Travel + Leisure recently came out with a list of the least-visited national parks in the country, and Texas’ very own Guadalupe Mountains is on it. A hidden gem in the sprawling Chihuahuan Desert way out west, this rugged oasis deserves a top spot on your bucket list.

Situated way out in the West Texas desert, Guadalupe Mountains is among the least-visited national parks in the country.

TripAdvisor/mgs1627 It’s a shame more people don’t know about this place - after all, it’s home to the highest mountain peak in the Lone Star State.

Those looking to extend their visit overnight can choose between two developed campgrounds.

TripAdvisor/TravekFar Pine Springs is nestled at the base of Guadalupe Peak, while Dog Canyon features a secluded forest landscape.

From exploring over 80 miles of multi-use trails to stargazing, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing, there’s so much to do here.

TripAdvisor/Lingang Even if you never strayed from the Visitor Center, the views are absolutely incredible at every turn.

Hikes range in length from under a mile to nearly nine miles, so there’s something for all ages and skill levels.

TripAdvisor/scottcaps You could even string together a few shorter trails and build your own adventure - the options are endless!

If you’re up for the challenge, you can embark on the strenuous trek to the “Top of Texas.”

Flickr/daveynin With a 3,000-foot elevation gain, this 8.5-mile hike is no joke - but the views from the summit are worth every drop of sweat and aching muscle.

Among the most underrated features in the park are the Salt Basin Dunes, a 2,000-acre expanse that looks more like the Sahara Desert than Texas.

Google/Anh Ngo You’ll have a blast traipsing through the barren landscape and leaving reality behind for a while.

You’ll find the park on U.S. Highway 62/180, around 110 miles east of El Paso.

Google Maps

Visit the park’s website or Facebook page to learn more.

TripAdvisor/mgs1627

It’s a shame more people don’t know about this place - after all, it’s home to the highest mountain peak in the Lone Star State.

TripAdvisor/TravekFar

Pine Springs is nestled at the base of Guadalupe Peak, while Dog Canyon features a secluded forest landscape.

TripAdvisor/Lingang

Even if you never strayed from the Visitor Center, the views are absolutely incredible at every turn.

TripAdvisor/scottcaps

You could even string together a few shorter trails and build your own adventure - the options are endless!

Flickr/daveynin

With a 3,000-foot elevation gain, this 8.5-mile hike is no joke - but the views from the summit are worth every drop of sweat and aching muscle.

Google/Anh Ngo

You’ll have a blast traipsing through the barren landscape and leaving reality behind for a while.

Google Maps

Have you ever been to the Guadalupe Mountains National Park? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments section below! Check out our previous article to learn more about the Salt Basin Dunes.

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Address: Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Salt Flat, TX 79847, USA