The journey is always just as – if not more – interesting than the final destination. That is certainly the case when it comes to Guadalupe Mountains National Park in far West Texas. No roads run through the heart of the park itself, but the primary route leading to it is one of the best scenic drives in Texas. You don’t have to climb mountains or even venture much into the park to enjoy these stellar views! See for yourself (and check out some other breathtaking roads in and around the park):

While there are no roads that pass straight through Guadalupe Mountains National Park, there are several that lead to it. The most heavily-traversed among them is U.S. Highway 62/180, and it's one of the best scenic drives in Texas.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
National Park Service
The route branches off into several spur roads that approach the park from a variety of different angles. No matter which way you come from, prepare to be in awe as you ogle at the stunning mountain views.
AllTrails/JackTatsch
Right off the highway (and just southeast of the park boundary) lies the Guadalupe Peak Viewpoint. From here, visitors can marvel at the highest point in Texas, Guadalupe Peak, which towers at a staggering height of over 8,750 feet.
National Park Service
Also on U.S. Highway 62/180 along the ascent up Guadalupe Pass is the El Capitan Viewpoint. This roadside stop boasts incredible views of the summit of El Capitan, which is about 600 feet shorter than Guadalupe Peak (but still just as breathtaking).
National Park Service

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The road does enter the park near the Pine Springs Visitor Center, so you can access hiking trails and other park features if you so desire. Otherwise, you can continue along the highway and keep on soaking up the scenery.
National Park Service
Several other roads also lead to the park. If you're arriving from the south, Highway 54 runs between the Delaware Mountains and Sierra Diablo. On clear days, you can see mountains 40 miles ahead of you!
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
National Park Service
You can also drive to the 100-foot-tall Salt Basin Dunes, a more remote area of the park that serves as a reminder of how this entire region was underwater in ancient times.
National Park Service
Additionally, Five Points Vista can be reached via Guadalupe Rim Road in the Lincoln National Forest's Guadalupe Ranger District. The mountain views from here are simply unparalleled.
National Park Service

Take a tour of the national park with YouTuber GoTraveler and marvel at the stunning views. 

There is one more scenic drive in the park, Williams Ranch Road, which offers up-close views of the remote western escarpment of the Guadalupe Mountains. For more information about scenic drives in and around Guadalupe Mountains National Park, please visit the National Park Service website.

Have you ever taken U.S. Highway 62/180 to the Guadalupe Mountains? If so, do you think it’s one of the best scenic drives in Texas? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! Also, don’t forget to check out our previous article to learn more about the jaw-dropping Salt Basin Dunes.

Planning on cruising the highway for more road trips? If so, be sure to read our ultimate road trip packing list for all your must-have items. 

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SCENIC DRIVES IN TEXAS & RELATED INFO

Melanie J. | August 25, 2023

What are some more scenic drives in Texas?
There are lots of scenic drives in Texas that belong on your list. But here are the ones that we like the best:

  • Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive
  • Big Bend Ranch State Park via FM 170
  • US Highway 96
  • US Highway 90 - Pecos River Bridge
  • Highway 16 North - Fredericksburg to Llano
  • Willow City Loop
  • Davis Mountains Scenic Loop
  • Texas Swiss Alps Scenic Drive
  • El Camino Real Highway
  • Canyon Sweep


Read our previous article to find out more about these scenic drives in Texas.

What are the best natural wonders in Texas?
If you’re searching for the best natural wonders in Texas, then we’ve got you covered. Here are the best natural wonders in Texas that we recommend: 

  • Jacob's Well, Wimberley
  • Padre Island National Seashore
  • Hamilton Pool Preserve, Dripping Springs
  • Enchanted Rock, Fredericksburg
  • Gorman Falls, Bend
  • Caverns of Sonora, Sonora
  • Lost Maples State Natural Area, Vanderpool
  • Palo Duro Canyon, Canyon
  • Rio Grande River
  • Devil's Sinkhole, Rocksprings

Be sure to read this article telling you more about these natural wonders in Texas.

What are the best state parks in Texas?
Texas has some of the best state parks in the country. And all are worthy of a visit, but here are the 10 best state parks in Texas that are worth mentioning:

  • Big Bend Ranch State Park, Terlingua
  • Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Canyon
  • Pedernales Falls State Park, Johnson City
  • Davis Mountains State Park, Fort Davis
  • Caprock Canyons State Park, Quitaque
  • Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, Fredericksburg
  • Colorado Bend State Park, Bend
  • Seminole Canyon State Park & Historic Site, Comstock
  • Garner State Park, Concan
  • Inks Lake State Park, Burnet


Discover more by reading our previous article about these state parks in Texas.

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Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Dell City, TX 79847, USA