West Texas is such a mystical place, its wide-open roads and endless desert landscape evoking an air of enchantment that simply can't be described in words. Tucked away in this desolate region are the majestic Guadalupe Mountains, which make up one of the most underrated national parks in the country. Take a look below to learn all about this national park to visit in Texas.
Often overlooked, Guadalupe Mountains National Park is home to the world's most extensive Permian fossil reef, the four highest peaks in Texas, and an incredibly diverse collection of flora and fauna. It's among the most underrated national parks in the country, a statistic many would love to see change.
Tucked away in the remote West Texas desert, far away from any semblance of civilization, this nearly 90,000-acre destination is unlike any other place within the entire National Park Service system.
Over 80 miles of trails encompass the largest wilderness area in Texas. There's something for every skill level, from short-and-sweet nature walks to the strenuous, 8.5-mile trek to the "Top of Texas."
Reaching the incredible Guadalupe Peak is quite an arduous journey, as the trail climbs 3,000 feet through a lush conifer forest. Once you get to the summit, you'll enjoy unparalleled views to the West and South - and sign your name in the book to commemorate such a challenging adventure.
If you visit during the fall season, hiking the McKittrick Canyon Nature Loop is a must. This relatively easy trail is under a mile long and boasts some of the most vibrant foliage in Texas.
Smith Spring Loop is a lesser-known, but totally bucket-list-worthy trail. Even though it's only 2.3 miles round trip, it still manages to pack in everything from dry, barren terrain to flourishing riparian vegetation.
Mountains aren't the only natural wonder in the park. Make sure to check out the Salt Basin Dunes, a 2,000-acre desert landscape that began forming almost 30 million years ago.
Visit the NPS website or the park's official Facebook page to learn more.
Have you ever paid a visit to this national park in Texas? If so, what was the most memorable part of your trip to Guadalupe Mountains National Park? Let us know, and be sure to check out our previous article to learn more about the Salt Basin Dunes: Hike Through Over 2,000 Acres Of White Sand Dunes At Guadalupe Mountains National Park In Texas.
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