The best walks and hikes in the Guadalupe Mountains

Must do if the weather is right. Mid fall to early spring is the best time. Can take as little as 5 hours if you are reasonably fit (like 9 minute mile).

The Notch is where the McKittrick Canyon Trail passes through a physical break in the ridge, marking an excellent viewpoint over the canyon about halfway between McKittrick Ridge and the McKittrick Canyon Trailhead. For most day hikers, the Notch is the stunning, traditional turnaround point that offers incredible views of the sheer peaks that tower over the canyon. These views are even more exceptional in the fall as the leaves change from green to red, yellow, and orange.

This line shack and remains of a tack room were once part of the ranching interests owned by Judge J.C. Hunter. Hunter also once owned 70,000 acres in what is now Guadalupe Mountains National Park. The Hunter family sometimes hosted guests at this site, which they called the Guadalupe Mountain Ranch, when they managed these lands. Although you cannot enter the cabin, it's still a neat place to check out in a beautiful setting for those interested in the history of ranching and the park, and it is just a short distance away from the Grotto.

Deep in McKittrick Canyon is a small, shaded spot that houses a small, unique-looking cave at the base of rounded cliff. There are a few wooden picnic tables near the Grotto, making it a great place to stop for lunch or a snack on your hike.

When visiting McKittrick Canyon in Guadalupe Mountains National Park, make sure to take a break at the historic Pratt Cabin, which is just a short distance off the main trail. Built in the 1930s by oil geologist Wallace Pratt, the cabin served as the Pratt family's summer home until 1940. Wallace, along with his wife Pearl and their three children, cherished this retreat and spent many summers here, sharing the cabin with friends. He later used the cabin to host geologists from around the world to study McKittrick Canyon. Today, the cabin is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and you cannot enter the cabin without a volunteer or ranger present. Even if you can not go inside the building, you can still appreciate the charm and beautiful setting of this historic site. Take advantage of the grounds around the cabin and the adjacent garage, where there is a picnic and rest area (but no bathrooms) as well as interpretive signage about Pratt family and their contribution to the creation of Guadalupe Mountains National Park.

The junction of the El Capitan and the Salt Basin Overlook Trails offers great views from the base of El Capitan. El Capitan is the southern-most point of the Guadalupe Mountains and one of the more iconic features in the park. Not to be confused with the El Capitan in Yosemite National Park in California, this El Capitan stands at 8,085 feet above sea level and is the eighth highest peak in Texas. El Capitan also marks the southern-most point of the Guadalupe Mountains and is exceptionally beautiful at sunrise as the sheer cliff faces glow pink and orange. From this point you can either continue on the El Capitan Trail toward the Williams Ranch or veer off on the Salt Basin Overlook Loop, which will take you to the Salt Basin Overlook.

The remote Bush Mountain is deep in the Guadalupe Mountains Wilderness and can only be accessed by hiking or horse-packing. Standing at 8,631 feet, Bush Mountain is the second highest peak in Texas. Many who hike Bush Mountain choose to make it an overnight trip; there is a wilderness campground and radio tower below the southeast side of the summit. Regardless of whether you make it a day hike or part of a backpacking trip, Bush Mountain is a great summit with lovely views of the mountains and desert surrounded by scrubby pine trees and grasses.

The Bear Canyon Trail is a challenging trail that is one of the steepest in the park, gaining 2,000 feet in less than two miles. Despite its challenges, it is a fantastic trail and one of the best and fastest ways to get up to Hunter Peak and the Bowl. Due to its steepness, the park recommends going up, not down it. Another thing to keep in mind as you plan your hike is that Bear Canyon Trail is east facing and receives full sun by mid-day.