Backpacking the Highest Peak in Texas: Guadalupe Mountains
In preparation to my Oregon and Crater Lake Backpacking trip, I thought practicing somewhere closer to home would be good. If you’re interested in how the Oregon trip turned out, you can view that here:
The decision to venture to Guadalupe Mountains National Park was a spontaneous burst of excitement, unfolding in just 24 hours. As we embarked on the 8-hour journey from Austin, the vast Chihuahuan Desert unfolded before us, its untamed beauty and rugged landscapes stirring our senses. Despite the absence of typical roadside attractions, the desert’s allure captivated us, connecting us to the next adventures awaiting further southwest towards Big Bend National Park—a place I’ve heard about and hoped to visit at the time. I have had the pleasure of exploring Big Bend area six times now. While we didn’t make it to Big Bend on this trip, being in the same desert only heightened our anticipation. If you’re eager to delve deeper into my adventures in this enchanting region, don’t miss my blog post titled:
This excursion marked my inaugural backpacking experience, and as one might expect, it was a profound learning curve that challenged my endurance and resilience. My backpack, designed for someone of larger stature, felt gargantuan on my petite frame and resulted in a painful laceration on my sacrum, causing significant bleeding. To compound matters, I had opted to brand-new hiking boots, a decision that left my ankles tender and raw. At that time, I lacked the array of fancy gear I now possess, but I quickly realized that with sufficient sustenance and hydration, the adventure remained entirely manageable. With each step, I learned valuable lessons about preparation, perseverance, and the importance of staying hydrated in the scorching August Texas heat. If you’re curious to know what my current backpacking gear is today, check out this blog post:
- My Current Backpacking Gears
Water scarcity atop the mountain is a significant concern. Securing a wilderness permit is imperative, and I obtained mine on the day of departure. At the time, these permits operate on a first-come, first-served basis, adding a layer of logistical complexity, especially considering the remote locale. But you can now make a 3 month advanced reservations, click HERE to make a reservation.
My trek took place in August of 2015, necessitating the carriage of two gallons of water, amounting to an additional burden of approximately 16.68 pounds. We embarked on the Guadalupe Peak Trail, a 3.1-mile ascent with an elevation gain of 2,000 feet.
The campsite, situated a mere mile from the peak, is characterized by fiercely gusting winds. I vividly recall clinging to the precipice, praying we wouldn’t be swept away by the tempest. This firsthand encounter with the ferocity of the winds is no exaggeration; numerous fellow backpacker friends have recounted similar harrowing experiences. One friend even found themselves in a midnight pursuit of their tent, which had been whisked away by the gales.
And then, amidst the mesmerizing beauty of the night sky, I decided to experience the magic of some psychedelic mushrooms. Beneath the twinkling stars and the vast expanse of the universe, what unfolded was an extraordinary journey beyond imagination. My boyfriend at the time and I were captivated by a sight that seemed surreal—a colossal mothership hovering above us, while UFOs darted in and out of its depths before vanishing into the abyss. Whether it was a genuine encounter or merely a product of our psychedelic imagination remains a mystery. The following day, we scoured the peak for any traces of what we had witnessed, but all we found was the untouched wilderness, leaving us to ponder the mysteries of the universe and the limitless wonders of the mind.
But our adventure didn’t end there. After our decent we were eager to explore further, we ventured to Carlsbad Caverns National Park, a subterranean wonderland of limestone caverns and mesmerizing formations. Descending into the depths of the earth, we marveled at the intricate beauty hidden beneath the surface—a testament to the mysteries of nature waiting to be discovered.
As we journeyed back to Austin, the memories of our whirlwind adventure lingered, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts. In just three days, we had traversed vast landscapes, scaled towering peaks, and delved into the depths of the earth, experiencing the wonders of Guadalupe Mountains and Carlsbad Caverns in all their splendor. And though the road stretched on into the night, we soared with the knowledge that the spirit of adventure would always lead us back to the great outdoors, where every moment is a new discovery waiting to unfold.
