Guadalupes in December?

[Mark Andrews]

Hey Guys… Any insight on hiking the Guadalupes in early December?

Looking for someplace to head before the winter gets too far along here in STL.

Any advice/routes/etc. much appreciated.

Figure 3-4 days, any routes/suggestions with 12-20 miles a day.

TIA
-Mark in St. Louis

[Jennifer Mitol]

I am new to texas and also want to head to the Guadalupes…..

Let me know if you come up with something good. :)

[Mark Andrews]

Hey Jennifer…Will do.

Doesn't seem to be much interest in this discussion, unfortunately.

I know Eugene and a couple other guys have posted trip reports in the past.

I was hoping to go in November, but my hiking partner can't free up his time until Dec.

I'm sure, much like my last trip (Massive/Elbert), I'll just wing it…oh well.

With the water situation there I'm thinking some kind of zig-zag route that allows dropping out near a campground or ranger station to take on water would be ideal.

I need to start pouring over the maps and searching the internets…

-Mark

[Richard Lyon]

Mark and Jennifer,

I'm interested if it can be scheduled before or after an upcoming trip to Dallas, likely mid-December. Keep me in the loop please.

I visited Guadalupe NP about five years ago and recall that there is one "natural" water point in the entire park. The Park Service campgrounds have taps. Be sure to include a hike up Guadalupe Peak – highest point in Texas, very easy hike unless the winds are impossible, and scenery unlike anything I saw in 25+ years in Texas.

Richard

[Jennifer Mitol]

My brother does a lot of dual sport motorcycle riding in big bend and Guadalupe…we've been talking about trying to work out a route where he could either cache water for me or to plan campsites where we would camp together…and he could haul the water.

[Alex H]

Go to BigBendChat.com, they have a lot of folks who hike the Guadalupes and there is a dedicated section for discussions on GUMO.

http://www.bigbendchat.com/portal/forum/gumo-general-discussion/

You should be able to get some advice there.

[Mark Andrews]

Thanx for the heads up!

-Mark

[HkNewman]

Let me know as well if you are doing this on the first weekend in early December. I have 2.5 days off and would come from the West of the Guads. I have to be gone PM Sunday, on the road at dinnertime, .. due to work early, early on Monday. Would like to hike with more fellow BPLer's even if only partially on the trip.

[Aubrey W. Bogard]

Regardless of time of year, water is a concern in the Guadalupe Mountains. My experience there is primarily from spending a week there more than 20 years ago, but…

My recollection is that the majority of the high country has no reliable water sources, so if you are going to pack into the higher elevations, you will need to carry all of the water you will need for the duration.

Guadalupe Peak is a great day hike if the weather is clear enough for a clear view once you reach the top.

McKittrick Canyon is beautiful.

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