I'm an adventurous soul on a mission to explore all 63 national parks. My passion lies in crafting short stories and sharing personal photographs that capture the essence of these remarkable journeys. Through my words and images, I strive to convey...
Our earliest wake-up call ever was for a hike to the top of Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas. With a time change to consider and a plan to beat the heat, our alarms went off before dawn, leaving me wondering if I had even slept at all. The excitement of starting so early kept me checking the clock throughout the night. But as soon as the alarms rang, we were up and ready to go.
We knew the trail was going to be tough. Everything we had read and watched beforehand had prepared us for a challenging climb, but we were determined. Armed with plenty of water and snacks, we set out on the trail in the dark. The quiet of the pre-dawn hours, combined with the soft crunch of our boots on the gravel, made the hike feel almost dreamlike. As we climbed, the first hints of light began to creep into the sky, and before we knew it, Tim called back to say we had reached the summit. I was stunned, thinking, "Really? Already?" Sure enough, there we were.
At the summit, standing at 8,751 feet, we quickly put on some extra layers to fend off the early morning chill. We found a spot to rest, pulled out our snacks, and settled in to wait for the sunrise. A couple from New Hampshire joined us, and we all shared a sense of surprise at how quickly we had reached the top. We think our Northeast hiking experience, with its rocky terrain and steep climbs, may have contributed to our quick ascent to the top.
As the sun began to rise, the sky transformed, and the view from the summit was breathtaking. Watching my first sunrise from a mountaintop was a memory I'll always treasure. Standing at the highest point in Texas, I was amazed by the constantly shifting scenery, with clouds drifting in and out.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park is renowned for its rugged beauty, home to eight of Texas's ten highest peaks. What's truly fascinating is that about 260 million years ago, this land was part of a living marine reef beneath the Delaware Sea. The park's dramatic landscape, with its towering limestone peaks and fossilized reefs, preserves this ancient history.
These mountains also extend into Carlsbad Caverns National Park, located about 35 miles northeast via US Highway 180, crossing into New Mexico. Keep in mind that Guadalupe Mountains National Park has no scenic drives or extensive roads—most of the best sights are accessible only by trail.
Reaching the summit after navigating the rugged trails of Guadalupe Mountains National Park felt like a significant achievement. The early start, the stunning sunrise, the connection with fellow hikers, and the ancient history beneath our feet made this one of our most memorable hikes. The combination of physical effort, natural beauty, and a deep sense of the past made the experience truly special.
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