Our next backpacking, camping and hiking trip will be to Guadalupe Peak on May 17th and 18th. Those that do not want to camp out, may drive out with us on Saturday and hike with us up to the peak or do a less strenuous hike on the Devil's Hall Trail.
Guadalupe Peak is the highest point in Texas. It is located in Guadalupe Mountains National Park located about 90 miles east of El Paso and about 50 miles southwest of Carlsbad, New Mexico.
On the summit is a stainless steel pyramid erected by American Airlines in 1958 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Butterfield Overland Mail, a stagecoach route that passed south of the mountain. One side of the pyramid has the American Airlines logo. The second side displays a U.S. Postal Service tribute to the Pony Express Riders of the Butterfield Stage. The third side displays a compass with the logo of the Boy Scouts of America. A summit register contained in a metal ammunition box is located at the base of the pyramid.
On clear days, 12,000 ft. Sierra Blanca (New Mexico) can be seen from the summit over 100 miles away. Sunset on the peak will not be something you will soon forget.
Backpackers will hike up Saturday, and spend the night on the trail. Others may camp down below and start their hike early Sunday morning.
No concessions or supplies are available in the park, so bring everything you need for your visit, whether you’re hiking, camping, photographing or bird and wildlife watching.
The distance to the peak is 4.2 difficult miles, and the distance to the campsite is 3.2 miles. After setting up camp, we may hike up to the top to view the sunset, then return to camp for dinner.
There is a park entrance fee of $5.00 per person for adults 16 years of age and older. This fee is good for 7 days.
There is a geocache near the peak. Bring your gps and find it.
What: Guadalupe Peak Campout and Hike
When: Saturday, May 17th and 18th
Meeting Location:
- Meet on Saturday, May 17th at 6:45am at Pepe's Chicken located at the intersection of Montana and McRae Blvd. and be ready to depart promptly at 7:00am.
Attending this Event:
- Backpackers and campers, please go here to indicate that you will be hiking with us.
- Day hikers, please register here.
Difficulty:
- Guadalupe Peak: Strenuous, with approximately 3,000 feet of elevation gain.
- Devil's Hallway: Moderate, with very little elevation gain.
Distance:
- Guadalupe Peak: 3.2 miles to the camp site, 4.2 miles to the top. Total miles: 8.4 miles roundtrip distance.
- Devil's Hallway: 4.2 miles roundtrip
Bring: Sunscreen, water, hiking stick, trail snacks, first aid kit, GPS, and camera
Fees: The entrance fee is $5.00 per person for adults 16 years of age and older. This fee is good for 7 days. If you are 62 years or older, you can purchase a lifetime pass that is good at all national parks and other fee areas administered by the federal government. This pass costs ten dollars.
First Time Backers: There wil be a meeting of first time backpacker on Thursday, May 15th at 7:00pm. We will meet at Barigas on Sunland Park Drive. Anyone else is free to join us there.
Notes:
- Dress according to weather conditions, and, as always, be prepared for sudden changes in weather conditions.
- Dogs are not allowed on the trails in the Guadalupe Mountains National Park.
- Make sure you leave El Paso with a full tank of gas. There are no gas stations within 35 miles of the park.
- Double check your equipment and supplies before you leave El Paso. There are no stores within 35 miles of the park.
- Backpackers should have enough water for two days because there is no place to get water once you leave the trail head.
- No open fires allowed, so please bring your camp stove and matches.
- Please be aware of all that bite, sting, or stick.
- Hydration is important and it starts before you leave home by drinking several glasses of water in the morning with a good breakfast.
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