Itinerary · 2 days · Texas
2 Days in Guadalupe Mountains National Park: The Perfect Itinerary
Two days is enough to see the best of Guadalupe Mountains National Park without rushing. Here is the day-by-day plan, built around the park's highlights.
Best time to go: Apr–May, Oct. Closest major airport: El Paso (ELP), about 1.75 hours.
Day 1: The icons
- Morning: Summit Guadalupe Peak, the top of Texas. Start early to beat the crowds.
- Afternoon: Hike McKittrick Canyon in fall color.
- Evening: See the El Capitan cliff face.
Day 2: Go deeper
- Morning: Hike to Devil's Hall.
- Afternoon: Visit the Frijole Ranch history museum.
Pair it with Carlsbad Caverns, just 40 minutes away. They make a perfect two-day trip.
When to go
The best time to visit Guadalupe Mountains National Park is April–May and October.
Best time to visit Guadalupe Mountains, month by month · What to pack
Questions
How many days do you need in Guadalupe Mountains National Park?
Two full days covers the highlights: summit guadalupe peak, the top of texas and hike mckittrick canyon in fall color on day one, then hike to devil's hall on day two. Add a third day if you want a long backcountry hike or a slow morning.
When is the best time for this Guadalupe Mountains itinerary?
Go in Apr–May, Oct, when the park is rated at its best. April and May offer the best balance of good conditions and smaller crowds.
Can you do Guadalupe Mountains in one day?
You can see the highlights in one very full day by doing day one below and skipping day two, but you will miss hike to devil's hall. Two days is the sweet spot.