El Capitan/Salt Basin Overlook
This moderate hiking trail takes you from the Pine Springs Campground Trailhead to historic Williams Ranch.
Plan Around El Capitan/Salt Basin Overlook
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El Capitan/Salt Basin Overlook Details
This moderate hiking trail takes you from the Pine Springs Campground Trailhead to historic Williams Ranch, an 11-mile round trip journey. You'll start out on the El Capitan Trail, with the option of detouring onto the Salt Basin Overlook trail after just a few miles. After the Salt Basin Overlook, the trail winds an additional 4.7 miles (one way) to the Williams Ranch. Along the way the trail passes by the base of El Capitan, a famous rock formation at the base of Guadalupe Peak. The trail gains around 1,500 feet in elevation, and is considered moderate. Budget six to eight hours. Park at the park headquarters lot and start from the trailhead next to the campground. This trail is also a popular place to view sunsets and sunrises in the park.
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
11 miles
Estimated time
6-8 hours
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around El Capitan/Salt Basin Overlook
Compare nearby parks around El Capitan/Salt Basin Overlook when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around El Capitan/Salt Basin Overlook
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond El Capitan/Salt Basin Overlook while the map context is still fresh.
0.0 mi away
Guadalupe Peak
This strenuous 8.5-mile trail climbs 3,000 feet to the summit of Guadalupe Peak, the tallest point in Texas.
0.0 mi away
Devil's Hall Trail
A strenuous 4.2-mile out-and-back hike that begins at the Pine Springs Trailhead
0.1 mi away
Tejas Trail
This 12-mile trail travels north-south across the park from Dog Canyon to Pine Springs.
0.1 mi away
The Bowl
This strenuous hike combines several trails to reach an iconic viewpoint in the park.
0.2 mi away
Pine Springs Campground
Pine Springs campground is located near the park headquarters visitor center near the southern entrance to the park.
