Guadalupe Mountains National Park is home to the highest peak in Texas – Guadalupe Peak – which stands at 8,751 feet. The park is located along the Texas-New Mexico border, just south of Carlsbad National Park, home to the famous Carlsbad Caverns.

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The park is relatively small, offers few amenities and has limited infrastructure, such as hookups for RVs. But it hosts to two great hikes – the Guadalupe Peak Trail and the McKittrick Canyon Trail. I didn’t personally complete the McKittrick Canyon Trail, but many said it is a must do. I did proudly complete the Guadalupe Peak Trail (unofficially nicknamed the Son of a Bitch Trail by a previous explorer). It took about 8-9 hours roundtrip. The National Park Service warns the hike is very strenuous. And they aren’t kidding! From the trailhead to the peak, you ascend a little over 3,000 ft in 4.6 miles. This is significant, especially for Texas.

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It was perhaps the toughest hike I have ever encountered. The trail was filled with large loose rocks and seemed impossibly steep. Despite the good tread on my hiking shoes, I managed to stumble and slide around. I was huffing and puffing very quickly into the hike. I have dogged on Texas for some time now for not having “mountains.” I stand corrected. Texas does have mountains, or at least a few. And the tallest one definitely kicked my butt. It’s really a shame they aren’t skiable, though. Then again, there wouldn’t be a reason to leave Texas if they were. And that’s just not fair to the other smaller, lesser states.

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I had the good fortunate of hiking in close proximity to 6 Aggie med students. I joked with them that I was in good hands and that I might need their assistance. But, unfortunately, they were as winded as I. Another lone hiker also became a comrade. When we all reached the top, it felt like we were kindred spirits. If this sounds ridiculous, please go hike this trail. You will understand.

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The trail offered some breathtaking views and the bluest skies I have seen. The elevation gain, despite the very apparent steep trail, will shock you when reaching the top. The cars along the highway seemed infinitesimally small. Although the sights are sure to impress, the true reason to complete the hike should be obvious - you are due the bragging rights of conquering the tallest peak in Texas. And, for a brief moment, you can say you were the highest person in the Lone Star state, except for Willie Nelson or the hippies in Austin.