Guadalupe Mountains
National Park

Rising from the desert, this mountain mass contains portions of the world's most extensive and significant Permian limestone fossil reef. Also featured are a tremendous earth fault, lofty peaks, unusual flora and fauna, and a colorful record of the past. Guadalupe Peak, highest point in Texas at 8,749 feet; El Capitan, a massive limestone formation; McKittrick Canyon, with its unique flora and fauna; and the "bowl", located in a high country conifer forest, are significant park features. Established: September 30, 1972. Acreage: 86,416. The park celebrated its 25th anniversary in 1997.

For More Extensive Information, Please, Come and Visit Our Website Visitor Center.

VISITATION:

223,485 (1996)

< HEIGHT="12" ALIGN="BOTTOM"> .

LOCATION:

Pine Springs, Texas. Located 110 miles east of El Paso, TX on U.S. Highway 62/180; 55 miles southwest of Carlsbad, NM on U.S. highway 62/180; 65 miles north of Van Horn, TX on Texas highway 54.

ADDRESS:

HC 60 Box 400
Salt Flat, Texas 79847
Email: GUMO_SUPERINTENDENT@NPS.GOV

TELEPHONE:

(915) 828-3251
(915) 828-3269 (FAX)

OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS:

Park is open year-round. Visitor Center hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., slightly longer in summer. Visitor Center closed on Christmas Day. Gate to McKittrick Canyon day-use area is locked at night. McKittrick Canyon fall colors season runs from approximately early-October through mid-November.

CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:

Hot summers, mild winters. Sudden and extreme weather changes are common. Frequent high winds, especially in spring and early summer. Cool nights, even in summer. Loose, comfortable clothing, sturdy walking shoes, hat, sunscreen, and plenty of drinking water.

TRANSPORTATION:

To Park: Headquarters Visitor Center at Pine Springs accessed via U.S. highway 62/180 between Carlsbad, NM and El Paso, TX. Dog Canyon, on the park's north side, is accessed via New Mexico state road 137.
In Park: access roads to trailheads only.

FEES, COSTS, RATES:

Sites at Pine Springs and Dog Canyon campgrounds are $7.00 a night; group sites $2.00 per person, minimum $20.00. Free back-country camping permits available at visitor center. Holders of Golden Access or Golden Age Passports receive a 50% discount.

FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:

Visitor Center/Exhibits:
Headquarters Visitor Center at Pine Springs has natural history exhibits and auditorium slide program. Historic Frijole Ranch Museum features exhibits on local history. McKittrick Contact Station features outdoor exhibits and slide program on the history, geology and natural history of the canyon.

Trails, Roads:

Eighty-plus miles of trails, ranging in difficulty from easy to strenuous. Trails are rocky and often steep and rugged. Trails lead to Guadalupe Peak, around the base of El Capitan, up into the high country and across the top of the escarpment, and into McKittrick Canyon. Self-guided nature trails are located at McKittrick Canyon, Pinery trail at Pine Springs and Indian Meadow Trail at Dog Canyon.

Programs/Activities:

Summer evening programs in campground amphitheater, frequent slide program and geology video showings in Visitor Center daily.

Lodging and camping facilities:

No lodging facilities in or near park. Closest is 35 miles northeast in White's City, NM. Two front-country campgrounds have tent and RV sites, water and rest rooms, but no showers or hookups. Ten back-country campgrounds. A free permit is required and may be obtained in person at the Headquarters Visitor Center or at the Dog Canyon Ranger Station. No fires (including charcoal) allowed in park.

Food,/supplies:

No gas, food, ice or supplies available in park. Closest facilities are 35 miles northeast in White's City, NM. Water available at trailheads. There is no water in park's backcountry.

Other Concessions/NPS-Managed Visitor Facilities and Opportunities:

No concessions in park.

The Carlsbad Caverns -Guadalupe Mountains Association operates a large bookstore in the Headquarters Visitor Center.

Accessibility:

Headquarters Visitor Center is fully accessible; accessible rest rooms; .75 mile round trip Pinery Trail from visitor center to Butterfield Stage Ruins is accessible. Wheelchair available. McKittrick Canyon Visitor Center is accessible.

Special Needs:

Bi-lingual and sign language park ranger on staff. Visitor Center slide program captioned in English and Spanish.

RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES/PARK USE:

Hiking, camping, bird watching, desert wildflowers, wildlife observations, horseback riding-day use only (bring your own stock). Stock may not be kept in the backcountry overnight but corrals are available for visitor use at Frijole Ranch and Dog Canyon.

RESERVATIONS/PERMITS:

No individual camping reservations accepted. Reservations accepted for front country groups of ten or more. Free backcountry camping permits required; horseback riding (bring your own stock) and free corral use (permits required.) All permits must be obtained in person at the Headquarters Visitor Center or Dog Canyon Ranger Station on the day of or the day before they are to be used.

BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS:

Bring everything you will need during your visit. No concessions or supplies available in the park; dress appropriately; be prepared for sudden weather changes; take adequate water into the backcountry (one gallon per person per day).

ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS:

Carlsbad Caverns National Park; Living Desert State Park in Carlsbad, NM; Carlsbad Museum and Art Gallery in Carlsbad, NM; Brantley Dam State Park north of Carlsbad, NM; Hueco Tanks State Park east of El Paso, TX; Pecos River Beach and picnic area in Carlsbad, NM.

RESTRICTIONS:

Pets on a leash are permitted only in drive-in campgrounds, not in the backcountry or on trails. Smoking is not permitted in any park building. Visitors must stay on trail in McKittrick Canyon and entry to the canyon stream is prohibited. No fires (including charcoal) allowed in park; horses not allowed in backcountry overnight.

 

______________________________

Last Updated:Sunday, 15-Nov-98 13:10:35
http://www.nps.gov/gumo/