GUADALUPE PEAK - 8,749 FT.
Highest Point in Texas
April 9, 2004 (My 16th Highpoint)
I went out to west Texas over Easter weekend to get this highpoint. I took I-10 to US-285 and stayed in
Carlsbad, NM the night before and then took US-62/180 to Guadalupe Mountains National Park the next day.
The drive from Bryan, TX to Fort Stockton, TX took about 7 hours followed by another 2 hour drive to Carlsbad.
The trip from Carlsbad to the park took a little under an hour.
I started the hike to the peak around 10:15 AM and returned back to the trailhead just after 3:00 PM. The trail
seemed fairly crowded; not unlikely since it was Easter weekend and most people took advantage of having an extra
day or two off of school or work. I made it to the peak in 2:30, and after a half hour on top, made the hike back
down in 1:45, after taking my time on the way back down to talk with a gentleman from Midland, TX. An enjoyable
hike overall. It was a shame to see a father leading his two kids off-trail to cut off the switchbacks. I didn't
say anything but wish now that I would have. Not much wildlife to see except for a pair of deer on the way down.
All smiles after topping Guadalupe Peak.
Some views on the hike:
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