Sophia May
What Is The Highest Peak In Texas – Texas has no shortage of spectacular views, but nothing takes you sky high like this iconic location. Guadalupe Peak is the highest point in the entire state and offers some of the most spectacular views. The view will not be easy, you have to climb four and a half kilometers to reach the top, but once you reach the top it will be worth it.
Guadalupe Peak is 8,749 feet above the ground and you can choose to go on foot or on horseback. The first mile of the hike is pretty steep and the higher you go the easier it gets. When you reach the finish line, you’ll enjoy a memento of the event. A monument at the summit was erected in 1958 before it was recognized by the state of Texas itself.
What Is The Highest Peak In Texas
Since the length of the hike is eight and a half kilometers, it is recommended to drink at least four liters of water per person. Once you reach the top, the walk will be worth it, we promise. As you climb, you’ll see some of the best wildlife and scenery in Texas.
The Tallest Mountains In Texas Are At Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Visitors are warned to be prepared for strong winds during March. The winds are very cold and can sometimes whip people, so it’s best to be prepared and bring the best hiking gear. Winds can gust up to 80 mph, but you can always stop at the visitor center to ask about them before you go up.
Admission to Guadalupe Mountains National Park is $7 per day and is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every day of the year except major holidays.
Guadalupe Peak is located at 400 Pine Canyon in Salt Flats, Texas. For more information, tips and to plan your visit to the highest point in Texas, you can visit their website.
Before swimming or visiting any area, we strongly recommend checking the latest updates on potential hazards, safety, water quality and closures. If you plan to visit this place, respect nature, Texas is full of cattle and weeds, and there is a mountain 8749 feet above sea level. No, we’re not kidding.
Guadalupe Peak Trail
If you had asked me the height of the highest point in Texas last month, I would have guessed hundreds of feet. But the Guadalupe Mountains of west Texas taught me how wrong I was.
As I drove along the ridge 60 miles east of El Paso, I quickly realized that it wasn’t just a bunch of small hills separated from each other. Stretching from western Texas to southeastern New Mexico, the 65-mile-long Guadalupe Range rises 3,000 feet above the desert and has several peaks over 8,000 feet.
There is also El Capitan, the largest vertical rock figure in the country.
Distant view of El Capitan (big rock on right) and Guadalupe Peak (highest point)
Peaks And Highpoints
El Capitan, not to be confused with Yosemite’s iconic granite rock, marks the southwest point of the Guadalupe Mountains. This is an inspiring peak at a perfect rock wall. And while it’s an impressive sight in the Texas desert, it dwarfs its neighbor, Guadalupe Peak.
At 8,749 feet, Guadalupe Peak is the highest point in Texas. And it is open to enough travelers. My wife and I climbed this winter and were blown away by the scenery and the challenge.
The Guadalupe Peak Trail begins at Pine Springs Campground in Guadalupe Mountains National Park. It’s an 8½-mile round trip to the summit with an elevation gain of 2,930 feet. From the beginning, the trail gradually climbs between pear cacti and juniper trees.
After half a mile, however, the going gets tough. Passes climb up the side of the mountain and come to steep cliffs. Eventually, the route rounds the corner of the mountain and offers spectacular views of the valley and wash below.
Summiting El Capitan
It was early January when we hiked the trail, so snow and ice began to cover the trail as we headed north up the mountain. In the middle, the desert ecosystem changes to an alpine one, full of pines, firs, and even aspens.
The route continues its upward course and offers ever-expanding views. Next, a trail marker shows the location of Guadalupe Peak Campground, five campsites within 1 mile of the summit. Anyone can camp there as long as they first get a free permit from the visitor center.
The final push includes several cliff edges, a footbridge, and riding near the summit. Once at the top, the 360-degree view seems endless. To the southwest you can see Mexico. To the south and southeast there are no mountains blocking the view of the vast desert below. To the west, northwest, and north, the Guadalupe Mountains continue invisibly into New Mexico.
A 6-foot metal pyramid marks the summit, and a paper log sits on the ground for visitors to sign. The jagged peak of El Capitan approaches as the southern landmark of the Guadalupe Range.
Guadalupe Peak — Drive. Hike. Repeat
It took us 2.5 hours to reach the top, including a 20 minute lunch break. The descent, although a bit hairy due to the snow, took about two hours.
We descended into a colorful Texas sunset to cover our last few shifts. After a long 5 hour drive we filled our water bottles, used the camp toilets and rested our tired legs in the car.
Of course, 8,749 feet is not very impressive. It’s a mole compared to the peaks of Colorado. However, in a state with very little elevation, the 3,000-foot elevation and panoramic views make for a long hike.
If you are in the area or want to record the highest points in different states, enjoy Guadalupe Peak for the southernmost peak of the mountain range. Climb the “Top of Texas” by climbing Guadalupe Peak. Guadalupe Peak is a rewarding, albeit strenuous, 8.4-mile hike with 3,000 elevation gain. It takes six to eight hours to complete the journey.
Tallest Mountains In Texas
The summit offers spectacular views from the highest point in the state of Texas (8,751 feet / 2,667 meters). It also introduces tourists to several areas of the park, including high desert and high forest. On a clear day, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and desert. Before starting the journey, stop for a while and enjoy the view.
Guadalupe Peak is a rewarding, albeit strenuous, 8.4-mile hike with 3,000 elevation gain. This is the most popular walk in the park and is often crowded on weekends.
As the oxygen content of the air decreases, it takes more effort to travel at higher altitudes. Remember, at 8,000 feet you are at risk of altitude sickness, a potentially life-threatening illness.
Search and rescue works are carried out selectively. The level and need for a response will be determined by the field personnel’s assessment of the situation. Rescuer safety is always our top priority. The park expects visitors to demonstrate a level of self-confidence and commitment to their own safety commensurate with the difficulty of their chosen activity. If you choose to carry a hand-held electronic alarm device, be aware of its functionality, limitations, and frequency of transmission failures. Don’t rely on it to call 911 or let your family know you’re okay. The device acts as a link only. All rescue decisions rest with park staff. If you turn on the emergency service on the device, understand what you can ask the rescuers. If you are in an emergency and have lost all means of self-rescue/aid, contact a ranger or call Texas DPS Pecos Dispatch at (432) 447-3533. Cameras are not accepted in most of the park. If you do make contact, clearly and concisely describe the nature and exact location of the problem or injury, as well as the number of people involved. Remember that help can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days. You must be willing to help yourself. For questions, please contact the Visitor Center at (915) 828-3251.
Texas Trail Tamers
Animals disturb wildlife and are prohibited on roads. Pets must be kept inside as the park has limited pet facilities.
The trail starts at the Pine Springs Trailhead (1/2 mile from the Pine Springs Visitor Center – enter the visitor center, then turn right in the visitor center parking lot). Follow signs for Guadalupe Peak
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