Backcountry Camping in The Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas, May 2010

Join the adventure of hiking the highcountry of the Guadalupe Mountains. Delight in grand views, diverse landscapes and small pleasures.

Base-camp was set-up at Pine Springs, near the Headquarters Visitor Center. The next morning, I took the Tejas Trail to Pine Top, where I enjoyed the highcountry, hiking the Bush Mountain Trail and the Bowl Trail. Views were spectacular, especially from Hunter Peak (8,368 ft).

A dense forest of ponderosa pine, southwestern white pine, Douglas fir, and aspen thrive in the highcountry. This conifer forest is a relict of about 15,000 years ago when the prevailing climate throughout Texas was cooler and moister. The forest is especially lush in the Bowl, a two-mile-wide depression atop the Guadalupe Mountains.

When visiting the wilderness, remember that human beings are guests . Minimize your impact on the environment. Do not disturb the animals, plants and geologic features.

Royalty free music by Kevin MacLeod. Photography by Ken Kramm, copyright, May 2010.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Guadalupe Mountains
• hiking
• camping
• backpacking
• highcountry
• backcountry
• primitive camping
• wilderness
• National Park
• Texas
• Ken Kramm

[supercj8899]

Is that the Tejas Trail or what?

[KennethKramm]

@supercj8899 Yes, the Tejas Trail was one of the trails I hiked.

[KennethKramm]

@supercj8899 Fantastic. I'm sure you will enjoy the trip and have lots of fun. Thanks for keeping me posted. Ken

[supercj8899]

@KennethKramm Just signed up for a expensive trip in the CO rockys. Itll be in summer, and i'm using Outward Bound. Can't Wait...even though its more than 100 days away.

[KennethKramm]

@supercj8899 Guadalupe Mountains is a great place to backpack. However, it is often windy and the area is "rugged." No water is available. There may be a few rattlesnakes, but not something to worry about. I recommend first gaining experience less remote area, where the scenery is easier to enjoy. Take a few trial trips with your equipment, to gain experience. Or go with an experienced backpacker for your first few trips. Good Luck. I'm interested in learning how it goes.... Ken

[supercj8899]

@KennethKramm Would Guadalupe Mountains be the best place for a first backpacking trip? Are there lots of dangerous animals or plants, do you need lots of experience with the wilderness? Please reply.

[nunbeatingwalrus]

With pictures like that, it's impossible not to watch. That's some beautiful country. thank you for sharing it.

[KennethKramm]

@nunbeatingwalrus Thanks for watching. Ken

[nunbeatingwalrus]

Good video, loved the pictures.

[KennethKramm]

@TMTrail Beth, Thanks for your feedback. Yes, please post the video. I am honored that you want to post this YouTube on The Texas Mountain Trail Region Facebook page.