Top of Texas — Guadalupe Mountains Expedition

November 4–8, 2027 | Five Days, Four Nights

Journey into the Guadalupe Mountains for a five-day camping expedition featuring a guided attempt to summit the highest point in Texas, fall-color hikes, and time to explore the wildlife and landscapes of West Texas.

Our centerpiece is Guadalupe Peak, rising 8,751 feet above sea level. The challenging climb takes us from desert foothills into mountain forest, with sweeping views along the way. We’ll dedicate a full day to the summit attempt, moving at a steady guided pace and making decisions around weather, trail conditions, and the group.

On a separate outing, we’ll explore McKittrick Canyon, where autumn leaves bring color to the desert landscape. Early November falls within the park’s usual prime foliage window, though the timing and intensity vary each year.

We’ll provide your tent-site camping, meals, cooking, nonalcoholic drinks, and drinking water. Between outings, return to base camp to share a meal, relax, and enjoy games and conversation. Bring your own camping equipment or reserve an optional rental package for two.

Planned Itinerary

November 4 — Arrival & Welcome

Settle into camp, meet the group, and get acquainted with the mountains on a short introductory walk. Enjoy dinner together and a briefing on the summit route, equipment, and weather outlook.

November 5 — Guadalupe Peak Summit Attempt

Start early for the climb to the Top of Texas. The route covers approximately 8.4 miles round trip with around 3,000 feet of elevation gain.

We’ll reserve the full day for hiking, breaks, and photography. Reaching the summit depends on safe conditions and the group’s progress; turning around may be necessary. Return to camp for dinner and a restful evening.

November 6 — McKittrick Canyon & Fall Colors

Explore McKittrick Canyon on a photography-focused hike, watching for autumn foliage, birds, and the contrast between desert plants and sheltered canyon vegetation.

Our planned route heads toward Pratt Cabin, with the final distance determined by conditions and the group’s abilities. We’ll return before the area’s posted closing time.

November 7 — Nature Exploration & Flexible Mountain Day

Enjoy a shorter nature walk, landscape photography, and time to relax at camp. Possible outings include the Frijole Ranch area and Smith Spring Loop, depending on access and conditions.

This day also provides a backup opportunity for the summit attempt if earlier weather required us to rearrange the itinerary.

November 8 — One Last Morning Outside

Enjoy breakfast and a final opportunity for photographs before packing camp and departing.

What's Included

• Guided hiking and nature exploration
• One planned Guadalupe Peak summit attempt, conditions permitting
• McKittrick Canyon fall-color outing
• Wildlife observation and landscape photography opportunities
• Evening stargazing when skies and conditions allow
• Four nights of tent-site camping
• Meals during the expedition, with cooking and meal cleanup handled by our team
• Nonalcoholic drinks and drinking water
• Shared base-camp shelter, used when conditions permit
• Games and other camp activities
• Guide sharing the region’s geology, habitats, wildlife, and natural history
• Pre-trip packing information and general hiking preparation guidance

Optional Enhancements

Camping Gear Rental — For Two People

Camping gear rental is available at an additional cost. Each package is intended for two people. Select the enhancement when booking and review its equipment list to see which personal items you’ll need to bring.

RV-Site Upgrade

RV-site upgrades are subject to availability and campground vehicle requirements. If you want an RV site, you must select the RV-site option in the offering section when booking.

Standard reservations include tent-site camping. The enhancement covers an RV campsite, not an RV rental. Hookups are not guaranteed, and RV accommodations may be separate from the group’s tent-site base camp.

Important Information

• November 4–8, 2027: five days and four nights
• This is a strenuous hiking expedition.
• Guadalupe Peak involves approximately 8.4 miles of hiking and 3,000 feet of elevation gain over steep, rocky terrain.
• The summit outing commonly takes six to eight hours; a guided group may take longer.
• Participants should be comfortable with sustained uphill hiking and a lengthy descent.
• A summit is not guaranteed. Wind, storms, ice, trail conditions, or group progress may require us to turn around.
• Expect cool days, cold nights, and potentially strong winds. Freezing temperatures are possible.
• Fall colors, wildlife sightings, and clear night skies are not guaranteed.
• Driving is required between activity locations. Transportation arrangements, park admission responsibilities, and the final campground will be stated before booking.
• Guests bring their own camping equipment unless they reserve a rental package.
• Tell us about dietary restrictions before booking so we can confirm whether we can accommodate them.
• The first and last provided meals will be identified in your pre-trip information.
• Shorter-route and summit opt-out arrangements must be discussed before booking; separate guided alternatives are not automatically included.

What to Bring

• Broken-in hiking shoes or boots with good traction
• Hiking clothes suitable for changing temperatures
• Warm insulating layers, a warm hat, and gloves
• Windproof and waterproof outer layer
• Daypack and sufficient water-carrying capacity for the summit hike
• Trekking poles, strongly recommended
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat
• Headlamp and spare batteries
• Binoculars
• Camera and spare batteries, if desired
• Personal medications and toiletries
• Camp chair
• Tent, sleeping bag, and insulated sleeping pad suitable for cold-weather camping, unless covered by your rental package
• Trail essentials and any waste pack-out supplies specified in the final packing list

Before Booking

• Participants must review the physical requirements and sign a waiver before the expedition.
• We’ll send a preparation email with suggested walks, hikes, and general ways to prepare for sustained climbing and descending.
• We are not medical professionals or certified fitness trainers. Preparation suggestions are general guidance, not a personalized exercise program.
• Following those suggestions does not guarantee that the expedition will feel easy or that you will reach the summit.
• Contact us before booking if you have concerns about the hiking demands or cold-weather camping.
• Select any camping gear rental or available RV-site enhancement when booking.
• Your guide may rearrange activities or turn the group around when conditions require it. The backup day does not guarantee a second summit attempt.

Cancellation & Weather Policy

• Cancel at least seven days before the trip’s scheduled meeting time for a refund. Cancellations made less than seven days before departure and no-shows are nonrefundable.
• This expedition runs rain or shine, provided conditions allow it to proceed safely.
• Games and other base-camp activities offer options during downtime. The shared shelter will only be used when weather and wind conditions permit.
• Heavy, sustained rainfall, flash flooding, dangerous winds, snow or ice, park closures, or other unsafe conditions may require us to modify, postpone, or cancel the expedition.
• The camp shelter is not a safe refuge during every type of severe weather.
• If Echos of Texas cancels the expedition before departure, you’ll receive a refund or have the option to reschedule.
• Changes to individual activities, including an unsuccessful or canceled summit attempt, do not automatically qualify for a refund if the expedition proceeds.

Why Explore With Echos of Texas?

At Echos of Texas, we believe the best way to experience Texas is through its stories, landscapes, wildlife, and people. This expedition pairs a challenging mountain goal with time to appreciate the canyon’s autumn colors, learn about the landscape, and share the experience with fellow explorers.

Echos of Texas — A Nature Expedition Company.