Guadalupe Ridge Trail: An Extreme Trail Experience.
Challenge yourself and experience the extreme hiking trek of the full 100 miles through the newly designated Guadalupe Ridge trail (GRT) which in places can include equestrian and stock, motorized vehicles, and bikes. Thru-hiking takes more than a week to complete with limited resources. Or take a one, two or three-day excursion for a multiday backpacking trip. The trail traverses the rocky peaks of the highest point in Texas, Guadalupe Peak (8,751'), to the challenging mountainous landscape of the New Mexico Chihuahuan Desert.
The trail starts in Guadalupe Mountains National Park, at the highest point in Texas which is Guadalupe Peak (8751 feet). Some sections of the trail in the Guadalupe Mountains climb and dip over a 60% solid rock grade and are very rugged terrain. Almost 40% of the main trail is double track; 60% is single track when including the Sitting Bull Falls segment of the trail. The trail travels through Chihuahuan desert, mixed coniferous forest, and riparian woodlands before exiting the national park to the Lincoln National Forest. The national forest has mixed coniferous forest along with spectacular rocky canyons. An optional loop will take trekkers through Last Chance Canyon and Sitting Bull Falls, a desert oasis with a series of small waterfalls and pools. The trail continues through Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Bureau of Land Management property with stunning views of the rugged and unforgiving Guadalupe Ridge. Trekkers can stop through the Caverns Visitor Center before dropping into White's City, New Mexico and the end of the Guadalupe Ridge Trail.
