Guadalupe Ridge Trail

The Guadalupe Ridge Trail is a backcountry point-to-point hike from White’s City to Guadalupe Peak, crossing Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Bureau of Land Management land, Lincoln National Forest, and Guadalupe Mountains National Park. The mapped main line is about 65 miles one way and excludes the separate Sitting Bull Falls and Last Chance Canyon loop. Published totals conflict: one description calls the route 100 miles, the listed agency segments add to 77, and the corrected main-route line measures about 64 miles. Treat 65 as a planning estimate; most hikers should allow five to eight days.

This is not a smooth ridge walk. The route crosses Chihuahuan desert, mixed-conifer forest, and riparian woodland, then climbs and drops over rugged rocky ground. Some Guadalupe Mountains grades reach 60% on solid rock. Route-finding in the forest can be confusing, so carry an accurate map and stay on established trails.

The route gives northward views from Fawn Valley Overlook, looks into North McKittrick Canyon from the ridge, and passes The Notch in South McKittrick Canyon. At Slaughter Canyon, the canyon opens toward the Chihuahuan Desert. You are crossing the exposed fossil reef of the range; Guadalupe Peak, at 8,751 feet, is the highest point in Texas. Fawn Valley’s northward sweep is the clearest place to pause for a wide landscape photo.

Water is scarce and unreliable; stock tanks are not dependable, and a cache or planned resupply is often necessary. Reliable water locations include White’s City, the Carlsbad Caverns and McKittrick Canyon visitor centers, and Pine Springs. Spring and fall are the safer seasons to plan around; high winds are common November through April, and summer storms can bring lightning and flash floods. Overnight camping in either national park requires a wilderness permit. Pets are not allowed. There is no public shuttle, so arrange a vehicle drop-off and pickup before starting.

A separate loop through Last Chance Canyon and Sitting Bull Falls adds about 30 miles to some itineraries. It reaches small waterfalls and pools and has its own water access, but it is not part of the 65-mile line stored here.