Guadalupe Mountains National Park - map, photos and other informations
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Description
The Guadalupe Mountains National Park is located in the extreme western portion of the state of Texas, just northeast of the Mexican border and within the Chihuahuan Desert. This national park protects a section of the Guadalupe Mountains, which rises to 8,751 feet (2,667 meters) at the peak of Guadalupe Peak. The area is also home to some fascinating species of plants and animals, as well as other notable natural features.
The park covers an area of 139,4 square miles (349,5 square kilometers), making it the fourth largest national park in the US. Within this park, visitors can explore a wealth of terrain, from the Chihuahuan Desert in the lower elevations to the high-altitude, evergreen forests of the Guadalupe Mountains. There are also more than 80 miles (129 kilometers) of wilderness trails to explore, including the Guadalupe Peak Trail and the El Capitan Trail.
The park is home to several endangered species, including the golden eagle, peregrine falcon, Mexican spotted owl and ocelot. Other wildlife in the park includes mule deer, mountain lion, desert bighorn sheep, javelina, bobcats, and wild turkeys. A variety of plant life is also found here, including several cacti species, yucca, agave, and grasses.
History of the park goes back to the year 1922, when Congress established the Guadalupe Mountains National Monument as a way to preserve the land and its natural resources. In 1972, the area was expanded and re-designated as a national park, in order to give it additional protection.
In addition to the natural wonders of the park, there are several other points of interest, including the ruins of the Butterfield Overland Mail stage station, the Frijole Ranch House, the Smith Spring Trail, the Frijole Ranch Trail, Frijole Village, and a variety of other historic sites.
Visitors to the Guadalupe Mountains National Park can enjoy camping, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing, while also taking in the incredible natural beauty of the area. Guided tours are also available, allowing visitors to explore the park’s many features. This is a great opportunity to experience the beauty of the Chihuahuan Desert and the majestic Guadalupe Mountains.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Where is Guadalupe Mountains National Park located?
Guadalupe Mountains National Park is located in the Guadalupe Mountains of West Texas, approximately 150 miles east of El Paso and 320 miles west of Fort Worth. It is also approximately 25 miles southwest of Carlsbad, New Mexico and 100 miles north of the Mexican border.
What to do at Guadalupe Mountains National Park?
Guadalupe Mountains National Park offers a variety of activities, including hiking, camping, backpacking, stargazing, horseback riding, and more. Visitors can explore the park's dramatic scenery and diverse wildlife, as well as visit the Guadalupe Peak, which is the highest point in Texas. Other attractions include the Frijole Ranch History Museum, the McKittrick Canyon Nature Trail, and the Smith Spring Trail.
How to get to Guadalupe Mountains National Park?
The closest major airport to Guadalupe Mountains National Park is El Paso International Airport (ELP) located approximately 150 miles away. The quickest way to get to the park from the airport is by car. It will take approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes to drive from El Paso International Airport to Guadalupe Mountains National Park. If you don't have a car, there are bus services that run from the airport to the park. The Greyhound Bus Lines runs from El Paso International Airport to Carlsbad, New Mexico, which is the nearest city to the park. From Carlsbad, you will need to take a taxi or a local shuttle to get to the park.
Why was Guadalupe Mountains National Park established?
Guadalupe Mountains National Park was established in 1972 to protect the Guadalupe Mountains, which are the highest mountain range in Texas and the southernmost tip of the Rocky Mountains. The park also protects a rich variety of plant and animal life, including a variety of rare and endangered species.
Average weather in Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Temp max | Temp min | Rain | Snow | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Jan | 12 °C 54 °F | 0 °C 32 °F | 8 mm 0.3 in | 3 mm 0.1 in |
Feb | 15 °C 59 °F | 2 °C 36 °F | 7 mm 0.3 in | 2 mm 0.1 in |
Mar | 20 °C 68 °F | 6 °C 43 °F | 13 mm 0.5 in | 1 mm 0.0 in |
Apr | 24 °C 75 °F | 10 °C 50 °F | 11 mm 0.4 in | 0 mm 0.0 in |
May | 28 °C 82 °F | 14 °C 57 °F | 14 mm 0.6 in | 0 mm 0.0 in |
Jun | 33 °C 91 °F | 20 °C 68 °F | 21 mm 0.8 in | 0 mm 0.0 in |
Jul | 32 °C 90 °F | 21 °C 70 °F | 37 mm 1.5 in | 0 mm 0.0 in |
Aug | 31 °C 88 °F | 20 °C 68 °F | 55 mm 2.2 in | 0 mm 0.0 in |
Sep | 27 °C 81 °F | 17 °C 63 °F | 42 mm 1.7 in | 0 mm 0.0 in |
Oct | 23 °C 73 °F | 11 °C 52 °F | 19 mm 0.7 in | 0 mm 0.0 in |
Nov | 17 °C 63 °F | 5 °C 41 °F | 10 mm 0.4 in | 1 mm 0.0 in |
Dec | 13 °C 55 °F | 2 °C 36 °F | 8 mm 0.3 in | 2 mm 0.1 in |
Other parks nearby
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Carlsbad Caverns National Park30.5 mi (49.1 km)|national park
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Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park50.1 mi (80.7 km)|state park
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Brantley Lake State Park52.8 mi (84.9 km)|state park
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Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site68.8 mi (110.7 km)|state park
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Oliver Lee Memorial State Park83.6 mi (134.6 km)|state park
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