Amazing Sunrises, An Obelisk, And One Epic Backpacking Adventure - Guadalupe Mountains National Park
The View From Backcountry Site
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When a friend asked if I would like to join her and her friends for a backpacking adventure in the Guadalupe Mountains, of course, I said, 'hella yeah!!!!!'. Which trail are you planning on doing? Guadalupe Peak, sure, I'm always up for an adventure.
And for me, staying in primitive or backcountry sites is much more relaxing and peaceful since most people like to stay within the main camping area. Summiting Guadalupe Peak, the highest peak in Texas at 8517', is one physically demanding and formidable 4-mile hike and should not be taken lightly.
Sleeping Under the stars
But viewing the night sky, the glowing lights of oil rigs, and the city below from camp, about 3 miles from the trailhead and a mile from the summit, is an experience many day hikers rarely get to view. Not unless you want to start hiking in the dark, hours before the sunrise.
Sunrise at Guadalupe Peak backcountry campsite
Plus, waking up early, drinking my morning tea, and seeing the pastel pinks, oranges, and red along the horizon deepen in color as the sun begins to peek over the skyline is one of my favorite experiences, kind of like viewing my own private sunrise. Making the strenuous hike all the more worth the effort.
Want to try a backpacking trip to the Guadalupe Peak Backcountry Campsite? Here's how I secured a backcountry permit, the cost, and what I brought with me to camp.
securing a backcountry permit - Guadalupe Mountains National park
It's best to request a backcountry permit as soon as you arrive at Guadalupe Mountains NP. Even if you are staying within the main camping area before heading up in the morning.
Guadalupe Peak Backcountry CampSite
The permit costs $6 plus and an additional $6 per person/per night is required for each hiker staying in the campsite.
Reservations are now available on recreation.gov.
There are only 5 sites available in the Guadalupe Peak Backcountry Site, and each contains one tent pad that holds a maximum of 2 tents.
The ranger will go over the camping and safety regulations and reiterate the strenuousness of the hike several times during the 30-minute process. And even though there are enough trees to use a hammock at the backcountry campsite, hammocks are not allowed.
Then you'll sign a contract stating you'll follow all guidelines and receive a permit that you'll fasten to your backpack.
I'm not an Ultralite backpacker, although, for this trip, I kind of wished I was.😅 Usually, my backpack weighs between 18-21 lbs depending on the season, weather, and luxury items I bring. And this weight does include food and water.
After setting up our tents in the main camping area, we spent the rest of the evening before our ascent going through and repacking our backpacks. Knowing this particular trip would be difficult, 3 miles and 2500+ feet in elevation gain up the mountain, keeping my pack streamlined was crucial.
Before adding any gear to my backpack, my beginning weight is 16.7 lbs of water (2 gallons), the very, very strongly recommended amount to bring for an overnight trip. FYI, I ended the trip with only a 1/2L to spare.
And since we were only going up for one night, I removed most luxury items and split the weight of gear like the tent, stove, cook pot, fuel, and first aid with my backpacking buddy. But even dividing gear weight, my total pack still weighed a whopping 35.29 lbs. A good 13 lbs over my standard.
After packing our tents and eating a quick breakfast, we drove to the trailhead parking area just in time to grab the last two parking places. There are only 24 slots available for day hikers, these spaces are non-numbered. Parking fills quickly during the spring and fall weekends. You'll want to get here as early as possible, or you'll have to park by the Pine Springs Visitors Center and walk to the trailhead.
hiking the Guadalupe Peak trail
Taking one last selfie at the trailhead sign, starting our watches and hiking apps, and readjusting our packs one final time, we began our trek up the mountain. The first 1.5 miles is brutal with stairs, rocky terrain, switchbacks, elevation grades up to 27%, and more stairs. Then you're left with switchbacks, rocky terrain, scrabbles, wind gusts, and you guessed it more steep elevation gains.
Carrying a 30+ lbs pack (most of the weight was water) was rough. Definitely had me thinking what the heck I got myself into. But slow going, taking lots of rest breaks to catch my breath, and drinking plenty of water had me getting to base camp in about 5.5 hours. I was grinning ear to ear when I saw the signpost for the backcountry site. Plus, the view is incredible the entire way up.
After dropping off our packs, setting up camp, and lounging for a bit under a shade tree, we continued up to the summit.
Unfortunately, as I slowly made my way up the mountain, I saw too many inexperienced hikers unprepared for the grueling ascent. Although the trail is only 4 miles long, the steep inclines, rocky terrain, and scrabbles make it one labor-intensive hike.
reaching the obelisk - 8751’ above sea level
The last mile does get a bit precarious with steep grades, wind gusts, and rock scrabbles, but let me tell ya, the 360° view of the Texas landscape is breathtaking and definitely worth every strenuous step up that mountain. And getting to observe El Capitan from above was remarkable.
What to pack for a backcountry overnight - Guadalupe Mountains national park
Between my hiking buddy and myself, here's a list of everything we had. But hindsight being 20/20, I should have brought the Hilltop Food Bag instead of the Bear Vault considering the vault is not a requirement for backcountry camping in the park. This would have decreased my pack weight by 2.1 lbs, and every little bit helps.
You can find everything my backpacking buddy and I used while backpacking the Guadalupe Peak Trail on my official Amazon page or at REI.
Gregory Diva 60
First Aid Kit including Mole Skin Blister Protection
Rx Medication
30° Sleeping Bag
Mini Fuel Container
Snow Peak Fork
Knife
Vont Headlamp use discount code GOHIKN10 to receive 10% off on Amazon
Sleeping Attire/Long Johns
Extra Socks
Emergency Blanket
Emergency Whistle
Paracord
PStyle - Amazon
Unscented Wet Wipes
Camping TP
Toiletries
Zip Lock Baggies
Hand Sanitizer
Camp Shoes
Carabiners
Puffy Vest - Amazon
Fingerless Mittens
Bandana
Luggage Weight Scale to measure before and after hike weight - Amazon
As for meals, we each took 1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 dinner, and snacks for 2 days.
Breakfast
Tea/2 Packets Stevia
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal /Nature Valley Granola Bar
Lunches
2 Packets Bumblebee Lemon Sesame & Ginger Tuna
2 Flour Tortillas
2 Applesauce Pouches
2 Triple Chocolate Power Crunch Protein Bars
Dinner
Mountain House Lasagna w/ Meat Sauce
Chocolate Almond Brownie Think Protein Bar
1 Rasberry Lemonade Propel
Snacks
Power Up High Energy Trail Mix
Haribo Gummy Bears
1 Can Original Pringles
But since we decided not to revisit the summit the following day, we didn't need the second lunch, which would have decreased my pack weight by another 8.5 oz and every little bit of shaved weight helps.
Looking for more inspiration to hit the trails? Check out my book, Wander, Wonder, and Wellness: Hiking Your Way to Health and Happiness, available now on Amazon—it’s packed with tips, stories, and motivation to make every hike a transformative experience!
Wrapping Up
Most people like to stay in the main camping areas within a state or national park, although for me, camping in the backcountry sites is more peaceful and relaxing. But summiting Guadalupe Peak, the highest peak in Texas at 8517', is a physically demanding and formidable hike and should not be taken lightly.
Although the trail is only 4 miles long, the steep inclines, rocky terrain, and scrabbles make it one labor-intensive hike.
Be sure to listen to all the ranger's recommendations, safety protocols, and backcountry camping regulations. Everyone wants your hike and/or backcountry trip to be safe and enjoyable.
Don’t forget the get travel insurance when you’re planning your big trip. Flight delays, cancellations, and accidents do happen on the trail. Get a quote from InsureMyTrip.com
Have hiked or camped at the backcountry site on the Guadalupe Peak Trail? Share your experience in the comments.
Catch y'all next time, and as always, let's take all the side roads together and enjoy the views along the way.
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