Lost Peak is a remote mountain in the remote Guadalupe Mountains National Park in Texas near the southern border of New Mexico. It resides only 3 miles from the trailhead at Dog Canyon but is a long way from any civilization and offers solitude in a beautiful mountain desert setting. Lost Peak is the 9th highest summit in Texas.

Lost Peak as seen from Pratt Ridge (UN 8342).

Although one of the lower summits in the Guadalupes (still higher than any peak in Big Bend National Park), Lost Peak offers outstanding views into the interior and more remote sections of the park including Dog Canyon as well as views into the badlands of Southern New Mexico and as far away as 12,000 ft. Sierra Blanca, NM 100 miles away. The Peak can easily be climbed as a day hike from Dog Canyon or can be climbed as part of a backpacking trip into the heart of the Guadalupes.

CAUTION:

The Guadalupe Mountain area is one of the windiest places in the nation. Winds in excess of 100 mph have been recorded and high winds are common year round. Bring your Wal-Mart tent at your own risk.

Mountain Lions and rattlesnakes are located in this area. Read all the precautions and warnings at the ranger station. Despite their presence, I haven't seen any snakes nor lions in 7 trips to the Guadalupes other than some lion tracks in the snow. Dawn is the most likely time for a lion encounter. See this for information on mountain lion safety.

Flag courtesy of www.3Dflags.com

Getting There

Looking down into Dog Canyon from NM 137

Dog Canyon is located on the north side of the park and may be accessed via NM state road 137. Drive 46 miles northeast from Pine Springs (park headquarters) on U.S. 62/180 and make a left turn on Dark Canyon Road/County Road 408 or drive 9 miles south from Carlsbad on U.S. 62/180 and make a right turn on Dark Canyon Road/County Road 408 . Drive 23 miles and make a left turn onto NM state road 137. Drive 30 miles to Dog Canyon.

You may also reach Dog Canyon by exiting U.S. highway 62/180 22 miles southwest of the park on Texas FM road 1576 to NM state road 137. Note: 31 miles of this route is a gravel/dirt road. Dog Canyon is 6 miles south of the intersection of Texas FM road 1576 and NM state road 137.

There are no food, gas, or lodging services in or near Dog Canyon. Don't show up with an empty tank. This is one of the most isolated parks in the lower 48.

Red Tape, Camping, and Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Information on Red Tape and Camping seem to change quite frequently so I will refer you to the Guadalupe Peak page so I will only have to maintain one section for all of the peaks in the Guadalupes.

Guadalupe Peak Page

When To Climb

The most ideal time to hike or climb in the Guadalupes is in the winter months. Be prepared for any sort of weather. It can be cold with extremely high winds, or it may be very pleasant. Snow is possible in the winter but infrequent. Get a pre-dawn start in the warmer months and beware of rattlesnakes and Mountain Lions. See this for information on mountain lion safety.

Caution: There are no water sources in the back country. Take plenty of water in the summer months. A gallon of water per person per day is recommended. Temperatures in the summer can be very hot and oppressive. Hiking up one of the steep, rocky trails in the heat of the day is not recommended.

Mountain Conditions

External Links

GUMO Information

Images