its best to do it first thing in the morning, starting at sunrise or a little earlier. Permian Reef Trail For serious geology buffs, this trail has stop markers that can be used with a comprehensive geology guide, available at the parks Headquarters Visitor Center. Carlsbad Caverns to Guadalupe Mountains National Park: Yes, You Can Do It In 1 Day, Two National Parks in a weekend? Post Time Inn. But your reward, once you get to the Notch, are awesome views of McKittrick Canyon in both directions. Entrance Fee: $10 per person, valid for 7 days. You have the option to continue on to the Hunter Line Shack and it takes about 4 to 5 minutes to walk here from the Grotto. The limestone walls of the station are fragile, so please do not climb on them. The museum is staffed intermittently, so call ahead to make sure it will be open. This is another remote region of Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Turn right on Williams Road and take this for 7.5 miles. I can feel the thrill of embarking on the challenging hike to reach the summit of Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas. HELP PROTECT THIS AREA: Since these dunes are covered with plants, sledding is not allowed on the Salt Basin Dunes. Julie Last updated: June 18, 2023 United States 6 Comments. Geologist Wallace Pratt bought this ranch property and built this stone cabin in the early 1930s. As always, please reach out to me if you have any questions - I answer all of my emails - and please subscribe or pass along to someone that may be interested in getting updates. There is a nice area along the river that has several Airbnb choices that are centrally located. The fee for Golden Age/Senior and Golden Access/Access Pass holders is $1.50 per person. This is a smaller, more vegetated version of White Sand Dunes National Park. Rates moderate, the 4.8 miles (7.7 Km) round-trip to Pratt Lodge takes two hours; allow 3-5 hours round-trip to hike to the Grotto and Hunter Line Cabin. Pets are allowed on leash. Williams Road is a well-packed clay road but it can be impassable and slippery when wet. Best, John. The Permian Reef Trail is more challenging, since it climbs higher than the Notch, but the distance is about the same. El Capitan Lookout | Best Things to Do in Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Closer view of El Capitan | Best Things to Do in Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Did yo, Who else is happiest in the mountains? White Sands and Carlsbad are popular parks. To get here from Carlsbad, it is an hour and a half drive through ranches and tiny towns. Allow 6-8 hours. Facilities at the trailhead include accessible parking, RV/bus parking, picnic tables underneath shade structures, and pit toilets. Continue past this small pool of water for about five more minutes to get to Devils Hall. However, we met two backpackers on the Tejas Trail who hiked both to Marcus Overlook and Lost Peak. The trail is wheelchair accessible. So, if you dont mind some extra time driving, stay in the Willow House. Marcus Overlook Follow the Bush Mountain Trail to Manzanita Ridge. Although the lower elevations are dominated by Chihuahuan desert, those who venture into the high country are treated to mixed coniferous and oak woodland forests. You can choose when you get there to walk 1.25 miles down the caverns to the Big Room or simply take the elevators down. At the summit, the trail levels out, and soon reaches a junction with the McKittrick Ridge Trail. On a clear day near sunset, it's possible to see the western escarpment as far as fifty miles away. There are no water stations along the trails and all park water sources are protected and must not be disturbed. Beyond the Grotto, the McKittrick Canyon Trail gets noticeably steeper and rockier. It is rated moderate to strenuous and takes 5-6 hours. We used Google Maps, caching the maps while in Carlsbad (we did not have cellular service in Dog Canyon). Start at either end. It is all paved and not strenuous, but there is a moderate downward grade in places. This is where we stayed on both of our visits to Carlsbad. The nearest major airport is El Paso, Texas at 115 miles west of the park. There was one other couple there and we did the if-I-take-a-picture-of-you-will-you-take-a-picture-of-us thing. The closest town to either park is Carlsbad in New Mexico, so its a great place to base yourself for the weekend. Backcountry Camping Permits These permits are available free of charge at the Pine Springs Visitor Center. We selected the Devils Hall hike, which is 3.6 miles roundtrip. ABOUT THE DIFFICULTY OF THIS HIKE: The difficulty varies based on conditions along the trail. Carlsbad Caverns IS OPEN! Opportunities abound for birding, wildlife watching, nature photography, painting and drawing, and spectacular night skies make for excellent stargazing and astronomy. Greyhound is a leading bus company based in Dallas, Texas, serving over 3800 destinations across North America, Mexico and Canada. Most people come to Carlsbad and see the Caverns, but many overlook Guadalupe Mountains National Park in Texas, just 32 miles further down the same road and just over the state line in Texas. Devils Hall Trail Hike the stream bed of Pine Springs Canyon, and then climb the natural rock of the Hikers Staircase, to the finale the Devils Hall. The crowd levels on these two trails couldnt be any more different. US Highway 62/180 runs along the eastern border of Guadalupe Mountains National Park. ', 'How much should I expect to pay? How Many Days Do You Need in Guadalupe Mountains National Park? Wilderness Use Permits must be obtained before you go. The known caves are 30 miles long and the deepest known cave with Carlsbad is 1,027 feet below ground. You have a one-hour window to arrive during your scheduled time. How to Hike the McKittrick Canyon Trail to Pratt Cabin, the Grotto & the Notch, How to Hike the Permian Reef Trail | Guadalupe Mountains National Park, How to Hike to Guadalupe Peak, the "Top of Texas", How to Hike the Devil's Hall Trail | Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Here is a link to the Carlsbad weather in July. The first half of the drive is on a gravel road, then the road is a paved road until you get to Williams Road, which is a clay road. There is no maintained trail to Lost Peak. Drive Driving However, if the wash is wet, this hike becomes much more difficult and longer to hike. Not frequently traveled, this trail offers an enjoyable walk of solitude. Not frequently traveled, this trail offers an enjoyable walk of solitude. CARLSBAD CAVERNS NATIONAL PARK: Carlsbad Caverns sits right beside Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Canyons, gypsum sand dunes, fossilized coral reefs, the Chihuahuan Desert, and some of the highest peaks in Texasthese are all things that you can see in Guadalupe Mountains National Park. The average temperature for that area in the summer is 96 degrees Fahrenheit but it could easily be hotter than that. Note: This post contains affiliate links. shortest hikes to do in McKittrick Canyon. Rome2Rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. Getting here is not easy. Salt Basin Dunes (Day-use) No overnight parking or camping is allowed. You drive from Carlsbad, NM 88220, USA and trip ends at Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Salt Flat, TX 79847, USA. Thanks for all the great information about the parks! This hike is 2.3 miles round-trip, moderate, takes between 1 and 2 hours, and leads to the Smith Spring. A 12-minute slide presentation is shown, upon request, in the auditorium. Allow one to two hours. Visitors traveling to Dog Canyon, on the park's north side, can access the area via New Mexico State Road 137. It's like a sparsely inhabited Moab. On one of the three days we were here, wind gusts reached 45 mph, which can make hiking the Guadalupe Peak miserable and even a bit dangerous. How to Use This Map: Click the tab in the top left hand corner of the map to view the layers (points of interest and the walking route). Dont worry, you get used to it and eventually move further in than they go. This trail is flat and sandy. The walk down to the Big Room took about an hour or so. Conditions on Guadalupe Pass can vary due to seasonal weather conditions and high winds. During our second visit, the restaurants were turning people away or offering wait times of an hour or more. If you click the icons on the map, you can get more information about each point of interest. Manzanita Spring Begin this hike by turning right behind the ranch house at Frijole Ranch and follow the short, paved trail to Manzanita Spring (.2 mile/.3 Km). This hike was no exception. Frijole/Foothills Trails The Frijole and Foothills trails make a connecting loop between the Pine Springs campground and Frijole Ranch. But despite the ambivalent look of the place, we all agreed that it had a very friendly and laid-back vibe. The fee is $3.00 per person. Contact the Pine Canyon Visitor Center or visit the park website, Facebook page or meetup page listed at the end of this article for the schedule of upcoming programs. Guadalupe Peak, at 8,751 feet, is the highest peak in the Guadalupe Mountains and the highest peak in Texas, earning it the nickname "Top of Texas." Another national park is located within these mountains. When we travel with these friends and take a hike, we always all make it to the main spectacle, and then inevitably at least half the group gets lost. Deposit the fee envelope at any trailhead collection safe, and display the detachable stub on the vehicle dashboard. This hike continues on the McKittrick Canyon Trail beyond Pratt Cabin. Visit Carlsbad is the ultimate tourism guide for the Carlsbad, New Mexico area. Everything that I read about the park leading up to our trip was just general information; I certainly wasnt prepared for the massive size of this cave system. There is a shortcut in this room and it can be reduced to 0.6 miles of walking distance. Each park has an entrance fee: Carlsbad is $20 to go into the . . You are rewarded at the top with a tiny, lovely pool of clear water and a beautiful vista of mountain, rock, and trees. Yellow Brix Restaurant. Strollers are not allowed. Kilometers: 83.5: Meters: 83480: Feet: 273884.5: Distance Summary. Is Guadalupe Mountains National Park worth visiting? We did this drive in a Toyota Forerunner. The drive is 9 miles along a gravel road and takes you through the Guadalupe Mountains. This is the steepest, narrowest, and rockiest part of the trail. If using the Tejas Trail, venture east to Hunter Peak and descend down the Bear Canyon Trail. Every evening the bats fly out of the caves and you can watch from the amphitheater above the caverns. However, it's the Big Room that most of the park's nearly half million visitors come out to the desert to see. Call 505-785-2232 for visitor information (extension 0) and cave tour reservations (extension 429). Immediately, a strong scent of ammonia overtakes the air bat urine.