Guadalupe Peak is Texas’ highpoint and a natural choice for us as we put our initial training to the test and prepare for higher, more difficult, peaks.
On a clear day, the view from the “Top of Texas” (8,749 feet, or 2,667 meters) is outstanding. The trail is very steep, but is well established. Some areas are exposed to cliff edges. It is rated strenuous, with 3,000 feet of elevation gain. The round trip distance is 8.4 miles, and generally takes 6-8 hours. Avoid the peak hike during high winds and thunderstorms.
The hike up is relatively safe but reaching the summit of Guadalupe Peak does present some risk:
The Guadalupe Mountain area is one of the windiest places in the nation. Winds in excess of 100 mph have been recorded and high winds are common year round. Bring your Wal-Mart tent at your own risk.
Mountain Lions and rattlesnakes are located in this area. Read all the precautions and warnings at the ranger station. Despite their presence, I haven’t seen any snakes (although I only go in winter and they are probably hybernating) nor lions in 7 trips to the Guadalupes other than some lion tracks in the snow. Dawn is the most likely time for a lion encounter.
Snakes aren’t a concern, ditto for mountain lions really, but weather is. November is typically fairly mild in that part of Texas but it is entirely possible to catch a strong cold front that time of year. Still, life-threatening temperatures are unlikely (we will be prepared for colder than expected temps) but wind could be a problem. When isn’t weather a problem on mountains?
We plan to spend two days on the mountain, spending one night at the high camp at 7,700 feet. That will allow us to summit before dawn and capture the sunrise if weather permits. On a good day the view is incredible. Check out these amazing photos of Guadalupe Peak on Flickr for proof.
