Guadalupe Mountains National Park from El Paso: The Top of Texas and McKittrick Canyon Fall Color

Looking for unforgettable things to do in El Paso? Head east. About 110 miles on US 62/180, Guadalupe Mountains National Park protects the four highest peaks in Texas, the world's most extensive Permian fossil reef, and 80-plus miles of trails — wilder and far less crowded than most national parks.

An Ancient Reef Standing in the Desert

These mountains were once underwater. Around 260 million years ago, a warm inland sea covered West Texas, and along its edge grew the massive Capitan Reef. Buried, then uplifted, that reef is the rugged range you see today — one geologists travel from around the world to study.

El Capitan, the park's signature peak, rises like the prow of a stone ship, its pale limestone cliff glowing in morning light. Pull over for the photo, then drive on to Pine Springs.

Guadalupe Peak: The Top of Texas

The headline hike climbs Guadalupe Peak, at 8,751 feet the highest point in Texas: 8.4 miles round trip, about 3,000 feet of elevation gain, very strenuous, six to eight hours for most hikers. It climbs from desert scrub into pine forest, passes a famous false summit, and tops out with a 360-degree view across West Texas and into New Mexico.

Start at dawn, carry more water than you think you need — there is none on the trail — and when half is gone, turn around.

McKittrick Canyon: The Best Fall Color in Texas

In autumn, one place outranks everything else. McKittrick Canyon, northeast of Pine Springs, shelters a rare relict forest along a desert stream — and its bigtooth maples turn scarlet, orange, and gold, usually peaking in late October into early November. Maple and cactus in one photograph is found almost nowhere else.

The classic walk is 4.8 miles round trip to historic Pratt Cabin, built around 1930 by the geologist who donated much of the park land. Push on to the Grotto for a 7-mile round trip. McKittrick is day-use only and its gate closes each afternoon — check the National Park Service site for that day's closing time, and arrive early on fall weekends, when the lot fills.

Easier Wins: Devil's Hall, Smith Spring, and Frijole Ranch

Not every great day is a summit day. The Devil's Hall Trail (4.2 miles round trip) scrambles up a rocky wash into a narrow hallway of stone. Near historic Frijole Ranch, the Smith Spring Loop (2.3 miles) leads to a shady spring-fed oasis. Start at the Pine Springs Visitor Center for trail conditions.

Visiting Guadalupe Mountains: What to Know Before You Go

• Make it a full day trip. About 110 miles each way — roughly two hours — so leave early.
• There are no services in the park. No gas, food, or lodging, and cell service is unreliable. Fuel up and pack lunch in El Paso.
• Bring all your water, plus sun protection and layers — trails are dry and exposed.
• Pay the park entrance fee or use a national parks pass, and check the park's fall color updates in late October — peak color moves with the weather.

Heads up: Stay on established trails, never collect rocks, fossils, or plants, and pack out everything you bring in.

Local Tip: Make It a West Texas Weekend — Mountains One Day, Red Sands the Next

Here is how locals build the perfect trip: give the Guadalupes one full day, then take the wheel of our brand-new Can-Am Maverick X3 with Rent a UTV El Paso at Red Sands — 14,000 acres of beautiful sand dunes, winding serpentine trails, and rugged rocky landscapes, with an expert pace-rider out front like a rally co-pilot clearing the way so you focus 100% on the drive.

The experience runs about 1.5 hours total, which includes training, orientation, and equipment fitting and the 1-hour trail ride — helmets (with eye protection) and fuel included. See the booking calendar for current pricing. Honest note: Red Sands is not an official OHV park — a mix of private and public lands, mostly private — so respect no-trespassing signs and stay on established routes. Riding with us, our crew knows exactly where to go.

Guadalupe Mountains FAQ

How far is Guadalupe Mountains National Park from El Paso?

About 110 miles east on US 62/180 — roughly two hours to Pine Springs.

What is the highest point in Texas?

Guadalupe Peak, at 8,751 feet. Its summit trail is 8.4 miles round trip with about 3,000 feet of climbing.

When is the fall color in McKittrick Canyon?

Bigtooth maples usually peak in late October into early November, shifting with the weather.

Is McKittrick Canyon open all day?

No — day-use only, and its gate closes each afternoon. Check the National Park Service site for your visit day's closing time.

One of the Essential Day Trips from El Paso

Few drives deliver this much: an ancient reef, the Top of Texas, and a maple canyon glowing in the desert. Hike one day, then round out the trip with an exhilarating Red Sands UTV tour back in El Paso.