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Accessibility
Headquarters Visitor Center is fully accessible, with accessible rest rooms.
0.75 mile round trip Pinery Trail from visitor center to Butterfield Stage Ruins is wheelchair available.
McKittrick Canyon Visitor Center is accessible.
Bilingual and sign language park ranger are on staff. Visitor Center slide program captioned in English and Spanish.
Access roads to trailheads only. Eighty-plus miles of trails, ranging in difficulty from easy to strenuous. Trails are rocky and often steep and rugged. Trails lead to Guadalupe Peak, around the base of El Capitan, up into the high country and across the top of the escarpment, and into McKittrick Canyon. Self-guided nature trails are located at McKittrick Canyon, Pinery trail at Pine Springs and Indian Meadow Trail at Dog Canyon.
Access to the parks campgrounds and most trails is available anytime, with the exception of McKittrick Canyon, which is designated as day use only.
Basic Visitor Recommendations
Bring everything you will need during your visit. No concessions or supplies available in the park; dress appropriately; be prepared for sudden weather changes; take adequate water into the backcountry (one gallon per person per day).
Biking
Bicycles are not permitted on park trails due to trail damage and hiker/biker conflicts. The seven mile dirt road to William Ranch is open to mountain bikes; consult park rangers.
Backcountry Camping
A free permit is required for all overnight trips into the park. Permits are issued in person at the Visitor Center and Dog Canyon no more than 24 hours in advance.
See the Camping Page for more info.
Camping
There are two campgrounds; Pine Spring Campgrounds and Dog Canyon Campground. Both have water, restrooms and tables.
See the Camping Page for more info.
Fall Colors
McKittrick Canyon fall colors season runs from approximately early-October through mid-November.
Thousands of visitors each year come to Guadalupe Mountains National Park to visit McKittrick Canyon during the latter part of October into early November for the sensational display of fall colors. In this tiny part of west Texas the foliage (brilliant reds, subtle yellows and deep browns) contrasts dramatically with the flavors of the arid Chihuahuan desert - century plant, prickly pear cactus, blacktail rattlers, steep canyon walls and crystal clear blue skies.
Fees and Permits
There is an entry fee at Guadalupe Mountains National Park (this was implemented in March 2003). The fee is a self registration fee payable at any of the trailheads in the park. The cost is $ 3.00 per person 16 and over and is good for 7 days. National Parks Pass and Golden Age Pass holders still enter free. There is no entry fee for visiting the visitor center or Frijole Ranch history museum.
Camping fees are paid by self registration at Pine Springs or Dog Canyon Campgrounds, ($8.00 a night per site, $4.00 with a golden age passport) and $ 25.00 minimum for group camping. See the Camping Page for more info.
All overnight backpackers must obtain a free Backcountry Use Permit, issued at the Headquarters Visitor Center (Pine Springs), or the Dog Canyon Ranger Station. Permits are issued on a first come, first serve basis. Permits must be obtained in person, the day of or the day before the proposed trip. The permit authorizes camping only in designated sites in the established backcountry campgrounds. Adherence to your itinerary insures minimum impact on resources, and prevents overcrowding.
A backcountry use permit is required for all stock use. These free permits are issued at the Headquarters Visitor Center or at the Dog Canyon Ranger Station. Permits must be obtained in person, the day of or the day before a proposed trip. Stock riding is limited to day trips only. Animals may not be kept in the backcountry overnight. Special use permits are required for commercial groups.
Food and Supplies
No gas, food, ice or supplies available in the park. Closest facilities are 35 miles northeast in White's City, New Mexico. Water available at trailheads. There is no water in the park's backcountry.
Hiking
There are 80 plus miles of trails, ranging in difficulty from easy to strenuous. Trails are rocky and often steep and rugged. Trails lead to Guadalupe Peak, around the base of El Capitan, up into the high country and across the top of the escarpment, and into McKittrick Canyon. Self-guided nature trails are located at McKittrick Canyon, Pinery trail at Pine Springs and Indian Meadow Trail at Dog Canyon.
See the Hiking Page for more info.
Horseback Riding
Horses are allowed on most trails but there are no rental stables nearby. There are free corrals in the park. Horses are not allowed in backcountry overnight. See Horseback Riding Info
Lodging
There are no lodging facilities in or near park. The closest is 35 miles northeast in White's City, NM. Two front-country campgrounds have tent and RV sites, water and rest rooms, but no showers or hookups. Ten back-country campgrounds. A free permit is required and may be obtained in person at the Headquarters Visitor Center or at the Dog Canyon Ranger Station. No fires (including charcoal) allowed in park.
See the Lodging Page for more info.
Pet Information
Pets must be leashed at all times.
Pets are not allowed on the trails because they disturb park wildlife and other visitors.
Leashed pets may be exercised on the trail to the Visitor Center and the Pinery Trail at the Visitor Center.
Please clean up after your pet.
Park wildlife may carry plague and rabies. Do not allow your pet near animals or their dens or burrows.
Pets may not be left unattended. The nearest kennel service is at Carlsbad Caverns.
Programs / Activities
Summer evening programs in campground amphitheater, frequent slide program and geology video showings in Visitor Center daily.
See the Calendar Page for more info.
Visitor Center / Exhibits
Headquarters Visitor Center at Pine Springs has natural history exhibits and auditorium slide program. Historic Frijole Ranch Museum features exhibits on local history. McKittrick Contact Station features outdoor exhibits and slide program on the history, geology and natural history of the canyon.
See the Visitor Center Info for more info.
Weather
Hot summers, mild winters. Sudden and extreme weather changes are common. Frequent high winds, especially in spring and early summer. Cool nights, even in summer. Loose, comfortable clothing, sturdy walking shoes, hat, sunscreen, and plenty of drinking water.
See the Weather Page for current conditions, forecasts and other weather data.
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