The Guadalupe Range

Nestled in the Guadalupe Mountain range, east of El Paso, is the home of the highest point in Texas: Guadalupe Peak at over 8,700 ft.  El Capitan stands confidently as if guarding the natural wonders of this range and the 86,000 acres of national park; used as a landmark for settlers and natives.  Much of the range is built from the ancient Capitán Reef, formed at the margins of a shallow sea during the Permian Period.

Three major ecosystems are contained within the park. The Chihuahuan Desert, the diverse and colorful canyon interiors which exhibit maple, ash and oak, and the alpine areas more than 7,000 ft above sea level contain forests of various pine, Douglas-fir and juniper.  We ventured into the interior along the Devil’s Hall trail.  The first mile we hiked along a designated trail and the next up the wash as we scaled and climbed rocks and boulders eventually ending at a natural staircase and into the “hall”.  Making the list of one of the lesser visited national parks, it is a great place to escape from the crowds and surround yourself with raw mother nature.

Although there is much to see above ground, as Carlsbad Caverns National Park is set within the Guadalupe Mountain Range, it is the awe and wonder of that which lies underneath that captivates our attention.  119 caves formed when sulfuric acid dissolved limestone in a fossil reef in what was an ocean floor a few million years ago.  What are left are gorgeous stalactites, stalagmites, columns, soda straws and popcorn formations adorning the cavern floor and ceiling.

We descended into the cavern along the steep 1.25 mile Natural Entrance Trail.  This marries up to the Big Room Trail which is also about 1.25 miles.  It is known to be the largest single cave chamber by volume in North America.  It is estimated to take about 1.5 hours to walk this portion; I think it took us double that!  My father opted out of joining us underground, but mom was excited to go down (which is why it probably took us so long to explore the cave!!).  She met us in the Big Room as the Natural Trail is not recommended for anyone who has physical limitations.  It is an unbelievable experience that leaves you in wonderment and thanking the Lord for his miraculous creations.