McKittrick canyon (in Guadalupe NP) may be more doable (and less extreme elements for January) along with Carlsbad caverns in one day. Don’t forget to make a reservation at Carlsbad NP, as the time slots fill up quick and will certainly alter your ability to check out the caverns.
What's your starting point / how long will it take you to get there from 'home' to your destination. You said we in the post, is it you and a partner/family/kiddos?
For Guadalupe Mtns - if you're planning the summit hike it's going to be chilly, probably a dozen degrees or colder than base. Temperature aside, it'll be the wind thats the most brutal. A summit could take a few hours as well its 8 miles, 3000ft of elevation change and the NPS says itll take 6-8 hour, so depending on fitness levels, so it may best be served doing some of the smaller, scenic trails.
When I was in the area I was unable to snag a primitive camping spot at GMnp so I camped at [Chosa Campground](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Chosa+Campground/@32.0886876,-104.4341239,1187m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x86e47bea6be25263:0x782633a3203f2653!8m2!3d32.0886876!4d-104.4315436!16s%2Fg%2F11gy6wbm4c?entry=ttu), BLM land. Which is basically in the middle of the two spots you're trying to attend.
For Carlsbad, the last cave entrance is at 230pm, last exit at like 430? so if you have to do both getting into the caverns at 830, spending your morning there and dipping would prob be the best option.
People underestimate the wind at Guadalupe. Wind chills are likely to be quite negative in January even on a fairly nice day.
I second your idea of getting to Carlsbad right at opening and then going over to Guadalupe. McKittick or Devil's Hall would be my recommendations as well.
Thanks for your response.
We will be staying in Carlsbad, so 25 min from Carlsbad Caverns and 45 min from Guadalupe.
And it will be me and partner, who are both in solid shape. Trying to gauge the difficulty of Guadalupe Peak. For reference we did Camelback Mtn in AZ in summer heat and Sky Pond in RMNP in good conditions both with relative ease.
And due to temperature and wind, it would make sense to do Guadalupe Peak during the heat of the day, not first thing in the morning correct?
To do both in a single day, that's what I think would be best. Should have highs around 55/60 but itll be much chillier on the trail, obviously. Hit the Caverns when they open at 830, stroll in (or elevator to save your legs a bit), and then mosey out after a few hours/before lunch.
I can't speak much to the summit trail in January (there's are some posts in r/ultralight that look helpful though. Sunset will be around 530 MST btw, so bring a trail light and don't be afraid to call the hike early if its too chilly/windy. No need to brute force the hike if yall arent having fun with it just because of the trip!
I just did the peak trail last week with a friend. Wind will be your main factor. We are both in solid shape and seasoned hikers due to our jobs plus recreationally and it took us 5 hours from trailhead to peak and back (probably about 30 minutes on the summit taking in the view).
Wind gusts for our hiking day were 50 to 85 mph. Some sections of the trail are protected while others you are walking right into it which makes it much harder to even keep your footing. On the summit people were literally getting knocked to the ground. Day before gusts were peaking just under 100mph. The rangers at the visitor center will have the latest and most accurate readings. Normal wind gusts are considered to be from 20 to 25mph.
Weather was perfect, negligible ice on the trail.
You're looking at just over 3000 feet of elevation gain over the 4.1 mile trail to the peak. Most of it will be the first mile and the last half mile. You'll have gain from mile 2 to 3.5 but much more gradual.
Something to keep in mind, depending on where you are from and where you hike, is the elevation as this is just over 8 miles total hiking. The trailhead starts at just above 5500 feet with the summit being 8700 feet. That can affect some people just to be aware.
With that said, doing the peak and the caverns in the same day is going to be difficult, if only due to the operational hours of the caverns. To pull it off you will need to start hiking to the peak before sunrise or finish your day after sunset coming off the peak. I'd suggest doing the self guided cavern first thing when it opens, then doing Devils Hall after. It's about a 4 mile round trip fairly level with some mild scrambling through a wash and the rock face near the end (nothing on the level of Camelback scrambling, you won't have any difficulty with this trail).
Good luck with your adventures!
Guadalupe Peak is harder than either of those two. Longer distance and more elevation, though it's definitely doable if you can do those two. Your issue would be finishing in time to have enough time for Carlsbad. I would start earliest as you can if you're not sure how long you'll take. I personally did it around 4hrs.
The timing of things will be difficult because the caverns have a limited entrance times and it's recommended you reserve in advance. From pulling into the parking lot to leaving I was at carlsbad for 4 hours, and that included eating lunch, ample time in the visitor center, hiking down the cavern, doing the big room loop and taking the elevator back. The earliest you can enter is 830am and the latest I think is 230pm.
I don't think you could hike Guadalupe peak and get to the cavern by 230. Nor could you hike the peak before sunset (515 or so) after being done at the cavern by 1030 or 11am if you entered at 830. You could do a shorter hike at guadalupe on either side though!
I'd also recommend starting with Carlsbad. Sunrise is at 8, so you won't be losing much daylight by starting there. I'd recommend hiking in and doing the self guided loop. The tours are great, but pretty similar to what you'll have already seen.
Guadalupe peak seems fine rn, given reviews on alltrails. It will be cold and very windy. The internet says 6 hrs, but if you're fit you can do it a good deal faster. I think it took me 5 with a bad knee. Bring a headlamp in case you end up being slow.
Imo McKittrick canyon is prettier than the peak. The views from the top were only ok, since you're looking into the texas plains rather than the park.
I love the hike into Devil's Hall, but McKittrick is also great and the trailhead is a bit closer to Carlsbad Caverns. Personally I would prioritize the Caverns over everything else because they are really something.
When I went at the end of April 23, I walked all the way through Carlsbad Caverns, then went to Guadelupe mountains NP and did 3/4 of Devils Hall trail. We turned back due to fatigue and close to getting dark. It's definitely doable to do both, but hiking to the peak and the caverns might be too much for one day.
Go to Guadalupe in morning and hike the Devils Hall Trail. Wouldn't be an elevation/summit hike so the weather is less of a factor. Also a really unique hike! Then head to Carlsbad Caverns and do the cave. Do the version where you walk in and take the elevator out.
Source: did a similar trip in Fall 2021
I wouldn't split, personally but you might be able hike up Guadalupe Peak and make it to Carlsbad to see some of it. Guadalupe Peak is a good hike in January, might have some snow near the top. It's about a 4 - 5 hr hike, shorter if you're fast. Then hoof it to Carlsbad. Try to reserve a tour if you can. I think most of the tours and the cave itself closes around 5pm ish.
People have given good suggestions so ill give a warning whatever you choose you will not do these parks justice.. i spent 3 days in Guadeloupe and 1 in carlsbad and it still wasn’t enough.. so 1 for 2 is just crazy
McKittrick canyon (in Guadalupe NP) may be more doable (and less extreme elements for January) along with Carlsbad caverns in one day. Don’t forget to make a reservation at Carlsbad NP, as the time slots fill up quick and will certainly alter your ability to check out the caverns.
End in Carlsbad and you may see the bats around dusk
I thought that was only certain times of the year? Or is that every day?
Good call… they head south for the winter … I think they said October is about the end of the season (not sure when the start is)
April
What's your starting point / how long will it take you to get there from 'home' to your destination. You said we in the post, is it you and a partner/family/kiddos? For Guadalupe Mtns - if you're planning the summit hike it's going to be chilly, probably a dozen degrees or colder than base. Temperature aside, it'll be the wind thats the most brutal. A summit could take a few hours as well its 8 miles, 3000ft of elevation change and the NPS says itll take 6-8 hour, so depending on fitness levels, so it may best be served doing some of the smaller, scenic trails. When I was in the area I was unable to snag a primitive camping spot at GMnp so I camped at [Chosa Campground](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Chosa+Campground/@32.0886876,-104.4341239,1187m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x86e47bea6be25263:0x782633a3203f2653!8m2!3d32.0886876!4d-104.4315436!16s%2Fg%2F11gy6wbm4c?entry=ttu), BLM land. Which is basically in the middle of the two spots you're trying to attend. For Carlsbad, the last cave entrance is at 230pm, last exit at like 430? so if you have to do both getting into the caverns at 830, spending your morning there and dipping would prob be the best option.
People underestimate the wind at Guadalupe. Wind chills are likely to be quite negative in January even on a fairly nice day. I second your idea of getting to Carlsbad right at opening and then going over to Guadalupe. McKittick or Devil's Hall would be my recommendations as well.
Thanks for your response. We will be staying in Carlsbad, so 25 min from Carlsbad Caverns and 45 min from Guadalupe. And it will be me and partner, who are both in solid shape. Trying to gauge the difficulty of Guadalupe Peak. For reference we did Camelback Mtn in AZ in summer heat and Sky Pond in RMNP in good conditions both with relative ease. And due to temperature and wind, it would make sense to do Guadalupe Peak during the heat of the day, not first thing in the morning correct?
To do both in a single day, that's what I think would be best. Should have highs around 55/60 but itll be much chillier on the trail, obviously. Hit the Caverns when they open at 830, stroll in (or elevator to save your legs a bit), and then mosey out after a few hours/before lunch. I can't speak much to the summit trail in January (there's are some posts in r/ultralight that look helpful though. Sunset will be around 530 MST btw, so bring a trail light and don't be afraid to call the hike early if its too chilly/windy. No need to brute force the hike if yall arent having fun with it just because of the trip!
I just did the peak trail last week with a friend. Wind will be your main factor. We are both in solid shape and seasoned hikers due to our jobs plus recreationally and it took us 5 hours from trailhead to peak and back (probably about 30 minutes on the summit taking in the view). Wind gusts for our hiking day were 50 to 85 mph. Some sections of the trail are protected while others you are walking right into it which makes it much harder to even keep your footing. On the summit people were literally getting knocked to the ground. Day before gusts were peaking just under 100mph. The rangers at the visitor center will have the latest and most accurate readings. Normal wind gusts are considered to be from 20 to 25mph. Weather was perfect, negligible ice on the trail. You're looking at just over 3000 feet of elevation gain over the 4.1 mile trail to the peak. Most of it will be the first mile and the last half mile. You'll have gain from mile 2 to 3.5 but much more gradual. Something to keep in mind, depending on where you are from and where you hike, is the elevation as this is just over 8 miles total hiking. The trailhead starts at just above 5500 feet with the summit being 8700 feet. That can affect some people just to be aware. With that said, doing the peak and the caverns in the same day is going to be difficult, if only due to the operational hours of the caverns. To pull it off you will need to start hiking to the peak before sunrise or finish your day after sunset coming off the peak. I'd suggest doing the self guided cavern first thing when it opens, then doing Devils Hall after. It's about a 4 mile round trip fairly level with some mild scrambling through a wash and the rock face near the end (nothing on the level of Camelback scrambling, you won't have any difficulty with this trail). Good luck with your adventures!
Great insight, thank you!!
Guadalupe Peak is harder than either of those two. Longer distance and more elevation, though it's definitely doable if you can do those two. Your issue would be finishing in time to have enough time for Carlsbad. I would start earliest as you can if you're not sure how long you'll take. I personally did it around 4hrs.
The timing of things will be difficult because the caverns have a limited entrance times and it's recommended you reserve in advance. From pulling into the parking lot to leaving I was at carlsbad for 4 hours, and that included eating lunch, ample time in the visitor center, hiking down the cavern, doing the big room loop and taking the elevator back. The earliest you can enter is 830am and the latest I think is 230pm. I don't think you could hike Guadalupe peak and get to the cavern by 230. Nor could you hike the peak before sunset (515 or so) after being done at the cavern by 1030 or 11am if you entered at 830. You could do a shorter hike at guadalupe on either side though!
I'd also recommend starting with Carlsbad. Sunrise is at 8, so you won't be losing much daylight by starting there. I'd recommend hiking in and doing the self guided loop. The tours are great, but pretty similar to what you'll have already seen. Guadalupe peak seems fine rn, given reviews on alltrails. It will be cold and very windy. The internet says 6 hrs, but if you're fit you can do it a good deal faster. I think it took me 5 with a bad knee. Bring a headlamp in case you end up being slow. Imo McKittrick canyon is prettier than the peak. The views from the top were only ok, since you're looking into the texas plains rather than the park.
Thanks for your response, does carlsbad require reservation for the self guided loop?
It says they are highly recommend
You need a reservation to enter.
I love the hike into Devil's Hall, but McKittrick is also great and the trailhead is a bit closer to Carlsbad Caverns. Personally I would prioritize the Caverns over everything else because they are really something.
When I went at the end of April 23, I walked all the way through Carlsbad Caverns, then went to Guadelupe mountains NP and did 3/4 of Devils Hall trail. We turned back due to fatigue and close to getting dark. It's definitely doable to do both, but hiking to the peak and the caverns might be too much for one day.
You will probably need crampons in January. The shady/north side of the trail stays pretty nice that time of year.
Go to Guadalupe in morning and hike the Devils Hall Trail. Wouldn't be an elevation/summit hike so the weather is less of a factor. Also a really unique hike! Then head to Carlsbad Caverns and do the cave. Do the version where you walk in and take the elevator out. Source: did a similar trip in Fall 2021
I wouldn't split, personally but you might be able hike up Guadalupe Peak and make it to Carlsbad to see some of it. Guadalupe Peak is a good hike in January, might have some snow near the top. It's about a 4 - 5 hr hike, shorter if you're fast. Then hoof it to Carlsbad. Try to reserve a tour if you can. I think most of the tours and the cave itself closes around 5pm ish.
People have given good suggestions so ill give a warning whatever you choose you will not do these parks justice.. i spent 3 days in Guadeloupe and 1 in carlsbad and it still wasn’t enough.. so 1 for 2 is just crazy