Did you know all four of the tallest mountains in Texas can be found at Guadalupe Mountains National Park? A secluded West Texas treasure, the park is a desert oasis brimming with natural beauty. Whether you choose to climb the highest peak or simply observe the mountains from ground level, you’ll never forget your visit.
One of only two national parks in Texas, Guadalupe Mountains is often overshadowed by the much more iconic Big Bend.
Danny Lehman / The Image Bank Collection via Getty Images Interestingly, however, the mountains here are even taller than those at Big Bend. In fact, all four of Texas’ highest peaks can be found at Guadalupe Mountains.
No roads lead into the heart of the park, amplifying the sense of remoteness characteristic of the West Texas desert.
Gary L. Button, Architect / Moment Collection via Getty Images As you approach the Visitor Center on U.S. Highway 62/180 and see the towering mountains up ahead, you’ll instantly be in awe.
Hiking is the most popular way to explore the park, as there are over 80 miles of trails.
Wikimedia Commons/Leaflet No matter your skill level, there’s a hike for everyone. The McKittrick Canyon Nature Trail, for example, is an easy, one-mile loop, while the 8.5-mile Guadalupe Peak Trail proves strenuous to even the most avid outdoorspeople.
Speaking of Guadalupe Peak, it’s the highest natural point in Texas, at over 8,700 feet tall.
Wikimedia Commons/CarlCarlsonIV With an elevation gain of over 3,000 feet, the trail takes anywhere from six to eight hours to complete.
It’s an incredible rewarding hike, however, and the views from the summit are second to none.
Jacob Bryant / EyeEm Collection via Getty Images Learn more about the Guadalupe Peak Trail on the National Park Service website.
The other three mountains are Bush, Shumard, and Bartlett, all of which surpass 8,500 feet in height.
Wikimedia Commons/Fredlyfish4 Mount Livermore, located at nearby Davis Mountains State Park, is the fifth-tallest mountain in Texas. It’s also the only one in the top 10 not at Guadalupe Mountains (the remaining five are.)
On the west side of the mountains, you’ll find 100-foot-tall sand dunes that look like something out of the Sahara.
Alan Majchrowicz / Stone Collection via Getty Images Backcountry hiking is available here, with the highest elevation gain being around 60 feet. If you need a break from the challenging peaks, look no further!
Visit the Guadalupe Mountains National Park website or Facebook page for more information, such as park hours and entrance fees.
Danny Lehman / The Image Bank Collection via Getty Images
Interestingly, however, the mountains here are even taller than those at Big Bend. In fact, all four of Texas’ highest peaks can be found at Guadalupe Mountains.
Gary L. Button, Architect / Moment Collection via Getty Images
As you approach the Visitor Center on U.S. Highway 62/180 and see the towering mountains up ahead, you’ll instantly be in awe.
Wikimedia Commons/Leaflet
No matter your skill level, there’s a hike for everyone. The McKittrick Canyon Nature Trail, for example, is an easy, one-mile loop, while the 8.5-mile Guadalupe Peak Trail proves strenuous to even the most avid outdoorspeople.
Wikimedia Commons/CarlCarlsonIV
With an elevation gain of over 3,000 feet, the trail takes anywhere from six to eight hours to complete.
Jacob Bryant / EyeEm Collection via Getty Images
Learn more about the Guadalupe Peak Trail on the National Park Service website.
Wikimedia Commons/Fredlyfish4
Mount Livermore, located at nearby Davis Mountains State Park, is the fifth-tallest mountain in Texas. It’s also the only one in the top 10 not at Guadalupe Mountains (the remaining five are.)
Alan Majchrowicz / Stone Collection via Getty Images
Backcountry hiking is available here, with the highest elevation gain being around 60 feet. If you need a break from the challenging peaks, look no further!
Have you ever been to Guadalupe Mountains National Park? If so, did you see any of the tallest mountains in Texas? Tell us all about your experience in the comments! Don’t forget to check out our previous article to learn more about the sand dunes in the park.
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Address: Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Salt Flat, TX 79847, USA
