Guadalupe Mountains National Park: Peaks, Canyons & Fossil Reefs
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
“Towering peaks rising above desert floor, ancient reefs exposed, vibrant canyons, and sky so vast you feel truly wild.”
Park Overview
Guadalupe Mountains National Park in western Texas protects around 86,416 acres of rugged terrain just south of New Mexico. Established by Congress in 1966 and officially becoming a national park in 1972, it preserves the most extensive exposed portion of the ancient Permian Capitan Reef, dramatic peaks including Guadalupe Peak (8,751 ft, highest in Texas), and deep canyons like McKittrick Canyon.
Fast Facts
| Location | West Texas, just north of U.S. Highway 62/180; near New Mexico border |
| Established | 1972 |
| Area | 86,416 acres |
| Highest Point | Guadalupe Peak – 8,751 ft |
| Key Geological Feature | Capitan Reef fossil system (~260-270 million years old) |
| Trail Mileage | Over 80 miles of trails |
What to See & Do
- Guadalupe Peak Trail – A strenuous ascent to the highest point in Texas with expansive views.
- McKittrick Canyon – A lush, spring-fed canyon with maples, oaks, waterfalls; one of the park’s more sheltered and scenic hikes.
- Pine Springs & Dog Canyon Campgrounds – Gateway points for many trailheads and backcountry adventures.
- Salt Basin Dunes – Some sandy dunes on the western side of the park near Dell City; more remote drives. :
- Stargazing & Wilderness Solitude – Minimal light pollution, high elevation peaks, and a high percentage of designated wilderness make for clear dark skies.
Ecology & Wildlife
From desert basins to alpine forests, Guadalupe Mountains NP supports rich biodiversity: ~60 mammal species, ~55 reptile species, nearly 300 species of birds. Wildlife includes mule deer, elk, black bear, mountain lions, javelinas, and many nocturnal or elusive species. Plant life includes over 1,000 species, from desert succulents and cacti low down to conifers and aspen near higher elevations.
Geology & Natural History
This park preserves one of the best exposed fossil reef systems in the world: the Permian-age Capitan Reef. Over time, uplifting exposed this reef, forming limestone cliffs, rugged peaks, and dramatic escarpments. Springs and canyon streams (like in McKittrick Canyon) support relic woodlands and pockets of moisture in an otherwise arid landscape.
Human History & Culture
Indigenous groups such as the Mescalero Apache lived here long before Spanish explorers passed through. Ranchers and stagecoach lines used passes and canyons during the 19th century. Land donations (notably McKittrick Canyon by geologist Wallace Pratt) and later Congressional action led to park formation.