Guadalupe Mountains National Park - Texas

[Frank&Mike]

We will be going to the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Rally in October. In route we would like to stop off at a location we have never visited - Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Is there anyone who can share some insight regarding:

1. Guadalupe Mountains National Park - Is this an interesting overnight destination worth the time to visit?

2. RV Park Reviews - Feedback is that it's nothing more than a parking lot (which doesn't matter to us). We will not have time to hike or do much other than visit the Visitor's Center. But is the Visitor's Center worth the overnight stay in order to visit?

3. The route out of the National Park takes us approximately 2 hours west through 2 ghost towns (Salt Flat and Cornudas) on US-180 W/US-62 W to El Paso. What's the condition of that highway?

4. I'm doubtful there is anyplace to get fuel on US-180 W/US-62 W. Did you find a place to refuel at the Guadalupe Mountains National Park?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

[KL's 77]

I was through there 3 years back, stopped and did some hiking. Did'nt stay overnight in the park. Highest peak in Texas. Don't recall seeing any fuel stations. It is beautiful there and the night sky is outstanding.
The highway roads are little twisty but overall in good condition.
I think it is worth the trip, if only to say you did it!

[Melody Ranch]

The road is great. You will certainly know you are in West Texas....barren. El Paso at one end and Carlsbad at the other. Hwy 54 down to Van Horn is something many folks miss out on....try that too if you have time.

Park at the top of the pass looks good. I did not stay there. The park HQ on the East side of the pass had a beautiful polished 60's Airstream in the resident parking area. Watch out for the Guadalupe Pass winds. REALLY! pay attention to the forecasts.

[Lumatic]

Pine Springs Campground is a small blacktop parking lot, but great hiking to Guadalupe Peak. Also recommend a hike to Devil's Staircase. I've wanted to go to Dog Canyon campground which is more out of the way, but never made it. Give us a report if you do.

[SteveH]

Not too much out of your way would be a lot nicer park, Davis Mountains State Park, Ft. Davis, TX.

[Frank&Mike]

Thanks for all of the feedback. You know, the Davis Mountains suggestion really is another good option as suggested. It really is not too far out of the way south. Hmmmm, may give that some serious thought.

[dstalzer]

We have been to the Guadalupe Mountains several times with a tent and last year with our Airstream. The main RV campsite is a parking lot at Pine Springs, but there is great hiking, cool air in the evening and great scenery. The closest food and fuel will be found in Pecos, TX, Van Horn, TX or Whites City, NM.

Dennis

[Frank&Mike]

Well we decided on Davis Mountains State Park instead. The concerns of convenient fuel (lack thereof), arriving late in the evening and first come first serve accomodations ... kind of made us shy away from Guadalupe Peak National Park. So if anyone else is going to be in the Davis Mountains State Park the night of Sept. 29th maybe we'll see you there.

[rapz]

Davis Mountain State Park is really nice and the Indian Lodge has good food at a reasonable price. It's also close to Fort Davis, Alpine, Marfa and Big Bend.

[bobfnbw]

I live in Texas. A few years ago did a west Texas loop in March. When we got to Guadalupe Mountains National Park it was snowing with a few inches on the groud and cold! The visitors center was very nice. I have 2 young boys and they got a kick out of it. The parking lot had great views. There is fuel near enough by, unless you were running thru it see no reason why that would be a factor. And you should be able to bring enough food.
Now Davis mountains are great as well. If you go there make sure you go to the observatory for the star partys. And big bend is fantastic, but I would not go there in the summer!
Good luck in what ever you do.
Bob