True to its name, Guadalupe Mountains National Park is characterized by massive peaks and plunging canyons, while Big Bend National Park is known mostly for its location along the Rio Grande, the wild and scenic river that separates the United States and Mexico.
What region is the Guadalupe Peak in?
It is located in Guadalupe Mountains National Park, and is part of the Guadalupe Mountains range in southeastern New Mexico and West Texas. The mountain is about 90 miles (140 km) east of El Paso and about 50 miles (80 km) southwest of Carlsbad, New Mexico.
Which region contains Big Bend National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park?
Southern Texas
Big Bend National Park is located in a remote part of Southern Texas and borders Mexico along the Rio Grande. It has national significance as the largest protected area of Chihuahuan Desert topography and ecology in the United States.
Where is the Guadalupe Mountains National Park located?
West Texas
Guadalupe Mountains National Park is located in far West Texas on U.S. Highway 62/180. The driving distance is 110 miles east of El Paso, Texas, 56 miles southwest of Carlsbad, New Mexico or 62 miles north of Van Horn on Hwy 54.
Are there bears in Guadalupe Mountains?
Black bears are shy, reclusive, and rarely seen. They generally do not hibernate here since it is usually mild enough in the Guadalupe Mountains to find food all year round. Black bears feed on nuts, berries, roots, insects, and small mammals.
What is the difference between Big Bend State Park and Big Bend National Park?
Big Bend Ranch State Park, although just west of Big Bend National Park, offers a completely different experience with rugged volcanic landscapes and many opportunities for backcountry solitude. It offers 275,000 acres of managed wilderness.
What is the closest town to Guadalupe Mountains National Park?
The closest lodging options are Dell City, TX or Whites City, NM. Dell City is 40 miles west of the park off of US Highway 62/180. Whites City is 35 miles east of the park in New Mexico off US Highway 62/180.
How long does it take to hike to Guadalupe Peak?
six to eight hours
For most hikers, plan to take from six to eight hours to complete the hike. Guadalupe Peak is a rewarding, although very strenuous, 8.5 mile round trip hike with a 3,000 foot elevation gain. This is the most popular hike in the park and is often crowded on the weekends.
Can you drive through Guadalupe Mountains National Park?
No roads pass through the heart of Guadalupe Mountains National Park. However, a series of roads lead to, and provide access within the park. U.S. Highway 62/180 provides the primary access to the park, with a number of spur roads leading into the park.
What is the most visited national park in Texas?
National Parks Near Me: Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Hiking Guadalupe Peak is by far the most popular activity with visitors; the hike takes between six and eight hours round-trip, and there are excellent views of the park to be had from the top of the mountain.
What is the best time of year to visit Big Bend National Park?
Fall and spring are the best times to visit Big Bend National Park. Temperatures are mild during the day and cool at night. March is one of the busiest months in the park, because of the great weather conditions and the influx of spring break travelers.
What’s special about Big Bend National Park?
Often referred to as Texas’ Gift to the Nation, Big Bend is famous for its natural resources and recreational opportunities, the park is also rich in cultural history. Native peoples lived in and/or passed through this area for thousands of years. Their presence is evidenced by pictographs and archeological sites.
What is special about Guadalupe Mountains National Park?
Guadalupe Peak is the highest point in Texas, and below it lies a park that offers striking natural beauty, winding trails through serene forests, captivating local history, and the world’s most extensive Permian fossil reef.
What airport is closest to Big Bend National Park?
Midland/Odessa
The closest commercial airport to Big Bend National Park is Midland/Odessa, 160 mi. from Marathon, 200 mi.
How big is Guadalupe Mountains National Park?
Guadalupe Mountains National Park is located in the far west part of Texas, United States. The park covers an area of 134.9 square miles (349.5 sq km). The park is approximately 235 miles north of Big Bend National Park which is the only other national park in Texas.
Are there rattlesnakes in Guadalupe Mountains National Park?
Rattlesnakes are the only poisonous snakes found in the Guadalupe Mountains. They are recognized by the triangular, flat head, wider than the neck; vertical, ellip- tical pupils, and a heat-sensitive “pit” lo- cated between the eye and the nostril.
Where are the bears in Big Bend?
Explore This Site
- Rio Grande Village Campground.
- Chisos Basin Campground.
- Cottonwood Campground.
Do bears live in Big Bend National Park?
Big Bend National Park is among several areas in Texas where black bears are observed, mostly in West Texas.
Is Big Bend Ranch State Park worth visiting?
Big Bend Ranch State Park is awesome. It has all of the ingredients of a perfect outdoor destination: easy but fun hiking trails, low crowds, and a beautiful scenic drive. Plus, its small size makes it easy to explore if you are short on time.
Is Big Bend state park worth it?
Yes, Big Bend National Park in Texas is beautiful and definitely worth visiting. That’s the short answer. Big Bend National Park is America’s fifteenth largest national park, boasting 801,163 acres of protected land, making it the largest protected portion of the Chihuahuan desert in the United States.
What is the biggest park in Texas?
Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park, far West Texas
The largest of the national parks in Texas, Big Bend sprawls over 801,100 acres, so one thing you won’t find is big crowds. Peak season is November through April—no surprise, as temperatures can soar to over 100 degrees in summer.