Guadalupe Mountains and Carlsbad Caverns National Parks Hiking Trip
McKittrick Canyon: One of a few amazing treks in Guadalupe Mountains National Park.
Head to El Paso and go East and you'll run into two magnificent National Parks. Take 62/180 out of El Paso for 100 minutes lands you at the trailhead for the highest point in Texas in the amazing Guadalupe Mountains National Park. In this article I share five great hiking trails in these parks for a Guadalupe Mountains and Carlsbad Caverns National Park Hiking Trip!
After spending time in this wonderful hiking wonderland you can continue another 45 minutes to Carlsbad Caverns National Park, where it's about way more than the caves. Located so close to each other this gives the "park bagger" a nice 1-2 punch to knock out two parks on a fun filled Texas road trip! I spent three days and two nights exploring these parks. It was enough but you can definitely stay longer!
The TOP of Texas, Guadalupe Peak!
Here are 5 great four tips for visiting Guadalupe Mountains and Carlsbad Caverns National Parks when you go on your adventure.
(Side Note: Dog Canyon in GMNP is supposed to be an amazing way off the beaten path sector of the park but I have never personally been there so won't include.)
When To Go: Winter, Spring, and Fall
Where To Stay: Day trip it from El Paso (though it would be tough to see both parks in one day trip), tent or RV camping in GMNP, and lodging in Whites City and Carlsbad New Mexico.
Things To Consider: The famous "bat flight" only happens May thru Octoberish in Carlsbad Caverns.
Word to the Wise: Fill up on gas! There is NOTHING in between El Paso and GMNP. You will have some long stretches so make sure you have water, gas, and a spare tire.
First things first, make sure you have all the proper gear and supplies. I'll do a separate post on this in the near future.
Read on below to see our recommendations for five great day hikes in Guadalupe Mountains National Park in Texas and Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico!
Smith Spring/Frijole Ranch Region in Guadalupe Mountains National Park.
These are great short day hikes that will loosen the legs and get you ready for one of the big boys.
Smith Spring is a 2.5 mile loop trail that gains about 200 feet.
There are four options of day hikes leaving from the Frijole Ranch Trailhead that you can check out HERE on the NPS website.
Natural Entrance and Big Room Hikes in Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
The Natural Entrance takes you down where the bats leave every night. It's really fun to take this path, though elevators are a different option. This 45 minute one way hike is a steep descent and then you can explore the Big Room when you arrive down. It's a great one two combo for your first time at Carlsbad. If you want to consider a more in depth cave tour consider King's Palace or the Slaughter Canyon Cave. There are TONS of options but this is a great starting point.
Tickets are required for both tours and are available in the attached visitor center.
Above ground hikes in Carlsbad Caverns National Park!
Most just come to the caves, maybe watch the bats, and then head on out. Carlsbad has an 11 mile one way scenic desert drive that has some great hiking trails. This picture below is from the top of the Juniper Ridge Overlook trail.
Another great “above ground hike” to consider is Rattlesnake Canyon.
Enjoy your cave tours but do more adventuring in this National Park if you are able when you visit!
The blue skies of Texas on the trail in Smith Spring.
McKittrick Canyon, Guadalupe Mountains National Park.
The photo on the below right is of Tom's Cabin that is about 2.3 miles into the wonderful trail up to McKittrick Ridge. You can spend all day here hiking or just a bit. After reaching the Grotto the trail starts to ascend in elevation but it's well worth the beauty you find in this canyon. It's almost hard to believe it's in the desert! McKittrick Canyon's access is only open during the day so plan accordingly. In the winter for instance its only open from 830am to 430pm.
And our favorite hike in these two National Parks is Guadalupe Peak
(The Top of Texas!)
The top of Texas is located in GMNP and is the summit of Guadalupe Peak. A vicious 3,000 foot elevation gain with round trip hiking options of 8.4 or 9.5 miles.
Guadalupe Peak is one of the best, and hardest, day hikes in America's National Parks system.
It's worth it! But be prepared, the wind is brutal and the climb unrelenting. Be in great shape and a prepared seasoned hiker plus pack your 10 Essentials!
Leaving from the Pine Springs Trailhead and Campground are enough trails and mileage to appease even the most adventurous day hiker! Take your pick or stay for a few days.
If you want to see more of what the Devil’s Hall Trail looks like then check out the great post our friends Just Go To Travel Studios did HERE!
In conclusion these are two highly underrated and low visited National Parks. Combine them with a trip to the fun El Paso, down to Big Bend National Park, or just enjoy them all on their own. They are worthy of that!
Have you ever been to either park? Any questions? Comments below!
Because Adventure Feeds the Soul,
Mike R and the #Hashtag59 Team.
