Hiking to the "Top of Texas" up Guadalupe Peak
Adventure Spotlight - Backpacker Team Member, Brian T., recently headed back to Guadalupe National Park to conquer Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas!
Here is a little Q & A with Brian about his experience and some insights on prepping for a hike like this one!
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Q: Why did you chose this place?
A: On my first trip to Guadalupe National Park last year we did not have time to take on Guadalupe Peak and had to come back to bag the highest point in Texas.
Q: Did you use a website or other resource to help you plan your trip?
A: Yes, AllTrails was very helpful in helping us to find good trails, and it was also helpful when navigating the trail and also to get to the trail head.
Q: Did anything about your adventure surprise you?
A: Yes, the Guadalupe Peak trail was much more difficult than I expected, with lots of hair pin turns.
Q: What gear was absolutely essential to help you love your adventure?
A: Trekking Poles and lots of water. Trekking poles made tackling the loose steep terrain a lot safer and easier as well as keeping a good pace to get up and back down before dark.
Q: What gear do you wish you had brought?
A: More GU Packets. I should have trained more, I did not have the endurance I needed.
Q: What advice would you give to others wanting to hike the Guadalupe Peak Trail?
A: Get an early start so you are not having to hike down in the dark.
Brian's Gear List for Hiking Guadalupe Peak:
- Mystery Ranch In and Out 19 Pack
- Trekking Poles
- Camelbak Crux 2 Liter Reservoir
- Nalgene 32oz. Water Bottle
- Petzel Tactikka + Headlamp
- Hat
- Hoka Kaha Boots
- Kuhl Radikl Pants
- ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0 Boxer Briefs
- Free Fly Bamboo Flex Quarter Zip
- Smartwool Hiking Socks
- Nuun Hydration Tabs
- GU Energy Labs Gel Packets
- First Aid Kit
- Sunscreen
- Camera
- Water!
Additional information from The National Park Service.
Guadalupe Peak is a rewarding, although very strenuous, 8.5 mile round trip hike with a 3,000 foot elevation gain. It will take from six to eight hours to complete the hike. The peak provides fantastic views from the highest point in the state of Texas (8,751 feet / 2,667 meters).
This trail guide provides a mileage chart, map, and visual description of the trail.
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