Guadalupe Mountains National Park
EMERGENCY CLOSURE ORDER
STAGE 2 (ELEVATED) FIRE RESTRICTIONS
ISSUED May 28, 2024
EFFECTIVE May 29, 2024
Park and Fire managers at Guadalupe Mountains NP have been assessing local fire danger factors as seasonal fire severity has been increasing. Culberson and Hudspeth Counties in Texas have been in long term drought. Current Energy Release Component observations have been trending between the 90th Percentile and 97th Percentile, which is above average, and the current trend is predicted to continue moving upwards. After careful consideration, and in accordance with 36 CFR, Chapter 1, Parts 1-7 authorized by Title 54 USC, § 100751(a), and due to these extreme wildfire conditions, the following Stage 2 Fire Restrictions will be implemented at
Guadalupe Mountains National Park:
• No use of fire, charcoal, or propane grills within the park. (36 CFR §2.13),
• No outdoor smoking throughout the park, except inside personal vehicles (36 CFR §2.21 and §2.13),
This temporary closure will be lifted when wildland fire conditions improve at the park or within the region. For further information, please contact Acting Superintendent William C. Uphouse at (915) 828-3251 or by email at William_c_uphouse@nps.gov
EMERGENCY CLOSURE ORDER
STAGE 2 (ELEVATED) FIRE RESTRICTIONS
ISSUED May 28, 2024
EFFECTIVE May 29, 2024
Park and Fire managers at Guadalupe Mountains NP have been assessing local fire danger factors as seasonal fire severity has been increasing. Culberson and Hudspeth Counties in Texas have been in long term drought. Current Energy Release Component observations have been trending between the 90th Percentile and 97th Percentile, which is above average, and the current trend is predicted to continue moving upwards. After careful consideration, and in accordance with 36 CFR, Chapter 1, Parts 1-7 authorized by Title 54 USC, § 100751(a), and due to these extreme wildfire conditions, the following Stage 2 Fire Restrictions will be implemented at
Guadalupe Mountains National Park:
• No use of fire, charcoal, or propane grills within the park. (36 CFR §2.13),
• No outdoor smoking throughout the park, except inside personal vehicles (36 CFR §2.21 and §2.13),
This temporary closure will be lifted when wildland fire conditions improve at the park or within the region. For further information, please contact Acting Superintendent William C. Uphouse at (915) 828-3251 or by email at William_c_uphouse@nps.gov
Entrance Fee. A separate park entrance fee of $10 per person (16 and older) is required for all visitors not covered by an Interagency annual or lifetime pass (check your pass for details). If you do not have an interagency pass, you may pay the fee upon arrival or purchase in advance .
No Open Fires. No open fires (this includes charcoal) are permitted anywhere in the park. Only stoves or lanterns using containerized fuel are permitted.
Tent campsites are for tent campers only. If you plan to sleep in a vehicle. you must reserve an RV campsite. Camp within designated sites, place tent/s on provided tent pad only. Maximum of two tents per site.
Groups larger than 10. Groups larger than 10 people must reserve the Pine Springs or Frijole group site. Reserving multiple individual sites for events or family gatherings exceeding 10 people is not permitted. Pine Springs Group Sites are for tents only, RVs are not permitted. Groups exceeding 19 people require a Special Use Permit issued before arrival in the park.
The Park is Remote. Fuel your vehicle and purchase supplies before heading to the park. Limited camping or hiking supplies may be available in the visitor center’s bookstore.
Time Zone. Guadalupe Mountains National Park is in the Mountain Time Zone. However, due to proximity to Central Time Zone cell phones or other devices my switch frequently between the two time zones. To reduce confusion: we suggest setting your phone to Mountain Time Zone and turn off the automatic setting or set a World Clock for El Paso, TX then refer to the World Clock during your visit.
Quiet Hours. Quiet hours are from 8:00 PM to 8:00 AM. No generators, during quiet hours.
Tie-downs prohibited. The use of weight-bearing hammocks, slacklines, tarps or similar devices tied to natural and/or manmade features is prohibited.
Wilderness Camping. Wilderness camping outside of the established campgrounds (such as Pine Springs Campground) requires a permit. You may reserve a Guadalupe Mountains National Park Wilderness Permit in advance or pick one up first-come, first-served. You must visit the Pine Springs Visitor Center (open 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily except holidays) to pick up all overnight wilderness permits.
Pets. Pets are permitted in the campground and along the park road. Leashes 6 ft. in length are required. Pets may not be left unattended or inside vehicles. Pets causing a disturbance may be asked to leave, no refunds of fees. All trails are closed to pets, except the Pinery trail, a paved nature trail next to the visitor center.
Stay on established trails. Avoid creating social trails by staying on established trails between campsites.
No Cell Service. Cell phone service may be available in the Pine Springs area , depending on your service provider. Free Wi-Fi may be available in front of the Pine Springs Visitor Center.
Visiting with Stock. Visitor horse corrals are available at Frijole Ranch. Only daytime horse trips are permitted in the backcountry, a permit is required.
Review all campsite information about the specific site before booking. If you reserve a site that is not designed for your RV or Tent, you may be asked to leave, without refund.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park: In addition to a variety of cave tours, the national park also offers hiking trails and a scenic drive. Rattlesnake Springs and Slaughter Canyon, part of Carlsbad Caverns are nearer attractions for day use activities. Birding is excellent at Rattlesnake Springs.
Lincoln National Forest: The Guadalupe District of the Lincoln National Forest is located just over the state line, north of the national park. Road access is through New Mexico, north of White’s City, via Dark Canyon Road to NM SR 137 through Queen (also the way to the national park’s Dog Canyon). The forest provides for various camping, hiking, caving, hunting, and picnicking opportunities. Sitting Bull Falls is a nice waterfall and picnic area in the Lincoln National Forest. Five Point Vista is a glorious ridge road ride of the area, closer to Dog Canyon.
Fort Davis National Historic Site and State Park: Fort Davis is one of the best surviving examples of an Indian Wars' frontier military post in the Southwest. From 1854 to 1891, Fort Davis was strategically located to protect emigrants, mail coaches, and freight wagons on the Trans-Pecos portion of the San Antonio-El Paso Road and on the Chihuahua Trail. This is located about 2.5 hours south of the park. A state park is located nearby with camping and a scenic drive. Also located in Fort Davis is McDonald Observatory with several programs available.
White Sands National Park: Rising from the heart of the Tularosa Basin is one of the world's great natural wonders - the glistening white sands of New Mexico. Great wave-like dunes of gypsum sand have engulfed 275 square miles of desert, creating the world's largest gypsum dunefield. White Sands National Park preserves a major portion of this unique dunefield, along with the plants and animals that live here.
Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site: Hueco Tanks State Park is located on the east side of El Paso, about an hour and a half from the Guadalupes. At Hueco Tanks, you can hike, rock climb, bird watch, study nature and history, picnic and stargaze. Visitors can take guided and self-guided tours to view rock imagery.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park 400 Pine Canyon Drive Salt Flat TX 79847
For campground inquiries, please call: 915-828-3251
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
The Pine Springs area of Guadalupe Mountains National Park is located on the north side of US Hwy 62/180 near Mile Post 130. From Interstate 10, take the Van Horn, Texas exit. Follow TX Hwy 54 (56 miles/17 km) north to the intersection of US Hwy 62/180. Turn east on 62/180 and travel (9 miles/14.5 km) to the park. From El Paso, TX, follow US Hwy 62/180 east for (110 miles/177 km) to the park. From Carlsbad, NM, take US Hwy 62/180 west for (55 miles/88.5 km) to the park.