We all know about the famous national parks that get all the attention – Yellowstone, Yosemite, etc. However, there are so many beautiful and unique national parks in America that most never get the opportunity to learn about or visit. With all the extraordinary beauty there is in America, one of our favorite national parks is Guadalupe Mountains National Park.
Located in West Texas on the border of Texas and New Mexico is where you’ll find 86,416 acres of Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Established on September 30, 1972, Guadalupe Mountains National Park is famous for its widespread hiking trails and backpacking opportunities amongst some of the most untouched wilderness areas in the nation.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park contains mountains that resemble a monumental wall through the desert that cannot be missed. For those outdoor lovers, this national park will be an outdoor playground for you. Enjoy canyons and an abundance of birds and wildlife. This national park is widely visited by hikers from all over the world for the famous Guadalupe Peak, which is the highest point in Texas at 8,749 feet. Others tend to visit Guadalupe National Park for the history, which contains artifacts that possibly date back 12,000 years ago.
Visitors can explore national park in a day trip or overnight, depending on how much time you have to spend there. If you’re thinking about a day trip, stop by the visitor center for some helpful information about what to do and where to go. A short hike is a must! If you’re staying overnight, we suggest visiting McKittrick Canyon. This hidden gem will leave you in awe! If you’re looking for something a little more outdoorsy and a place to really get you in touch with the wilderness, hop in your car and drive 2.5 hours to the park at Dog Canyon. This will leave you in an isolated area in the high country – it’s absolutely worth the drive!
If you’re looking to visit Guadalupe Mountains National Park, there is really not a bad time to go. However, the more suggested times of year tend to be around spring and fall. Spring is a great time for its picturesque foliage and vibrant blossoms. In the fall, the changing leaves make it a beautiful place to go and enjoy nature.
Have you ever been to Guadalupe Mountains National Park? Tell us about it in the comments below!
