The trailhead to the base of the peak starts at Pine Springs, the headquarters for Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Pine Springs is located in West Texas on U.S. 62/180 110 miles east of El Paso and 55 miles southwest of Carlsbad, New Mexico. There are no food, gas, or lodging services in Pine Springs. Don't show up with an empty tank. This is one of the most isolated parks in the lower 48.

Guadalupe Peak Trail

The trailhead is about 1/4 of a mile up from the park headquarters where the road dead ends in a parking lot. The summit of El Capitan is reached by taking the Guadalupe Peak Trail 4.2 miles to just below the summit near the horse parking lot. From this point, follow the route information in the "Bushwacking from Guadalupe Peak" section below.

For another description of this trail and more pictures, please see Alan Ellis' description here.

Guadalupe Peak Backcountry Camp

The Guadalupe Peak Backcountry Camp is ideal for those who want to view the sunset and not have to hike back down, or the sunrise for those who don't want to have to get up so early. You will get a view of Guadalupe Peak and a spectacular view of Pine Springs Canyon and out into the Texas Badlands. Check out the "Red Tape" section on the front page for permit information.

The turnoff to this camp is about 3/4 of the way up the Guadalupe Peak Trail (see picture). You will make a left turn and follow a shallow gully (on your right) for a short ways until the gully rises to the same level as the trail. You will see the sign indicating the trail to the camp on your right. If you cross a bridge, you have gone too far. The trail to the camp is probably less than 1/4 of a mile.

Caution: Take a very sturdy tent. High winds are possible on this high and exposed camp.

Bushwacking from Guadalupe Peak

Start your descent down just before the final sign pointing to the summit of Guadalupe Peak where the horse parking lot is (see picture attached). Descend steeply down loose and rocky terrain towards the prominent dry wash. Cross the dry wash and make your way over to the crest of the escarpment. There are faint trails here and there (could be human or game), but your best bet is to stick close to the crest all the way to the summit. There will be a false summit with a great view shortly before the summit with a small cairn. Stop for the view, but keep going a little further for the actual summit. The actual summit has a short tree on top.

CAUTION: During windy periods, the saddle between Guadalupe Peak and El Capitan can be EXTREMELY windy. When I crossed this section the wind sounded like a jet engine and walking was very difficult. Wearing a wind breaker durning colder days is highly recommended.

Essential Gear

Wearing long pants is recommended due to knee high shrubbery that can be thick at times as well as other desert prickly things. Boots are highly recommended because of the rough nature of the limestone in route. Beware of extremely high winds. Wear a wind breaker during colder days.

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