I live in Austin and it takes a while to reach Texas mountains from here. But the drive is worth it. Texas mountains are rugged, remote, and surprisingly dramatic. I enjoy discovering a new ancient canyon, sleeping under the stars and roughing it and cooking my own meals.
If this is your first trip to the mountains of Texas, consider joining a tour. The first three are very challenging and you should only consider it if you are an expert. The last one you can do from the comfort of your car. But, still, be sure to prepare well because there's no cell service!
Best Mountains in Texas:
1. Guadalupe Peak - 2 hours from El Paso
★★★★★
Location: Guadalupe Mountains National Park, TX
Recommended For: Desert hikers, geology buffs
What I Love: ♥ "Guadalupe Peak is more than a high point. Think fossilized reefs, pine forests, picture-perfect views and the highest point in Texas at 8,749 feet."
- Hike a challenging 8.4-mile round-trip trail. It gains 3,000 feet in elevation so get ready to sweat! It leads to the highest point in Texas at 8,749 feet.
- Pass through desert scrub and conifer forest.
- Soak in panoramic views of the Salt Basin Dunes and Chihuahuan Desert.
Cost: $10 per person entrance fee; valid for 7 days. Or pack your annual pass.
Best time to visit: Fall and spring for cooler temperatures and clear views. Avoid summer heat. Winter may bring icy conditions.
Local tips: Start early and bring plenty of water. This is important: there’s no shade and no water along the trail. Be vigilant and watch for sudden weather changes at higher elevations.
Distance: About 2 hours from El Paso, TX by car (nearly 8 hours from Austin!)
How to Get to Guadalupe Peak Trailhead: Enter Guadalupe Mountains National Park via US-62/180. Park at the Pine Springs Trailhead. Signs mark the start of the Guadalupe Peak Trail.
Address:Guadalupe Peak, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, TX
Visitor Info: 915-828-3251
2. Climb for the Views at Amon-Carter Peak - 1.5 hours from Terlingua
Location: Big Bend National Park, Chisos Mountains, TX
Recommended For: Experienced hikers, desert adventurers.
What I Love: ♥ "This is one of Big Bend’s most iconic peaks at 5,688 feet"
- Scramble Class 3 terrain - this is best for VERY confident hikers.
Cost: $30 per vehicle for 7-day park access; annual passes accepted.
Best time to visit: Fall through early spring to avoid desert heat. Mornings offer the best wildlife sightings but be careful!
Local tips: Watch out for mountain lions and black bears. Trust me - encountering a bear is very scary! You should read up on what to do. GPS or a good topo map is essential.
Distance: About 1.5 hours from Terlingua, TX; 5 hours from El Paso, TX.
How to Get to Amon-Carter Peak Trail Access: Begin at the Chisos Basin Trailhead in Big Bend National Park. The route to Amon-Carter Peak is unmaintained. There are paths toward the Window, then diverge west to begin your ascent.
Address:Chisos Mountains, Big Bend National Park, TX
Visitor Info: 432-477-2251
3. Capitol Mesa - 30 minutes from Amarillo, TX
Location: Palo Duro Canyon State Park, TX
Recommended For: Geology lovers, panoramic view seekers, off-trail explorers.
What I Love: ♥ "Red badlands, gold cliffs, and the towering hoodoo of the Lighthouse. It has Grand Canyon vibes, minus the crowds."
- Hike on red rock along the Capitol Mesa ridge.
- Climb to enjoy stunning views from the top of the mesa.
Cost: $8 daily entrance fee per person. Free with Texas State Parks Pass.
Best time to visit: Fall and spring for mild hiking weather and clear canyon views. Summer IS way too hot - I don't recommend it!
Local tips: You need great navigation skills for the cross-country mesa section. Watch for loose rock. Take lots of pics!
Distance: About 30 minutes from Amarillo, TX by car.
How to Get to Capitol Mesa Trail Access: Enter Palo Duro Canyon State Park via TX-217. Begin on the Lighthouse Trail. Then at 0.5 miles in, take the fork south for a mesa ascent. Follow the ridge to the Lighthouse and reconnect with the main trail for your descent.
Address: Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Canyon, TX 79015
Visitor Info: 806-488-2227
Romantic Mountains in Texas:
4. Chinati Peak - 45 minutes from Marfa, TX
Location: Chinati Mountains, Presidio County, TX
Recommended For: Scenic drivers, road trippers, photographers wanting to explore from the comfort of a vehicle.
What I Love: ♥ "You can drive to Chinati Peak, a beautiful remote spot rising above the Marfa Plateau."
- Admire the 7,728-foot Chinati Peak visible from multiple angles.
- Drive on Pinto Canyon Road for a remote and rugged tour. Think grasslands, craggy mountains. Get all the way down into the Rio Grande Valley desert floor.
- Experience the silence of the Chihuahuan Desert. You really get to appreciate West Texas’s raw natural beauty here.
Cost: Free to drive Pinto Canyon Road. No permits required.
Best time to visit: Fall through spring for comfortable driving temperatures and clear skies. Avoid summer due to extreme heat and remote conditions.
Local tips: Pinto Canyon Road is unpaved and remote. Bring extra water, a full tank of gas. Make sure your vehicle is in good condition. There is no cell service! There are no amenities either along the route.
Distance: About 45 minutes from Marfa, TX; 2.5 hours from Big Bend National Park’s west entrance.
How to See Chinati Peak: From Marfa, head west on TX-67, then take Pinto Canyon Road (FM 2810) south. The road skirts the eastern edge of the Chinati Mountains. There are excellent views of Chinati Peak along the way.
Address: Chinati Mountains, Presidio County, TX
Bonus Tip: I enjoyed soaking in Chinati Hot Springs where you can also spend the night.
Review:★★★★★ "The drive on Pinto Canyon Road was pretty challenging for me personally but totally worth it. I got to take lots of photos along the way. I forgot my binoculars (so I will have to go back some day)!"
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