I expect to be out in TX this Nov... and figured I would try to add Guadalupe to list of HighPoints climbed....

At a little over 8 mile R/T... will the conditions 'on the ground' make doing this as a day trip not feasible / or too risky due to weather?

Any tips appreciated...

Tripper

I'm no expert on the area, but you'll probably be fine. Even if there's a little snow up higher on the ground, it's a totally cruiser trail.

no problem, should be a nice dry trail. I've only done this once, but i grew up a few hours from Guadalupe. the chances of a snowstorm are pretty low. The one time I did it was the day after a snowstorm and I had no problems. the deepest i found was about knee deep, but the trail was always easy to follow.

Definitely go for it! the view of the back of capitan is great and you can get to the top of capitan with a little bushwacking for tremendous views.

you can see a trip report written by my brother-in-law here
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin ... d_id=29573

You'll probably have very nice, but maybe a little windy for what you are used to, conditions. Very easy mountain, and really nice when coming from the east.

Agree about the wind. Also, swing by Devil's Hall on the way down to end a superb hike.

When is the best time for fall colors in that area?

The best color will be in the canyons and in the maples. I have seen photos from late October with very vibrant colors, and that is probably the peak of it.

Thanks all for the info!

When I get out there, I'll def try to add the couple days I need to get out and back from San Antonio to make the hike!

I'll check out the info re; Devil's Hall and Capitan... see if I can work either into the trip (depending upon who is with me on this.. it's a family deal getting me to S/A)

Thanks again....