Guadalupe Mountains National Park Scenic Drive: Self-Guided Audio Tour

What your day looks like

Lunar-like salt flats and dunes conceal evidence of prehistoric seas, while the canyons and springs scattered throughout the park reveal surprising oases of life. Wander through the beauty of McKittrick Canyon, where a creek provides the water needed to host a riot of life. Take in the view of Guadalupe Peak rising in the distance from the front porch of Pratt’s Cabin inside the Canyon. As you drive through the park, you’ll hear stories of the soldiers, Apache, conservationists, stagecoach drivers, and ranchers who all left their mark on the wilderness, and were shaped by it in turn. Explore the remains of ranch life at Frijole Ranch and Manzanita Lake, while the Pinery Butterfield Station Ruins show what stagecoach drivers - and the occasional passenger- endured on cross-country expeditions. Park at the Guadalupe Peak Viewpoint to see “The Top of Texas” and marvel at the nearby El Capitan mountain, which conceals the fossilized remains of a prehistoric reef. Hike through the dramatic Devil’s Hall trail, where steep canyon walls hide a boulder-strewn trail. Or, if you’re looking for an easier hike, the Manzanita Springs trail shows the variety of landscapes that make up the Guadalupe Mountains National Park.