GUADALUPE MOUNTAINS
Located about four hours to the north/northwest of Big Bend is a little-known and less-visited jewel: Guadalupe Mountains National Park, located just inside the Texas border with New Mexico and nearly adjacent to Carlsbad Caverns National Park (2-for-1 deal). This park may be small compared to it’s Texas cousin, Big Bend, but it still offers much to please, including 80 miles of hiking trails. One particular trail that grabbed my attention is called Guadalupe Peak Trail, which climbs 3,000 feet over its 8.5 mile round trip route to the “Top of Texas”. The trail also passes through an unexpected conifer forest in the middle of this largely desert landscape. What’s not to love there? And when you look up at night? Well, you will find a million dollar view due to the almost complete lack of light pollution in this area. For me, that’s enough reason to visit, but I’ll definitely take advantage of the hiking as well. Let’s plan a trip, shall we?
