Backpacking

With over 80 miles of trails, Guadalupe Mountains National Park has plentiful options for multi-day trips. There are ten designated backcountry campgrounds (backcountry camping is free, but your permit only allows you to camp at established camping areas) designed specifically for people who want to spend a night or two out on the trail. Three ranger-recommended backpacking loops are the Bush-Blue Ridge Loop, the Tejas Trail hike-thru and Pine Springs to McKittrick Canyon. The Bush Blue Ridge Loop starts on the Tejas Trail, at the Pine Springs trailhead. Follow the Tejas Trail until the intersection with the Blue Ridge trail. Take the Blue Ridge trail to the Bush Mountain trail, which leads back around to the Tejas Trail and dumps you back at the Pine Springs Trailhead. The trip can be done in one night or two nights. The Tejas Trail hike-thru involves hiking the Tejas Trail from the Dog Canyon trailhead to the Pine Springs trailhead (or vice versa). Remember that you'll have to have a car on each end, or arrange for someone to pick you up, since there is no bus or other form of public transportation. For the Pine Springs to McKittrick Canyon trip, take the Tejas Trail from the Pine Springs trailhead to the McKittrick Canyon trail. Remember that you'll have to have a car on each end, or arrange for someone to pick you up, since there is no bus or other form of public transportation. When in the backcountry, be sure to bring one gallon of water per person per day. There are not reliable water sources in the backcountry. Also see the "safety" section for more information on safety concerns in the park backcountry.