FAQ in Guadalupe Mountains National Park

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

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FAQ Details

**Where can I drive in the park?** There are no designated scenic drives in the park. Roads can get you to the Pine Springs Visitor Center and campground, Dog Canyon visitor center and campground, McKittric Information Station, Frijole Ranch, and all trailheads. Those with four wheel drive can access the Williams Ranch by car as well. **Where can I picnic?** Both of the visitor centers have picnic areas, as does the McKittrick Canyon information center and the Pine Spring campground. Frijole Ranch also as a picnic area. **Can I use a charcoal grill?** No, open fires are not permitted in the park. **Do I need a reservation to camp?** All single camp sites are first come first served. Group sites can be reserved up to two months in advance. **What facilities are available at each of the campgrounds?** Restrooms with sinks and flush toilets, potable water, pay phones, drink machine. **Do either of the campgrounds have dump stations or hook ups for RVs?** No. **What is the biggest RV the campgrounds will accommodate?** The largest RV that will fit is 40 feet. There are some sites that will fit wider vehicles with tow units, if the car is disconnected from the unit. **Do the campgrounds fill up frequently?** Generally not. Campgrounds sometimes fill up during busy holiday weekends or during peak foliage season. When campgrounds do fill up, there will be a list of alternate camping locations posted at the park headquarters at Pine Springs. **How much does it cost to camp?** Sites are $8 per night, $4 for Golden Age Pass holders. Group sites cost $3 per person, or $1.50 for Golden Age Pass holders. There are self pay stations at each campground, first come first served. **Are fires allowed at the campgrounds?** Fires are not allowed anywhere in the park. **Are pets allowed in the campgrounds?** Pets are allowed in the campgrounds, but must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet. Pets are not allowed on any trail except the Pinery trail behind the visitor center. **Is there lodging in the park? Otherwise, where is the closest lodging?** There is no lodging in the park. The closest outside options are in White City, New Mexico or Dell City, Texas. Dell City is 40 miles west of the park along Highway 180/62, and White City is 35 miles to the east via Highway 180/62. **Where can I get groceries, ice, gas or diesel?** Dell City, TX and White's City, NM are the closest option for groceries and other conveniences. Both of these towns have hotels or motels, RV parks, gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants. Dell City is 40 miles west of the park along Highway 180/62, and White City is 35 miles to the east via Highway 180/62. **What is the entrance fee?** The entrance fee is $5 for adults age 16 or older. This pass is good for seven days. You pay your pass at the self-pay stations at each trailhead. **Where can I hike?** There are over 80 miles of trails in the park. See "hiking" for more information. **How far is the hike up Guadalupe Peak, and how long does it take?** The hike is 8.4 miles each way, and climbs 3,000 feet. Plan six to eight hours for the full journey. **What are some popular day hikes besides Guadalupe Peak?** McKittrick Canyon, Devil's Hall and the Smith Spring Trail are both popular options. See "hiking" for more information on these trails. **Is there any technical climbing in the park?** Technical climbing is allowed, but there is not much good climbing in the park. Most of the rock is rather chossy limestone. Climbers should check out the bouldering in nearby Hueco Tanks State Park, just outside El Paso. **Can I mountain bike in the park?** Bikes are not allowed in the park because they interfere with many fragile ecosystems. You are allowed to use your mountain bike on the Williams Ranch jeep road. **Can my dog hike with me?** Pets are not allowed on trails because of the risk they pose in the event of an encounter with a wild animal. **Can I find water along the trails?** There are no reliable water sources in the backcountry, so bring plenty of water if you go for a hike. **Can I bring my horse to the park? Are there trail rides in the park?** Horses are welcome in the park. There are no horse rentals so you'll have to bring your own horse. About sixty percent of the trails in the park are open for horses. **Are there rattlesnakes in the park?** There are rattlesnakes in the park. They do not attack unless provoked, so simply stay on designated trails and if you see a rattlesnake step around it. **Are there mountain lions or bears?** Mountain Lions and black bears have been known to inhabit the area. However, they are rarely seen. **Where can I find out about flowers or birds I see in the in park?** There are brochures available at the Pine Springs visitor center, as well as knowledgeable rangers to help you with information. You can also buy a guide book at the headquarters book store. **What is the tree with the red bark?** The Texas Madrone **How far am I from Carlsbad Caverns National Park?** The Pine Springs Visitor Center is 42 miles from Carlsbad Caverns. **What hours is the cave open? When is the bat flight? What can I do in the cave?** The natural entrance to the cavern is open from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm, and you can take an elevator in and out until 3:30 pm. The Bat Flight occurs each night at sunset during the summer. You can take guided or self guided tours in the cave. Pick up a Carlsbad Caverns newsletter at the Pine Springs Visitor Center for more information. **How do I get to the big waterfall?** Sitting Bull Falls is located in the Lincoln National Forest. More information at 505-885-4181.

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