The Guadalupe's would certainly be a great hike. I've done the Guadalupe Peak and McCittrick Canyon trails. As far as Guadalupe Peak, well, you just can't get any higher in Texas! It's about 9 1/2 miles roundtrip, with about a 6,000 foot elevation gain and loss. It's well worth it though. At the top, you have a view of the rugged Guadalupe's to the north, desert to the east, the famous salt flats (playa lakes) to the west, and to the south, about 800 feet below you, the top of El Capitan. As for McCittrick Canyon, it's one of the most beautiful hikes in Texas. It begins in the desert foothills. Before long, the walls of the canyon begin to close in around you. Pines and oaks grow next to agave and yucca, and the tops of the mountains are covered in trees colored red. Plus, the canyon has the only strip of water I've ever seen in the mountains.
If you're interested in going in March, you should check the "Find a Hiking Partner" section of backpacker.com. A guy named Bacpackin is going and I know Plockey, from the Lake Georgetown trip, is supposed to be going.
Have fun!
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Originally Posted by lost_but_found
 I think I am going to backpack Guadalupe NP in early spring - around April, probably Easter since I get that off. I (not officially) plan on taking a couple of days off (Friday and Tuesday) to get in about four days of hiking (hopefully). If anyone is interested, knows do's and don'ts about the area, and/or has any suggestions - please let me know. I have never been, and would love to see El Capitan and Guadalupe Peaks.
Like I said, this isn't set in stone yet, but is definitely a burning desire! I am going to look hard at the calender to maybe find a better time. I have much that I want to do this year and must take my vacation wisely. But I may consider doing this in March, as I am burning to get out on an extended trip again.  |