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 GUADALUPE MOUNTAINS
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One of the best-exposed fossil reefs in the world rises up from the desert like castle walls, surrounding a relic forest of ponderosa pines and Douglas fir. Located in the southwest desert of Texas, along the southern border of New Mexico, lies Guadalupe Mountains National Park. A paradise for geologists and backpackers; unique geology, abundant hiking trails, and beautiful landscapes are just some of the features that attract visitors to this magnificent mountain range.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park was established as a National Park on September 30th, 1972. In the eyes of two individuals, their dream for the Guadalupe Mountains had come true. Wallace Pratt, a geologist, and landowner of McKittrick Canyon, and J.C. Hunter, a gentleman rancher, donated and sold their land for the establishment of Guadalupe Mountains National Park.
One might also say that Guadalupe Mountains National Park owes its existence to tiny marine organisms that lived in a sea that existed here some 250 million years ago. These lime-secreting creatures, along with sediments, time, and mountain-building forces, built the majestic mountain range that visitors see today.
The enchantment of these mountains lured many hardy souls willing to make a living in this bromidic desert environment. The Mescalero Apaches utilized the landscape for protection and food. Ranchers brought in cattle, and sowed crops where water allowed.
Today visitors venture into this landscape to see some of the unexpected variety this park has to offer. Many species of plants, mammals, reptiles, and birds make this desert their home. Some exist on the edge of their normal "life zones" such as Douglas fir, Chinquapin oak, and Texas Madrone trees. Twelve plants and six animals are considered rare for this region.
Over 60% of the park is designated wilderness area, which means that which is wilderness will be managed in as natural a state as possible. No "mechanized equipment" is allowed in wilderness, so the only noise you hear is the breeze blowing through the trees, chirping birds, and gophers rustling through the grass. If a state of solitude is desired, the wilderness of the Guadalupe Mountains is the place to seek it.
If you are planning a visit to Guadalupe Mountains National Park, we recommend that you call and/or request information in writing from the park visitor's center headquarters. The address and phone number is:
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