Dedicated 1972, the park contains 86,416 acres with elevations
ranging from 3,650 to 8,749 feet at the summit of Guadalupe Peak,
highest point in Texas. Four of the state's highest peaks are in
the park, as well as many other unnamed peaks more than 8,000 feet
tall, along with deep canyons and a rare mixture of plant and
animal life. The barren, desert outer mountain slopes belie a
wooded, game-rich interior of great scenic beauty. Forests of
ponderosa pines mingle with aspens, maples, mountain junipers and
madrones. Abundant deer and elk graze upland meadows.
Access to the park's rugged, majestic interior is by hiking and
backpack camping along 80 miles of marked trails. The National Park
Service advises that only experienced, well-equipped backpackers
should enter the primitive back country for extended stays. Permits
are required for overnight trips and camping is allowed in
designated areas only. All should check in and out at the
headquarters visitor center on U.S.62/180 near Pine Springs. A
cultural history museum is in the 1870s Frijole Ranch House.
Wildlife exhibits, slide program, and bookstore are in visitor
center.
Visitors may drive near mouth of McKittrick Canyon, where hiking
trails lead into enchanting scenery (day use only). A geology
exhibit and slide program are at the McKittrick Canyon Visitor
Center.
Tent and self-contained RV camping at Pine Springs campground
near the ruins of historic "Pinery" stage station. Water, rest
rooms, evening programs. Container-ized fuel stoves (gasoline,
propane, alcohol) only.