Guadalupe Peak

There were several cute little wildflowers on our way up to Guadalupe Peak. I believe this one may be called Indian Paintbrush... or something related to a paintbrush! I also saw several types of small yellow flowers, and a purple flower that I assumed was some sort of verbena.

At the top of Texas: Guadalupe Peak/ 8, 749 feet, marked by a monument recognizing overland stage and air travel.

View of El Capitan from Guadalupe Peak

Hiking along one of many switch backs that this day hike has to offer. The trail from Pine Springs campground to Guadalupe Peak and back is 8.4 miles. We were able to do this in 5 1/2 hours, although it can take 6-8 hours.

Texas madrone.
We saw several of these beautiful red berried trees on this hike and the McKittrick Canyon hike (stay tuned...).

Beautiful blue-ish colored agaves mixed with little bluestem.

Unknown oak.
Apparently there are several species of oaks in the area and some can be hard to distinguish. One of the amazing aspects of this hike is that it takes you through your dry desert landscape with prickly pears and agaves, but with a little elevation and a turn of a corner, you see oaks, maples, and pine trees... plants that remind you of home!

Just another awesome view of what used to be an ancient marine reef.

I love you too, Prickly Pear cactus!

They aren't kidding when they say one gallon of water per person, per day! This hike is labeled as difficult...even more so as it teases you with false summits. But, it is a beautiful hike and the view at the top is well worth it. Just make sure you don't dehydrate yourself before you get up there!