Guadalupe Peak (8,749’) is the highest peak in Texas and is visible for miles.  On the far left is El Capitan, the southernmost bluff of the Guadalupe Range.  It has served as a landmark for weary desert travellers for centuries.

 

 

 

 

Guadalupe Peak Trail is an 8.4 mile long, 3,000-foot elevation gain up the exposed southeastern side of Guadalupe Mountain.  Fortunately the weather was nearly perfect on this early November day.

 

 

 

 

Lizards dotted the rocks the whole way up.

 

 

 

 

We’ve already climbed a long way up from the Visitor’s Center, shown in the middle of the photograph.

 

 

 

 

One guess for the name of this mountain.

 

 

 

 

You can see the trail switchbacks zig-zagging up the mountain.

 

 

 

 

On top of the world!  Actually, just more than halfway up.

 

 

 

 

Can you spot the trail cut into the mountain in the far background?

 

 

 

 

The “National Park Highway” (US Hwy 62/180) snakes through the Delaware Mountains.  We heard about a terrible truck accident the following day that shut down the highway for most of the day, but we were in Carlsbad Caverns and didn’t see the wreck.

 

 

 

 

I believe this is a mole peeking his head out of a hole.

 

 

 

 

It’s a long trudge up.

 

 

 

 

I’m glad it’s not July.

 

 

 

 

Theresa enjoys an expansive view of Patterson Hills.

 

 

 

 

You can see in this rock that the Guadalupe Mountains are made of a reef formed millions of years ago along in an ancient sea.  Fossils are plainly visible in many rocks along the trail.

 

 

 

 

This photo captures the essence of a “love-hate relationship.”

 

 

 

 

Just when you think you’ve reached the peak, another climb remains.

 

 

 

 

Timm stands triumphant after reaching the top of Guadalupe Peak, which at 8,749’ elevation above sea level, it’s the highest point in Texas.

See more in Guadalupe Peak, Part 2 >>