Know Before You Go, Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Start Planning! 

You’re about to go on an epic adventure to Guadalupe Mountains National Park! Here’s what you need to know before you go. 

• The tour has three starting points:
  • US-62 East by Cornudas, TX
  • Route 54 north of Van Horn, TX
  • Whites City, NM
• No reservations or lotteries are required.
• Visit November-April for cooler weather; summer heat makes hiking dangerous.
• Bring water, snacks, and a first aid kit, and wear appropriate gear.
• Watch your step and hands for venomous critters like rattlesnakes.
• Guadalupe Mountains sit on the Texas-New Mexico border. The time zone changes from Central to Mountain, making Carlsbad Caverns one hour ahead.
• Some parts of the park are only available as day-use areas.

Budgeting and Hours of Operation 

Budget

How much you spend truly depends on what you do along the tour route, but here’s a breakdown of some costs.

Entry is $10 per person aged 16 and over. Purchase your day pass at the visitor center or at any of the kiosks by trailheads.

Hours of Operation 

The tour stops have seasonal hours of operation. The site’s facilities and restaurants also have varying hours of operation.

• Pine Springs Visitor Center: 8 am - 4 pm Daily
• Frijole Ranch: Dusk to Dawn
• McKittrick Canyon Trailhead: 8 am - 5 pm daily

Get Packing!

Here’s our packing list for this tour. It may seem a little long, but remember, what you bring depends on the activities you choose to do for the day. 

• Canteen/refillable water bottle
• gallon of water per person, per day
• Cooler
• Hiking shoes and clothes
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• First Aid Kit
• Bug spray
• Salty snacks/fruits/nuts
• Phone charger/mount

Best Time to Visit 

November through April is the best time to visit for cooler temperatures. The summer’s heat can make it too dangerous to hike.

Safety Information 

• Guadalupe Mountains are in the dry Chihuahuan Desert. Be sure to take the necessary precautions when attempting a hike, including bringing plenty of water, snacks, and a first aid kit. 
• Wear appropriate shoes and clothing, and protect your skin with sunscreen.
• The Guadalupe Mountains are right on the border of Texas and New Mexico. Keep in mind that the time zone switches from Central to Mountain when you cross the border, so neighboring Carlsbad Caverns is one hour ahead.
• Some parts of the park are only available as Day Use Areas, meaning they’re not open 24/7.

Leave No Trace

While exploring, we encourage you to abide by the leave-no-trace principles. Embrace the outdoors responsibly with our commitment to preserving natural wonders. 

Respect wildlife habitats, minimize your footprint, and carry out memories, not waste. By following Leave No Trace principles, you contribute to the longevity and beauty of our planet's most stunning landscapes.