Discover Culberson: Peaks, Canyons, and History

Large parts of Guadalupe Mountains National Park are located in Culberson County. The park protects the world's most extensive known Permian fossil reef and the four highest peaks in Texas. Geological history and striking mountain ranges shape the landscape, where you can discover hiking trails, observe nature, and visit historic sites.

Canyon Landscapes, a Permian Reef, and Texas Peaks

At 8,751 feet, Guadalupe Peak is the highest natural point in Texas. Bush Mountain follows at 8,631 feet as the state's second-highest peak; Hunter Peak is the sixth-highest at 8,368 feet, and El Capitan is the eighth-highest at 8,085 feet. El Capitan is best viewed from U.S. Highway 62/180; no formal trail leads to its summit.

The landscape along the Guadalupe Ridge Trail also changes significantly: The 100-mile route begins at Guadalupe Peak in the national park and passes through the Chihuahuan Desert, mixed-conifer forest, and riparian forests before entering Lincoln National Forest. The Permian Reef Trail, meanwhile, highlights the geological and fossil features from the Permian period preserved in the park. The trail climbs to Wilderness Ridge and offers expansive views into South McKittrick Canyon.

Hiking Trails with Different Profiles

McKittrick Canyon combines dramatic canyon scenery with clear trail landmarks. The hike is 4.8 miles round trip to Pratt Cabin and 7.0 miles to the Grotto. The McKittrick Canyon Trail first follows the floor of South McKittrick Canyon for four miles, then climbs about 2,380 feet over roughly two miles. The canyon is accessible only during daylight hours, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mountain Time; a visitor center is located at its entrance. As a shorter alternative, the moderate, 0.9-mile McKittrick Canyon Nature Trail is a loop that passes exhibits on plants, wildfires, and the geology of the Permian Reef.

The other trails also vary in length and difficulty. The Guadalupe Peak Trail is 8.4 miles round trip and climbs 3,000 feet. The 4.2-mile round-trip hike to Devil’s Hall starts at the Pine Springs Trailhead; its destination is a natural rock staircase and a corridor formed by steep canyon walls. By contrast, the Indian Meadow Nature Trail is an easy 0.6-mile loop that takes 30 to 45 minutes at a leisurely pace. It passes through dry grassland, juniper-oak woodlands, pine forest, and riparian areas.

Nature and Remote Places

Remote, forested Dog Canyon offers opportunities for peaceful camping, birdwatching, and hiking, as well as a chance to relax in a secluded setting. Drinking water is available at the Dog Canyon Trailhead; its higher elevation provides quicker access to the wilderness and uplands. Smith Spring is one of several springs at the base of the eastern escarpment. A visit to the Salt Basin Dunes also requires a hike: from the parking area, it is about 1.5 miles each way.

Those interested in the region's geology can also find indoor exhibits on distinctive geological features at the Culberson County I-10 East Safety Rest Area. The area's natural attractions range from short nature trails and springs to longer canyon and peak hikes; the stated trail distances and elevation gains can help you choose suitable day plans.

Ranch History and Historic Sites

The Frijole Ranch History Museum presents the successive history of human settlement in the Guadalupes: from Native Americans and early ranching to the establishment of a national park. The Frijole Ranch grounds are open at all times; picnic tables in the courtyard sit beneath shade trees. The Smith Springs Loop Trail also starts at Frijole Ranch. The historical story continues at other sites: The Pinery is the ruin of an 1858 Butterfield Overland Mail stagecoach station and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Pratt Cabin was Wallace Pratt's first summer home in the Guadalupe Mountains and is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The grounds around the cabin and garage serve as a picnic and rest area for hikers. The Williams Ranch house was built in 1908 using materials brought from Van Horn and stone sourced locally. It is one of the few surviving remnants of historic ranching in the region and is significant for its unique architectural style.

The El Capitan Trail circles the base of El Capitan and follows the western side of the Guadalupe Escarpment to the historic Williams Ranch House. It is the only trail to the west side of the Guadalupes and offers seclusion and expansive views. Williams Ranch is currently accessible to hikers via the El Capitan Trail from Pine Springs; check conditions before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Van Horn, Smith, Houston County, Real County, Kaufman, Armstrong County, Collin, Wharton.

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