Climb One Mountain And Enjoy Views Of Another At Guadalupe Mountains National Park In Texas
By Katie Lawrence|Published August 31, 2022
×
Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
What if you could climb a mountain so high that it offered views of another mountain range nearly 150 miles away? That is exactly the kind of bucket list nature experience waiting for you at Guadalupe Mountains National Park. A desolate place in the far West Texas desert, this rugged oasis is the proud home of Guadalupe Peak, Texas’ highest mountain. When you reach the summit, you can see all the way to the Davis Mountains!
Located in far West Texas, about 110 miles east of El Paso, Guadalupe Mountains National Park is a rugged wilderness area that is home to the four highest mountain peaks in Texas.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Dell City, TX 79847, USA
Despite the present-day landscape of the Guadalupe Mountains being primarily desert, it looked much different once upon a time. An ancient ocean used to cover the area that now comprises the park, and visitors can still see the fossilized remains of the creatures who inhabited it.
The park spans nearly 90,000 acres and offers more than 80 miles of trails to explore, ranging from easy day hikes to overnight backpacking excursions.
One of the park's most popular hikes is the McKittrick Canyon Trail, which is nearly 25 miles long in its entirety. The vast majority of people opt for the much shorter McKittrick Canyon Nature Trail, which features stunning fall foliage from mid-October to mid-November.
The 8.5-mile excursion has a 3,000-foot elevation gain, and hikers get to watch in fascination as the flora changes from desert scrub brush to dense forestland.
Also known as "the top of Texas," Guadalupe Peak towers at a height of over 8,750 feet. Don't forget to sign your name in the logbook at the top to eternalize your accomplishment!
Another mind-boggling, yet lesser-known fact about Guadalupe Peak is that, on clear days, you can see all the way to the Davis Mountains from the summit.
Davis Mountains State Park Headquarters, TX-118, Fort Davis, TX 79734, USA
Davis Mountains State Park is nearly 150 miles southeast of the Guadalupe Mountains - if that doesn't prove just how tall Guadalupe Peak is, we aren't sure what could.
If you're up for the drive, Davis Mountains State Park is equally worthy of a visit. It may not have the tallest mountain in Texas, but its peaks - and gorgeous night skies and fascinating history - are bucket list worthy in their own right.
Have you ever climbed Guadalupe Peak? If so, were you able to see the Davis Mountains in the distance? Tell us all about your experience in the comments section! Don’t forget to check out our previous article for a road trip that takes you to four state or national parks in Texas known for their jaw-dropping mountains.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
