Texas Highpoint
Guadalupe Peak
8,751 ft · Guadalupe Mountains National Park · Guadalupe Mountains Wilderness
Strenuous hikeLoading map…
The summit pin marks Guadalupe Peak. The primary access pin marks the Pine Springs Trailhead, while the visitor center provides overflow parking when the upper trailhead area is full.
USGS-derived Guadalupe Peak summit locationStandard route
Guadalupe Peak Trail
From Pine Springs Trailhead, follow the Guadalupe Peak Trail through steep desert switchbacks, around the cooler north-facing side of the mountain, and into high-elevation forest. After passing the Guadalupe Peak wilderness campground and a short descent, cross the wooden bridge and make the final climb to the summit.
Distance
8.4 mi
Elevation gain
3,000 ft
Route
Out & back
Difficulty
Very Strenuous
Trailhead
Pine Springs Trailhead
Typical hazards: Extreme heat, strong wind, lightning, rapidly changing weather, loose or rocky footing, altitude, winter snow or ice, and prolonged exposure with no water available along the trail.
NPS recommends allowing six to eight hours. The steepest sustained climbing occurs in roughly the first mile and a half, and the descent can be difficult because of rocky footing and fatigue.
National Park Service: Guadalupe PeakPermits & fees
2026 requirements
Day hike
No trail reservation is required for an ordinary Guadalupe Peak day hike, but park entrance admission applies.
- Reservation
- Not required
- Entrance fee
- $10 per person · age 16 and older
- Pass validity
- 1–7 consecutive days
- Parking
- No separate parking fee
Overnight backpacking
A Wilderness Use Permit is required only if staying overnight in the wilderness, including the Guadalupe Peak wilderness campground.
- Permit reservation
- $6 per permit
- Overnight recreation fee
- $6 per person per night
Access
Pine Springs Trailhead
The standard route begins at Pine Springs Trailhead near the Pine Springs Campground and Visitor Center. The park is reached from U.S. Highway 62/180 and observes Mountain Time.
Pine Springs parking can fill early.
Pine Springs Trailhead is the primary parking area for Guadalupe Peak. It commonly fills on busy weekends, especially in spring and fall. When the trailhead lot is full, use the Pine Springs Visitor Center overflow parking and follow the connector trail to the upper trailhead.
Park amenities
- Pine Springs trailhead parking
- Restrooms at Pine Springs
- Potable water at Pine Springs Campground and Visitor Center
- Pine Springs Visitor Center nearby
- Developed campground near the trailhead
Know before you go
Guadalupe Mountains wilderness basics
Carry at least one gallon of water per person per day; there is no water available along the trail or in the wilderness.
Do not cut switchbacks on the Guadalupe Peak Trail.
Pack out all trash and human waste as required in the wilderness.
Pets are not allowed on park trails.
Stay alert for high wind, lightning, heat, snow, or ice and turn around when conditions become unsafe.
Conditions
Check before leaving
Check current park conditions and weather immediately before hiking. Guadalupe Mountains is remote, with little to no cell service in much of the park and no gasoline, restaurant, or grocery store inside the park. Carry all necessary food and water and fuel your vehicle before arriving.