Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Year Established: 1972
Annual Visitors: 243,000
Size: 76,293 Acres
State: Texas

Best Time to Visit Guadalupe Mountains National Park

March to May, September to November

If you are planning to visit more national parks, check out our complete list of all US National Parks.

Best Experiences in Guadalupe Mountains National Park

• Summit Guadalupe Peak
• Hike The Bowl
• Gypsum Dunes

A Brief History

Guadalupe Mountains National Park is east of El Paso, Texas. The highest point in Texas is Guadalupe Peak, which is 8,751 feet high. El Capitan was used as a landmark by travelers on the route that the Butterfield Overland Mail stagecoach line later used. Near the Pine Springs visitor center are the remains of a stagecoach station.

The restored Frijole Ranch is where the trail to Smith Spring starts and has a small museum about local history. The park covers 86,367 acres in the same mountain range as Carlsbad Caverns National Park, which is about 25 miles to the north in New Mexico. 

Guadalupe Mountains RV Camping

If you are looking for nearby RV camping options for Guadalupe Mountains National Park or in Texas, consider checking out our other post:

• Best RV Parks in Texas
• Best RV Resorts in Texas

Visitor Information

Fees

Individuals 15 years old and younger are admitted free of charge.

Weekly Park Pass

$10.00 per person

Valid for up to 7 days.

Annual Park Pass

Guadalupe Mountains National Park Annual Pass – $35

Contacting Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Visitor Centers

Pine Springs Visitor Center

The Pine Springs Visitor Center is the best place to start your trip to Guadalupe Mountains National Park. It is located at an elevation of 5,730 feet and is the park’s main office. At this Visitors Center, you can find maps, view an informational slideshow, enjoy the museum, explore the store, and talk to the rangers.

McKittrick Canyon Visitor Center

Go to the contact station at the mouth of McKittrick Canyon (staffed during peak seasons in the spring and fall). There you can get a park brochure and watch the videos and exhibits outside.