Guadalupe Ranger District
Wildlife and plant life are diverse and abundant. Turkey, deer, elk and a variety of bird life are present, along with coyotes, mountain lions, raccoons, squirrels, bobcats, skunks, badgers and porcupines. The Guadalupe Mountains, ranging in elevation from 3,500 to 7,500 feet are the exposed portions of the Capitan Barrier Reef. The northern part of the mesa is rolling terrain with many canyons generally running to the east. Pinyon and juniper are the predominant trees, with grasses, brush, and cacti. The southern portion consists of deep canyons and sheer cliffs. Vegetation is pinyon, juniper, oak, pine, fir, and Texas madrone trees, with ground cover of grasses and cacti.

Permit Information
Permits required to enter caves in the district. Permits issued on a first-come, first-serve basis. Permits take a minimum of two weeks to obtain. Contact the ranger station to apply.

Directions
Accessible via NM State Highway 137.

Information Center
Guadalupe Ranger Station offers maps, trail guides, and rangers ready to assist you in planning your adventure.

Activities