National Park · Texas
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Come experience mountains and canyons, desert and dunes, night skies and spectacular vistas within a place unlike any other. Guadalupe Mountains National Park protects the world's most extensive Permian fossil reef, the four highest peaks in Texas, an environmentally diverse collection of flora and fauna, and the stories of lives shaped through conflict, cooperation and survival.
Things to do
- Auto and ATV
- Auto Off-Roading
- Camping
- Backcountry Camping
- Car or Front Country Camping
- Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)
- Group Camping
- RV Camping
- Guided Tours
- Self-Guided Tours - Walking
- Hiking
- Backcountry Hiking
- Front-Country Hiking
- Horse Trekking
- Horse Camping (see also camping)
- Horseback Riding
- Junior Ranger Program
- Wildlife Watching
- Birdwatching
- Museum Exhibits
Weather & when to go
The Guadalupe Mountains are known for high winds year-round; gusts can reach 60MPH or higher. In winter the mountains experiences occasional, light snowfalls which seldom last more than a day. From May through October, temperatures vary with highs between 80F-100F+ with lows in the 40F-60F range. November to April is generally milder with highs in between 50F-70F with lows in the 30F-50F range. Elevations above 8,000’ will be about 10F cooler than headquarters, with corresponding wind-chill.
Entrance fees
Entrance - Per Person
An entrance fee of $10 per person (16 years of age and older) is required; entrance fees/passes permit 1-7 consecutive days of use in this national park. Holders of the Annual, Senior, Military, 4th grade and Access Pass can bring in 3 adults free of charge under their pass. Any pass must be displayed in a vehicle while in the national park.
$10.00
Entrance - Education/Academic Groups
Entrance fee waivers are available to groups when the purpose of their visit is educational rather than recreational. Completed applications along with required documentation must be submitted via email. Fee waiver requests must be submitted at least six weeks before a scheduled visit to allow for consideration.
$0.00
Operating hours
Pine Springs
The Pine Springs area, including the campground, visitor center, trailhead, and associated parking areas are open and accessible all of the time during normal operations. Camping is permitted in designated campsites only.
Salt Basin Dunes
Located on the remote west side of the park, these striking dunes cover nearly 2,000 acres. The Salt Basin Dunes are designated day use only and are accessible for visitation beginning at sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Camping is specifically prohibited. The surface of the access road is clay. During rainy weather, the road becomes dangerously slippery; it is unsafe to travel when wet. The speed limit is 25 miles per hour. Watch for livestock on the roadway.
McKittrick Canyon
McKittrick Canyon is designated as day-use only, with visiting hours from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Mountain Time) daily. Please exit McKittrick Canyon before the posted closing time. The entrance gate on U.S.Highway 62/180 is locked each evening.
Frijole Ranch
The Frijole Ranch Road provides access to the Frijole Horse Campsites, the Frijole Ranch History Museum, and the associated trailhead. A picnic area is located at the end of the road. Camping is permitted in designated campsites only.
Dog Canyon
Dog Canyon lies in a secluded, forested canyon on the north end of the park at an elevation of 6,300 feet. Remote and far removed from civilization; it stands at the edge of the wilderness boundary, and offers an ideal location for quiet camping, birding, hiking, and solitude. A visitor center, trailhead, and campground are available. The Dog Canyon district is open all day during normal park operations.
Campgrounds
Dog Canyon Campground
Pine Springs Campground
Guadalupe Peak Wilderness Campground
Pine Top Wilderness Campground
Bush Mountain Wilderness Campground
Blue Ridge Wilderness Campground
Mescalero Wilderness Campground
Marcus Wilderness Campground
McKittrick Ridge Wilderness Campground
Wilderness Ridge Wilderness Campground
Shumard Canyon Wilderness Campground
Tejas Wilderness Campground
Frijole Horse Corral Campground
FAQ
- How much does it cost to visit Guadalupe Mountains National Park?
- Entrance to Guadalupe Mountains National Park costs $10.00 (Entrance - Per Person). The America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) covers entry at every NPS site.
- What are the hours at Guadalupe Mountains National Park?
- The Pine Springs area, including the campground, visitor center, trailhead, and associated parking areas are open and accessible all of the time during normal operations. Camping is permitted in designated campsites only.
- Do I need a reservation for Guadalupe Mountains National Park?
- No timed-entry reservation is currently required to enter Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Campgrounds and permits may still need to be booked separately on Recreation.gov.
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