Backpacking, Guadalupe National Park

Last month my Dad and I, along with two other friends, went on a four day backpacking trip to Guadalupe National Park. It was a cold, windy, but amazing trip. The unique thing about the GNP back country is the solitude. In 4 days we saw only 12 other people (4 groups). Try that in California!

Map of our trip

There were no major summits, or accomplishments on this trip. Just a very nice loop around the back country of the park. We did had some awesome views to the west of the park, and also of Guadalupe Peak. *** A hint for anyone hiking GNP, THERE IS NO WATER!!! You must carry in all the water you need. A simple trip like we did would be very hard in the summer because of the heat. Go in the spring or fall when it is cooler!***

We arrived at the park in 20 degree weather, and snow that was blowing horizontally! Not encouraging at all...

As we were just about to hit the trail, it was still 20 degrees....

The weather ended up being perfect. Though it was cold most the trip, the sun came out and we stayed dry. All of our camps were very sheltered from the wind, so it worked out very well.

Dad and I, sunset Day 2. Bush mountain campground.

New life in the forest.

Sunrise on Guadalupe Peak (highest point in TX).

The hike out on day 4 was very exposed and windy. We were getting blasted by gusts upwards of 70 mph.

That's all for now. More posts are coming soon with updates on our house, our friends visit, and Easter!

Until next time...

Josh----->