At Guadalupe Mountains National Park, a short hike led to the ruins of the Old Butterfield Stagecoach Route Pinery Station and native plants.
My family and I visited three national parks in west Texas and southern New Mexico: Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Guadalupe Mountains National Park for a quick stop, and White Sands National Park.
About the Park
Guadalupe Mountains National Park covers 86,416 acres in west Texas, just south of the New Mexico border and north of U.S. Highway 62/180.
The Guadalupe Mountains rise over 3,000 feet above the dry Chihuahuan Desert.
El Capitan, a dramatic 1,000-foot limestone cliff, is the park’s most famous landmark. (Seen in Main Photo)
Nearby, Guadalupe Peak stands at 8,751 feet, making it the highest point in Texas.
These mountains are part of the Capitan Reef, a mostly hidden, 400-mile-long U-shaped fossil reef that stretches across much of west Texas and southeastern New Mexico.
HIKE ON PINERY TRAIL TO THE VISITORS CENTER
The hike is 0.6 miles one way, with a short loop that adds 82 feet of elevation gain. I did the loop with my son, and my husband picked us up at the visitor center where the trail ends. If you start and finish at the stagecoach ruins parking area, the hike is 1.2 miles round trip, or just 0.2 miles if you only do the ruins loop.
At the Trailhead
If you’re coming south from Carlsbad Caverns National Park, the parking area for the Pinery Trail is just before the visitors center. If you’re heading north on U.S. Highway 62, you’ll pass the visitors center first, where you can also get on the trail.
At the trailhead, you’ll see cement pillars. One of them says: “THE PINERY” OR “PINE SPRING” STAGE STAND – BUILT IN 1858 AS A STATION ON THE BUTTERFIELD OVERLAND MAIL ROUTE ST. LOUIS (which we are from) TO SAN FRANCISCO. ABANDONED IN 1859, WHEN THE LINE WAS SHIFTED TO THE DAVIS MOUNTAIN ROUTE.
The Loop Hike
Shortly after passing the sign, I reached the start of the loop and turned left.
Next, there’s a trail on the left off the loop that leads to the visitors center. I planned to hike this after finishing the loop.
Then I came to the sign in front of a wall of ruins supported by some poles. The trail goes around it.
Next, I saw a building made from large rocks.
As I walked the loop, I passed native plants along the way.
Next, I saw a cactus blooming with a red flower.
Then I noticed an asteroideae plant with yellow flowers.
To The Visitor Center
After that, I turned onto the trail that leads to the visitor center.
I also saw a yucca plant blooming with white flowers.
Then I came across a sign explaining how fires are important for keeping the desert habitat healthy.
Finally, I arrived at the visitors center.
VISITORS CENTER
At the center, you can learn more about the park, pay entrance and camping fees, tour the museum, shop at the park store, pick up brochures and maps, and get overnight wilderness permits.
You can also start many hikes from the visitors center. Keep in mind that many of these trails are difficult and strenuous, so make sure you’re prepared before heading into the backcountry.
Well-Known Hikes from the Visitors Center
From the visitors center, you can hike to Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas. This challenging 8.4-mile round-trip hike climbs 3,000 feet and usually takes six to eight hours.
The views from the top are fantastic, and along the way, you’ll see several of the park’s ecosystems, from high desert to high-elevation forests.
Devil’s Hall is another popular hike. This strenuous 4.2-mile round-trip trail starts at the Pine Springs Trailhead.
After the first mile, the trail enters a rocky wash that leads to a natural rock staircase and a hallway formed by steep canyon walls. The rocks in the wash can be slippery even when dry, so be careful on this hike.
Check the park website for details on other hikes that start from the visitors center.
FRIJOLE RANCH AREA
If we’d had more time, I would have liked to visit the Frijole Ranch Area.
The Frijole Ranch History Museum is in the old ranch headquarters and shares the human history of the Guadalupes, from Native Americans and early ranchers to the creation of the national park.
Outside, there’s a small one-room schoolhouse and a spring house built for water protection and storage.
The museum is 1½ miles northeast of the Pine Springs Visitor Center.
The grounds are open from dusk to dawn, and you’ll find picnic tables at the parking area and under big shade trees in the courtyard. Bring binoculars—this is a great spot for birding and watching wildlife.
The park website lists other sites and trails, some of which are better for those looking for a more rugged adventure and may require driving on rougher roads. Check the website for more details.
Frijole Ranch Address: 400 Pine Cyn, Salt Flat, TX 79847
PARK DETAILS
Admission
Standard Pass is $10, and the Annual Pass for the park is $35.
OR American the Beautiful Pass – Free – $250 for non-residents. Check the website for more information.
Entrance fees may be paid with a credit card at the Pine Springs Visitor Center (open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) or with a credit card at the self-pay stations located at any trailhead.
Hours and Address
Pine Springs Visitor Center — open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and the address is 400 Pine Canyon Dr, Salt Flat, TX 79847
The Pine Springs area, including the campground, visitor center, trailhead, and associated parking areas, is open and accessible all of the time during normal operations. Camping is permitted in designated campsites only.
A Note About Goods & Services
Visiting Guadalupe Mountains takes some planning to make sure you have a good experience. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you visit the park.
- There’s no gasoline available in the park. In Texas, the closest towns with full services are Van Horn, 60 miles south, and El Paso, 120 miles west. If you’re coming from New Mexico, Whites City is the last place to get gas, diesel, food, and ice.
- Seriously, there’s no gas for 35 miles in either direction from the visitor center, so plan ahead.
- Campgrounds offer basic dry camping for both tents and RVs. Besides restrooms and drinking water, there aren’t any other amenities. There are also no lodges in the park.
- Bring the food you need. There is no restaurant or grocery in the park.
A Note About Time Zones
The park is in Mountain Time, but your smart devices might not show the correct time.
Salt Flats Viewing Area: Q235+MR, Salt Flat, TX 79847
Check Out Carlsbad Caverns Nearby
See the largest underground chamber in North America, at almost 4,000 feet long, and watch thousands of bats leave the cave at Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico.
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