Nice overnight backpack trip with two friends. Very windy near the top. There are a couple of cleared tent sites with stone windbreaks that are most of the way up.
The peak was underwater during the Permian Period (245-286 million years ago) as the Guadalupe Mtns are part of the the largest exposed fossil reef in the world. Foraminifera fossils can be seen on the trail high up.
Carlsbad Caverns and Hueco Tanks are nearby and make the region worth a visit.
Route Climbed: Guadalupe Peak Trail Date Climbed: May 10, 2003
My sister and I camped at the campground in a tent the night before. The strong wind kept us awake most of the night. We almost decided not to climb because of the wind. But then we decided to go for it. That was a good decision because the wind was not as bad higher up. I believe that valley is a wind tunnel. My sister and I enjoyed the awesome desert views and the blooming cactuses. I must say this was one of the funnest hikes I have ever done. My sister and I had the summit mostly to ourselves and we ate lunch and took a short snooze. We also saw some interesting rocks (probably gypsum or calcite) and saw six lizards but no rattlesnakes. It was my 14th state highpoint and my sister's second.
Route Climbed: Trail Date Climbed: January 11, 2003
Nothing but sun! Great day with just enough of a breeze to cool you during the climb, and a few gusts to remind you of its reputation. Very little snow and ice on a well-marked trail. Heavy boots are not required until the next snowfall. Visibility was great, and there were few others on the trail. Would like to return often, but it's in the middle on nowhere! Summit in 1hr 53 mins, round trip in 3hrs 54 mins.
Route Climbed: Guadalupe Peak Trail Date Climbed: June 1998
I climbed GP on perhaps the hottest day of the year. Nevertheless, it was actually a pleasant hike, as things cooled down the higher we got. We just made sure to take a lot of gatorade, water, and bananas. I especially enjoyed the amazing contrasts: pine trees and views of the searing sonoran desert landscape below.
camped at the base, nice hike carried three year old daughter up. Temp around freezing at the top 30-40 mph wind. Clear great views. An interesting and worthwhile climb.
Route Climbed: Pine Springs Trail Date Climbed: 12/2000
Very windy night in the tent at the campground near the trailhead. It was still quite windy at dawn when I left but the wind lessened quickly and was just a nice breeze when I arrived at the top mid-morning. Great views, especially the back side of El Capitan. Neat walk on easy trail. A little ice in shaded areas near the top (It was very close to Christmas). I didn't see another person until I started down. I recommend the drive south from the park. Very few people, big views and some stunning cliffs to the west.
Day Hiker - Dec 28, 2003 2:19 am
Route Climbed: Guadalupe Peak Trail Date Climbed: 19 and 26 February 2000This trail was one good thing about living in Odessa, Texas for a few months. It was nice hiking to 8749 feet in February with light clothing.
flechenbones - Aug 25, 2003 11:20 pm
Route Climbed: GP trail Date Climbed: March 1992Nice overnight backpack trip with two friends. Very windy near the top. There are a couple of cleared tent sites with stone windbreaks that are most of the way up.
The peak was underwater during the Permian Period (245-286 million years ago) as the Guadalupe Mtns are part of the the largest exposed fossil reef in the world. Foraminifera fossils can be seen on the trail high up.
Carlsbad Caverns and Hueco Tanks are nearby and make the region worth a visit.
surgent - Aug 23, 2003 10:31 am
Route Climbed: Guad Peak Trail Date Climbed: July 25, 1993Started up at dawn in July - by the time I got back down (10 am) it was over 100 F. Awesome hike. Saw about 2 dozen deer along the way.
climber46 - May 26, 2003 8:17 pm
Route Climbed: Guadalupe Peak Trail Date Climbed: May 10, 2003My sister and I camped at the campground in a tent the night before. The strong wind kept us awake most of the night. We almost decided not to climb because of the wind. But then we decided to go for it. That was a good decision because the wind was not as bad higher up. I believe that valley is a wind tunnel. My sister and I enjoyed the awesome desert views and the blooming cactuses. I must say this was one of the funnest hikes I have ever done. My sister and I had the summit mostly to ourselves and we ate lunch and took a short snooze. We also saw some interesting rocks (probably gypsum or calcite) and saw six lizards but no rattlesnakes. It was my 14th state highpoint and my sister's second.
big_g - Apr 24, 2003 8:01 pm Date Climbed: Apr 18, 2003
Route Climbed: normal routeNice little 4 hr hike on my way to Carlsbad. Well worth the stop.
txmountaineer - Mar 6, 2003 1:02 pm
Route Climbed: East Slope Date Climbed: December 29, 2002My first highpoint hike, and it just happened to be in my home state of Texas. :) Great day, and I was the first on the summit. See trip report.
HP #1
Daniel Smith - Ft. Worth, TX
cruzit - Jan 15, 2003 11:11 am
Date Climbed: February 2000Beautiful climb. The weather was splendid, temperatures in the low 70s. There was a little ice on the trail, but not too scary.
sixsigmafool - Jan 12, 2003 5:59 pm
Route Climbed: Trail Date Climbed: January 11, 2003Nothing but sun! Great day with just enough of a breeze to cool you during the climb, and a few gusts to remind you of its reputation. Very little snow and ice on a well-marked trail. Heavy boots are not required until the next snowfall. Visibility was great, and there were few others on the trail. Would like to return often, but it's in the middle on nowhere! Summit in 1hr 53 mins, round trip in 3hrs 54 mins.
dsnell - Dec 18, 2002 10:04 pm
Route Climbed: Guadalupe Peak Trail Date Climbed: June 1998I climbed GP on perhaps the hottest day of the year. Nevertheless, it was actually a pleasant hike, as things cooled down the higher we got. We just made sure to take a lot of gatorade, water, and bananas. I especially enjoyed the amazing contrasts: pine trees and views of the searing sonoran desert landscape below.
Alan Ellis - Aug 26, 2002 8:02 am
Route Climbed: Guadelupe Peak Trail Date Climbed: February 2000Nice climb in perfect weather. The kids enjoyed it too!
tedde1 - Mar 27, 2002 1:23 pm
Route Climbed: standard Date Climbed: March 2000camped at the base, nice hike carried three year old daughter up. Temp around freezing at the top 30-40 mph wind. Clear great views. An interesting and worthwhile climb.
Paul Burkholder - Jan 8, 2002 3:31 pm
Route Climbed: Pine Springs Trail Date Climbed: 12/2000Very windy night in the tent at the campground near the trailhead. It was still quite windy at dawn when I left but the wind lessened quickly and was just a nice breeze when I arrived at the top mid-morning. Great views, especially the back side of El Capitan. Neat walk on easy trail. A little ice in shaded areas near the top (It was very close to Christmas). I didn't see another person until I started down. I recommend the drive south from the park. Very few people, big views and some stunning cliffs to the west.