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 (8368 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 15000 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.
@supercj8899 Fantastic. I’m sure you will enjoy the trip and have lots of? fun. Thanks for keeping me posted. Ken
@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.
@supercj8899 Yes, the Tejas Trail was one of the trails I? hiked.
@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
@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.
Is that? the Tejas Trail or what?
With pictures like that, it’s impossible not to watch. That’s some? beautiful country. thank you for sharing it.
@nunbeatingwalrus Thanks? for watching. Ken
Good video, loved the? pictures.
@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.
I really loved this video and wondered if I could get your permission to include it? on our Texas Mountain Trail youtube page
and to post it on our Texas Mountain Trail Region Facebook page. We’d love to share your experience with our audience. Beth
@TheSpirobulldog I’m sure the weather will be fine. However, it is often windy. I selected this backpack area because the trees provided some protection from the wind. You shouldn’t have a problem for backpacking. But you may want to do one night at base-camp level, like I did. If so, you can do this even if the car-camping area is filled. There are other? nearby areas where you can car-camp over night (park will provide directions).
I am going to Guadalupe the 2nd week in June(first time there) and hope to have similar conditions that you had in the video. I have been to 25 national parks and hiked extensively. ? I have never done an overnight backpack, but I think I may attempt it here. I wonder if the backcountry sites ever fill up? Talked to a ranger there yesterday and he said that the regular campgrounds are seldom at capacity.
@astrollenium I appreciate your feedback. It’s often windy in the Guadalupe Mountains, check the forecast and enjoy! I plan to? hike the south rim trail this spring!
That was some good quality video. Thanks. We are planning on heading out to the Guadalupe Mountains in a couple weeks. I’ve never been there, however I’ve been to the Chisos Mountains about 4 times. It’s awesome. I highly recommend the? south rim trail.
I carried 1.5 gallons; the recommended amount was 1 gallon per day and I? planned to stay in the backcountry two nights. I had plenty of water. Wish I could have used a filter!
how much water did you? carry? I guess there’s not much need for a filter since there’s no water along the trails.
Thanks. Next? year I’m planning to hike the chisos mountains.
nice, i hiked there and the? davis and chisos mountains in june 2010
beautiful video of the Guadalupe mtns. That was quite a strenous hike? up that mountain. Would of love to been there.