Guadalupe Mountains - Van Horn Loop

More Information:

  • Van Horn Convention and Visitors Bureau
    (866) 424-6939
  • Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce (New Mexico)
    (575) 887-6516
    www.carlsbadchamber.com

Mountain View Golf Course
FWTX 12

This site is open for day use only.

From I-10 take exit 138 to frontage road. At stop sign between Chevron station and McDonalds, turn right (south) and follow road to golf course. Check in at clubhouse.

Because of the presence of water and the proximity to open desert, the golf course is visited by many birds including raptors, quail, etc.

Latitude: 31.0291
Longitude: -104.8558

Okey D. Lucas Memorial Park
FWTX 13

This site is open for day use only.

The Town of Van Horn is located at the crossroads of I-10, US 90, and US 54. Van Horn has one main street. The Okey D. Lucas Park is located near the west end at 1804 W. Broadway just across the street from City Hall and the Convention Center/Visitor's Bureau.

The Okey D. Lucas Park is a quiet, small, and open park with trees and shrubs, with a dramatic background of Turtleback and Six Mile Mountains. The city has a drip water system that attracts the birds despite the dry area. There are picnic tables and restrooms available Monday through Friday, 8-5 at the Visitor's Bureau.

Latitude: 31.0379
Longitude: -104.8562

Guadalupe Mountains National Park - The Bowl
FWTX 15

This site is open daily, and developed camping is available at the site.
An entrance fee or donation may be required.

The trailhead to The Bowl is located off of US 62/180. The driving distance is 110 miles east of El Paso, or 56 miles southwest of Carlsbad, New Mexico. When arriving in Guadalupe Mountains National Park on US 62/180, turn towards the Headquarters Visitor Center and park at the Tejas Trail/Guadalupe Peak trailhead.

The Bowl is approximately 5 miles from the Tejas trailhead. In order to hike to The Bowl, begin hiking up the Tejas Trail to Pine Top. From Pine Top hike the Bowl Trail to reach an open area called The Bowl. The Bowl is above 7,500 ft. in elevation surrounded by a coniferous forest of pine and Douglas fir trees. Those willing to make this strenuous hike will be rewarded by the opportunity to view montane species not usually found elsewhere in the area.

(915) 828-3251
www.nps.gov/gumo

Latitude: 31.8966
Longitude: -104.8277

Guadalupe Mountains National Park - Frijole Ranch, Manzanita & Smith Spring
FWTX 16

This site is open for day use only.
An entrance fee or donation may be required.

These wildlife viewing areas are located off of US 62/180. The driving distance is 110 miles east of El Paso, or 56 miles southwest of Carlsbad, New Mexico. When arriving in Guadalupe Mountains National Park on US 62/180, turn on Frijole Ranch Rd. to Frijole Ranch. From Frijole Ranch visitors can walk .2 miles to Manzanita Spring and .9 miles to Smith Spring.

These springs are reliable places to see bird activity. Bird species that are frequently seen here include Western Scrub Jay, Western Bluebird (winter), Mountain Bluebird (winter), Townsend's Solitaire, Spotted Towhee, and Sage Thrasher. Frijole Ranch and Manzanita Spring are accessible and Smith Spring can be reached by hiking a short distance from Frijole Ranch.

(915) 828-3251
www.nps.gov/gumo

Latitude: 31.9074
Longitude: -104.8014

Guadalupe Mountains National Park - McKittrick Canyon
FWTX 17

This site is open for day use only.
An entrance fee or donation may be required.

McKittrick Canyon is located off of US 62/180. The driving distance is 110 miles east of El Paso, or 56 miles southwest of Carlsbad, New Mexico. When arriving in Guadalupe Mountains National Park on US 62/180, turn on McKittrick Canyon Rd. and continue for 4 miles to McKittrick Canyon Visitor Center and trailhead. McKittrick Canyon is a day-use area.

McKittrick Canyon trail follows a perennial stream in McKittrick Canyon for approximately 3.5 miles. Expect typical Chihuahuan Desert species along the beginning of the trail including year-round residents such as Canyon Wrens, Bewick's Wrens, Greater Roadrunners, Bushtits, and White-winged Doves. Further up canyon the trail enters riparian woodland with big-toothed maple, oak, Texas madrone, and ponderosa pine. In late spring expect to see Western and Hepatic Tanagers, Black-headed Grosbeaks, Grace's Warblers, Plumbeous Vireos, and Broad-tailed Hummingbirds.

(915) 828-3251
www.nps.gov/gumo

Latitude: 31.9772
Longitude: -104.7520

Guadalupe Mountains National Park - Dog Canyon
FWTX 18

This site is open daily, and developed camping is available at the site.
An entrance fee or donation may be required.

Visitors traveling to Dog Canyon can access the area via New Mexico State Road 137. Visitors must turn southwest on New Mexico State Road 137 after driving approximately 11 miles north of Carlsbad, New Mexico on US 285.

Dog Canyon is at the north side of the park at an elevation of 6,300 feet. This is a rarely visited area in the Guadalupe Mountains that offers opportunities to see deer, javelina, Acorn Woodpeckers and Broad-tailed Hummingbirds. This area also provides easy access to the park's high country forests.

(575) 981-2418
www.nps.gov/gumo

Latitude: 31.9945
Longitude: -104.8335