The park offers diverse riding opportunities to explore the Guadalupe Mountains. Sixty percent of the trails are open to stock use. Those closed to stock are difficult to maintain, or pass through unique and fragile areas intolerant of such use. Stock manure droppings introduce exotic plants that displace native vegetation.
There are no horses or pack animals for hire in or near the park; you must bring your own stock. All rides require thorough preparation. Improper equipment, poor conditioning, and disregard for weather conditions can result in an unpleasant or dangerous ride. Respect for the environment you ride through will help further the mission of protecting park resources for you and for future generations.
Stock are permitted on the following trails only. No off-trail riding is allowed. Trail riding begins at the corrals located at Dog Canyon or the Frijole Ranch.
Easy Trails
Gentle grade, easy to follow.
*
Foothills Trail
*
Williams Ranch Road
*
Frijole Trail
Moderate Trails
Steeper grades; rocky sections; generally easy to follow; may require dismounts; intermediate rider experience; stock conditioned to mountain trails.
*
Bush Mountain Trail - Dog Canyon to Marcus Trail
*
Marcus Trail
*
Tejas Trail - Dog Canyon to Pine Top
*
McKittrick Canyon Trail - Tejas Trail to McKittrick Ridge Campground
*
El Capitan Trail - Pine Springs to Salt Basin Overlook
*
Salt Basin Overlook Trail (lower loop)
Difficult Trails
Steep grades; narrow sections; rocky; trail may be difficult to follow; requires specific knowledge of trail or experience with similar trail conditions; for experienced riders and stock conditioned for difficult mountain terrain.
*
Tejas Trail - Pine Springs to Pine Top
*
Bush Mountain Trail - Pine Top to Bush Mountain Campground
*
Guadalupe Peak Trail
*
El Capitan Trail - Salt Basin Overlook to Williams Ranch
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
