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.