Thanks for a great trip report. I had considered this hike a possibility over mid-March spring break, but chose to go to Wichita Mts. in OK, which is a lot closer from Argyle, TX. Having already done New Mexico and Colorado highpoints I MUST get this one done. Your re-assurance about the trail not being too bad is a help and I believe I will try the motel you recommended in Van Horn. Best regards and good hiking. Thanks again. slowbutsteady
I'm glad the report is helpful. Guadalupe is a very rewarding hike. I don't think you'll see as much wildlife (your image gallery suggests this is a big object of your hiking) but the views from Guadalupe Peak on a good day are superb. And do stay at the Hotel El Capitan. It's a winner. Also, I did Wheeler a few years ago. Elbert is on the agenda this summer. Any advice?
I hiked Elbert in 1997, mid-week. There were maybe 50 folks on the summit. Good trail(Mt. Elbert trail) from the campgrounds. Only thing to deal with is the elevation gain. Good hiking.
Guadalupe was a fun hike, and a cool area. Driving from El Paso I stared at the outline of El Capitan on the way there. I'm glad that you enjoyed it and topped out on this fine summit. Carlsbad Caverns is worth a stop too.
Thanks for the cliff warnings as I do get vertigo. I guess I will be spending the next few days hanging off high balconies here in the Gulf Plains of Texas called Houston. I am making the climb with a 20 something and he is already griping so your post was an excellent primer. Will report back, hope to have great pictures.
Hi, TexasDeedster -- Don't worry about the cliff. I scarcely noticed it on the way up and negotiated it quickly on the way back. Your comment, though, made me conjure up an equation: 2R(OG)=1(G20g) (2 recalcitrant old guys = 1 griping 20something).
The monument at the summit is itself worth the climb, probably the only memorial anywhere that could manage to tie American Airlines, Texas, the Pony Express and the U.S. Postal Service in a single narrative. You'll see what I mean when you get there.
Have fun! Guadalupe Peak is a great hike. I posted a review of El Capitan Hotel on Trip Advisor if you're interested.
slowbutsteady - Apr 8, 2012 3:46 pm - Voted 10/10
On my "To Do" listThanks for a great trip report. I had considered this hike a possibility over mid-March spring break, but chose to go to Wichita Mts. in OK, which is a lot closer from Argyle, TX. Having already done New Mexico and Colorado highpoints I MUST get this one done. Your re-assurance about the trail not being too bad is a help and I believe I will try the motel you recommended in Van Horn. Best regards and good hiking. Thanks again. slowbutsteady
Ruvicha - Apr 8, 2012 7:44 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: On myI'm glad the report is helpful. Guadalupe is a very rewarding hike. I don't think you'll see as much wildlife (your image gallery suggests this is a big object of your hiking) but the views from Guadalupe Peak on a good day are superb. And do stay at the Hotel El Capitan. It's a winner. Also, I did Wheeler a few years ago. Elbert is on the agenda this summer. Any advice?
slowbutsteady - Apr 8, 2012 9:42 pm - Voted 10/10
follow the crowdsI hiked Elbert in 1997, mid-week. There were maybe 50 folks on the summit. Good trail(Mt. Elbert trail) from the campgrounds. Only thing to deal with is the elevation gain. Good hiking.
Andrew Rankine - Apr 12, 2012 1:15 pm - Voted 10/10
A fun hikeGuadalupe was a fun hike, and a cool area. Driving from El Paso I stared at the outline of El Capitan on the way there. I'm glad that you enjoyed it and topped out on this fine summit. Carlsbad Caverns is worth a stop too.
Andrew
Ruvicha - Apr 12, 2012 8:25 pm - Hasn't voted
Did Carlsbad, tooGuadalupe was very worthwhile. We did in fact head up to Carlsbad afterwards, since no one else was buying into the Hunter Peak option.
TexasDeedster - Mar 7, 2014 1:35 am - Hasn't voted
On My WayThanks for the cliff warnings as I do get vertigo. I guess I will be spending the next few days hanging off high balconies here in the Gulf Plains of Texas called Houston. I am making the climb with a 20 something and he is already griping so your post was an excellent primer. Will report back, hope to have great pictures.
Ruvicha - Mar 7, 2014 7:45 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: On My WayHi, TexasDeedster -- Don't worry about the cliff. I scarcely noticed it on the way up and negotiated it quickly on the way back. Your comment, though, made me conjure up an equation: 2R(OG)=1(G20g) (2 recalcitrant old guys = 1 griping 20something).
The monument at the summit is itself worth the climb, probably the only memorial anywhere that could manage to tie American Airlines, Texas, the Pony Express and the U.S. Postal Service in a single narrative. You'll see what I mean when you get there.
Have fun! Guadalupe Peak is a great hike. I posted a review of El Capitan Hotel on Trip Advisor if you're interested.