A Very Windy Hike to the Highest Peak in Texas - Guadalupe Peak Dayhike at Guadalupe Mountains NP

This was a cold and windy hike from the Pine Springs Trailhead to the top of Texas, Guadalupe Peak (8751'). This was my 4th summit of the mountain but my mom's 1st time up Guadalupe Peak.
Sorry about the wind noise but that's just the way it goes in the Guadalupe Mountains. We even waited until the day that it was less windy!
Hope you find some good info in this video if you're planning your own hike to the top of Texas. If you have any questions or comments, be sure to leave them in the comment section of this video. Thanks for watching guys!

[@michaelhernandez410]

I'm too old and I'll to hike, at present,(66 years old, have a neuroblastoma) but your video brought back many pleasant memories. I hope to recover and return to Guadalupe Peak someday. Looks like I might just be able to do so as I recovered from Chemo-induced renal failure and radiation. Parks like this one and Big Bend have been my inspiration. Your video really helps. Thanks.

[@CameronHall88]

Michael, I wish you all the best and hope your health continues to improve. Hopefully you are able to return to the parks and get in plenty of hikes. Thanks a lot for watching.

[@roytheroyal]

Awesome! so refreshing to see hiking with mom...super cool.

[@CameronHall88]

Oh yeah, she loves to hike. I'm glad we had a chance to do this together. It's a tough hike but she did great. I appreciate you watching.

[@kevinmilone2298]

we did this hike the same morning as you all did, fantastic hike and a awesome video. You are blessed to have been able to do this hike with your mom, thanks for sharing it

[@CameronHall88]

Pretty chilly at the top that day, huh?

[@bharathipriyadev9267]

Your video was super helpful and I love that you did it with your mom! She’s a rock star 💫 Love all your videos and you say everything with a smile I did a solo this past sunday and it was excruciating but so rewarding! Would love to do it again sometime.

[@CameronHall88]

Thanks a lot. And I'll let my mom know you said so! That's awesome! It is a tough hike for sure. But now you know first hand what to expect, you'll be able to get so much more out of it next time. Also, there are so many other great places in the park to checkout without the crowds that can come on Guadalupe Peak.

[@SonoraDick]

Your Mom has exactly the right idea... Once is enough! Really enjoyed watching this. I hiked it in 2002 & didn't take many photos. Thanks for the reminder. Think it was the day after Labor Day, and it was hot. I cooled off in the afternoon at Carlsbad Caverns. Great video & just the right amount of narration; thanks again for posting.

[@CameronHall88]

Thanks a lot for watching. I always wish I had taken more pictures on my trips. I do love having these videos to be able to go back and watch. Everyone needs to hike to Guadalupe Peak at least once. And you had the right idea about the Caverns in the afternoon. Nature's refrigerator in the middle of the desert.

[@NickandRachel]

What a gorgeous Hike! Thanks for sharing

[@sharpenrightservicesllc]

Loved your video Cameron. We're going March 2024. Thanks for sharing!

[@CameronHall88]

Hope your hike goes well! Good luck. Thanks for watching.

[@morray411]

I always enjoy your videos and, as this hike is on my radar, believe this one is my favorite. What a treat to do this with your mother and share the experience with others! Thank you!

[@CameronHall88]

Yeah it was pretty special o be able to do the hike with my mom. Something for her to check off her bucket list. Hope you make it out there soon to do the hike yourself.

[@butchferguson8430]

Your Mom is awesome! Can't wait to climb it my self! Thanks for sharing.

[@CameronHall88]

Yeah she did great. Especially since conditions were not optimal. Hope you have great weather when you do! Thanks for watching.

[@thorjarlberglund997]

I love that you are doing this with your mom. Thats just awesome. Memories you both allways will take with you

[@CameronHall88]

Yeah, it was a great experience. Wish we could have caught slightly better winds but that just added to the memory. Thanks for watching.

[@texashikeaholicsadventures5651]

That was awesome!!! Congratulations on such a great Mother/Son adventure!!!

[@CameronHall88]

Yeah she did great. And it turned out to be a great (albeit extremely windy) trip.

[@Patriot-American]

Great hike for you and your mom 👍 Great scenery and sounds like that wind put the wind chill down pretty low. What a view from the top. Thanks for taking us along for the hike ... 😉

[@CameronHall88]

The wind was nuts. Literally blew my mom off her feet at the summit marker. Thanks a lot for watching.

[@randygonzalez5758]

Great video with great info.....thx for putting this together, as it will prove very helpful for my first summit of Guadalupe Peak next week

[@CameronHall88]

Thanks for watching, Randy. Good luck on your hike. Hopefully you get some good weather and great views.

[@bce5726]

Love it! One of the best experiences of my life was summiting it solo.

[@CameronHall88]

It is definitely one everyone should mark off their bucket list at least once. Pretty awesome experience.

[@bce5726]

@@CameronHall88 yessir! That's for sure.

[@daltonowens2619]

Man what a great experience with your mom. So worth every step. I did was my brother and dad. Long ago but so ready to return. Ty

[@CameronHall88]

I am really fortunate we were able to do this and it will be a memory that sticks with me forever. As I know your trip with your father and brother has. Thanks for watching.

[@Lora-Lynn]

Great adventure video. Beautiful day.

[@CameronHall88]

Thanks a lot for watching. It really was a great day.

[@charleswilliams9757]

That was such an enjoyable video. Cuddos to your Mom, what a brave woman. I'll be hiking that peak soon.

[@CameronHall88]

Thanks a lot for watching. She did great. I'm glad we were able to do that together. Good luck on your hike, Charles. Hope you get calm winds!

[@texasgal1563]

Thank you for sharing this adventure with us!! A friend of mine is planning to hike the Guadalupe Peak for her second time for her 60th birthday. Since she and I are the same age, I would love to join her. We'll hike in June 2022. This vid gives me an idea of how to train. Kudos to your mom for making the hike!!

[@CameronHall88]

Thanks for watching. Slightly different weather in June! I've done it it August and September and you'll hear people talk about how hot it is but its honestly not near as bad as some make it out to be. Just have plenty of water and enjoy the hike!

[@michaelhernandez410]

Both times that I hiked this trail, the winds gusted up to 40 miles per hour. Always bring some warm clothes and a boonie hat with a drawstring. Also, bring LOTS of water!

[@tangenttrails]

“Escalators & rainbows.”😄 Great hike up with your mom.

[@CameronHall88]

I'm glad we were able to do this together. I appreciate you watching!

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

Really cool memory to have hiking with your Mom! Cherish these moments! I have not yet been to Guadalupe peak but watching your videos really makes me want to go sometime soon!

[@CameronHall88]

Yeah it was a neat experience! Definitely get out there to do the peak if you can. But there is so much more to the park. Pretty much any other trail and you'll escape the crowds.

[@baltex23]

Awesome to hike it with your mom. I hiked it alone October 2021.

[@CameronHall88]

Yeah, it turned out great. Great views from the top. I hope your hike went well!

[@jamesdarren9149]

I wished I was up there with ya never been. Great video as always!!!🤠

[@CameronHall88]

It would have been a little nicer on a warmer day. The winds were nuts this past week. Everyone needs to make the trip up at least once. Thanks a lot for watching!

[@michaelcarter382]

Cool beans. Headed out of Round Rock Wed. morning and will be up there through Monday. Thanks for showing that ridgeline to El Cap. Makes sense now that I see it....

[@CameronHall88]

Good luck on your trip. Hope all goes well!

[@jaymecastro4253]

"escalators and rainbows" 🤣🤣 Thanks for the cool vid.

[@CameronHall88]

Definitely not going to find many of those on your way to the peak. Thanks a lot for stopping by and checking out my video.

[@aquillafleetwood8180]

I stood there in September of 1972! First night was a thunderstorrn from...hell!

[@CameronHall88]

Things have probably changed slightly since 72! I love rain in the desert mountains.

[@TravellyWorld]

👌👌👌👌 Nice VLOG! Thank you for sharing! Hi from Travelly

[@lloyddubose4814]

I noticed your reply on the Mescalero video. I was asking because I had packed up Monday camping at the upper campsites and while traversing down Tuesday I passed you and your mother. You had paused for a break and I said hello but continued on not wanting to bother you guys. I moved over to McKittrick that morning and hiked/ camped at the peak sites Tuesday night. My first visit to Guadalupe Mountains. It was great. Continue to Enjoy the walk.

[@CameronHall88]

I wouldnt have minded stopping to talk. But I appreciate you commenting now. I usually see someone on each trip to GUMO that recognizes me from my videos. You picked a couple of the great iconic hikes for your first trip out there. Doesnt get much better than Mckittrick. Tough hike but extremely beautiful. Hope the winds died down a little for you. The winds were nuts this past week.

[@erinnerungen8823]

Man, this looks so cool! I've never hiked before, but I'm a fellow west Texan, not too terribly far. I'm thinking of coming here to hike for the first time

[@BluecollarBackcountry]

Congrats to your mom for summiting the peak. It will be a memory that stays with her, even if she never does it again. Hahaha Nice video Cameron.

[@CameronHall88]

Thanks. Wish it wouldn't have been quite as cold and windy for her. But im glad that gave her the full Guadalupe Mountains experience. She got to experience the 60 mph winds and her tent bowing in all around her all night. Plus skunks trying to get her in her tent. And she's usually a 5th wheel camper. So that was all pretty exciting. I'm sure she'll never forget. Haha.

[@gogerwi]

Your so right about the first mile and a half. I've done it four times and looking to the fifth.

[@CameronHall88]

I've done the 4 times. Gets busier each time. I am trying to focus more on the rest of the park from now on. But there are certain routes that may connect through Guadalupe Peak that may cause me to head back up there in the future. Or to take my kids eventually.

[@jessy5453]

I absolutely LOVE this video! I'm hoping to go to Guadalupe this winter and initially I was thinking of just doing Devil Trail due to time restrains, but you have encouraged me and now I will be hiking this trail! Thank you for an amazing video!

[@CameronHall88]

Hopefully you get good weather. As long as winds aren't too crazy, winter can be a good time to summit. Definitely less crowds. It's a good hike if you haven't done it before. Good luck on your hike!

[@jessy5453]

@@CameronHall88 okay I will wait until March :)

[@carlosblanco2460]

Damn...your mom is a little beast. We are going at the end of this month to tackle the peak. It will be my 3rd time and my girlfriends first time so we are both stoked about going. By the way, great video, thank you for sharing.

[@CameronHall88]

Thanks a lot for watching! She sure is. As you know, it's a tough hike, but she did great. Good luck on your upcoming trip. Hope it goes well and the winds aren't too high!

[@Ralphcis]

Cameron, congratulations to your mom! We’re going in 2 weeks and I won’t to know how old your mom is. I’m 67 and going!

[@CameronHall88]

She did great. My mom is not quite 60. Good luck on your hike. Hope you guys get low winds!

[@Ralphcis]

I'll keep you posted@@CameronHall88

[@LindseySpiegelquackquack]

I thought I had posted this on one of your videos, but maybe not! We're in Seminole... about 2.5 hrs from Pine Springs. If you ever want to stay the night, let me know! We have an Airbnb private guest space on our property and would love to host you at no cost. We have long term renters from time to time, but if we are vacant, you're welcome! We love hiking Guadalupe! We have found your videos to be very helpful.

[@CameronHall88]

Hey Lindsey, I'm not sure if you saw my reply to your last comment. I think it was on my South Rim video. I appreciate your offer. Very kind of you. I actually just realized on a recent trip that I have been driving through Seminole going to and from GUMO over the past year or so.

[@LindseySpiegelquackquack]

@@CameronHall88, I'll have to look for that comment! I got tired of sharing my KZbin account on our main TV with the family, so I made a new one for just my stuff so I'm not sure if it was the account or the other. And honestly, when I commented I was in the midst of Covid and my brain was in a fog!!! I bet you do come through our way! Going south on the 20 and through Orla would put you in a midst of some heavy oil field traffic, which I heard you talk about in one of your videos! Come see us! We'd enjoy hanging out with you and having you for a night! ... And we're covid free now. Lol! [e-mail]

[@secretsoftexas6872]

Epic journey to the top with more variety along the way than you might think. Which hike is better, this or Hunter Peak?

[@CameronHall88]

Hunter Peak is better for sure but I say that mainly because you are fairly likely to either see no one or see only a small handful of people on that entire hike. Whereas Guadalupe Peak you are guaranteed to see 30 - 40 people or possibly way more. And its also nice that you can add on to your hike (through the bowl) or make a loop out of your hike up to Hunter Peak. Whereas Guadalupe Peak is just an out and back on the same trail.

[@cheremorris129]

man when i graduate high school i may take a trip to guadalupe peak

[@CameronHall88]

You definitely should. It's a pretty cool experience.

[@1121gsm]

One of my favorite places and climbs. We did this in April 2019. Planning on going to Big Bend next January. Have you ever summited Mt. Emory? I'm a little concerned with the very top and the possibility of falling to my demise. I'd like to know if it's as scary as it seems. Thanks for this great video.

[@CameronHall88]

I did climb Emory 12 or 13 years ago. I dont remember it being THAT intense but I was surprised by the scrambling at the top. (Back before KZbin days). I need to get out there and redo that peak eventually. Hopefully its not too cold when you go. That'll be a cool climb.

[@omarmunoz1003]

What was the temperature when you started vs at the top?

[@herrheim1685]

Planning on doing this next week any tips would be great!

[@CameronHall88]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5OpnYOsgN6pi8U This is another video I put together with a lot of info on the hike. Good luck on your trip. Hope it goes well.

[@dryfly1999]

What kind of a camera were you using to record this hike? And I’m going to hike up the peak this weekend (May 10th). Do you think it’ll be okay with shorts, t shirt, and light jacket?

[@CameronHall88]

Whatever Samsung phone I had at the time. Not sure of the model. It's hard to say for certain. But in general, it SHOULD be okay depending on your time of day and if a front happens to hit or not.

[@alejar6375]

Any tips or advice for staying at pine springs? I will be there late September.

[@CameronHall88]

Make sure you have reservations. Bring a low profile tent if you can and use your guylines as there is a good chance you'll have stiff winds at some point. I've seen tons of broken and downed tents at Pine Springs. Keep your food out of your tent. There aren't bears near the campground but there are mice and skunks that are attracted to it. There is a lot more I could say but if you have any specific concerns or questions, let me know.

[@kumarram6061]

@cameronHall88 trekking poles did you use with boot tip or just the carbide tip?

[@CameronHall88]

I've only ever used the metal tips. The rubber boots would work pretty well for this trail, though; because it's so rocky.

[@TheNotLostNomad]

Tell your mom congratulations on completing a tough climb. Great video! How did you like doing this as a day hike compared to staying overnight?

[@CameronHall88]

I thought it would feel long but it didn't. Carrying less water was pretty nice also. I have liked staying on the peak in the past when I was one of the only ones there. The last time I camped overnight when the Guadalupe Peak campsites were completely full was not pleasant. I won't be camping up there again unless its bad weather or something and I'm confident there wouldn't be as many people. On the hike this day, because of the cold and wind, there weren't 1/4 of the people hiking the peak that there was the last time I did it. It was pretty nice.

[@TheNotLostNomad]

@@CameronHall88 , that’s great that you missed the crowds on this one. I’ve done the day hike before but I’d like to do the overnight. I hope GUMO goes to a reservation system soon...that’s a long drive to get all the way out there to find that the campground is filled.

[@CameronHall88]

I honestly would hate if they went to an all reservation system. Might be alright if they did half reserved and half first come. But that'd only be like 10 sites at Pine Springs. I'm just thinking of how the State Parks are now where everything is completely reserved for months straight. It sucks. And right now I'm fortunate enough to be able to get out there pretty early in the morning where I have a good chance at a campsite on a first come first served basis. I could definitely see though that if that wasn't possible how a lot of people would want to go to reservations.

[@TheNotLostNomad]

@@CameronHall88 I can definitely understand that...half and half could possibly work. I just like the security of having a booked campsite when the drive is that far out.

[@lifeofmine7640]

About how long is the hike to the summit?

[@CameronHall88]

4.2 miles one way. 8.4 from your car, to the top, and back to your car. Depending on your physical shape, somewhere between 5 - 8 hours.

[@estehlacwithme6035]

What are those sticks called that your mother is using and where can you purchase?

[@CameronHall88]

They're called trekking poles. You can get cheap versions of them on Amazon or from Walmart or Academy. More expensive versions can be found at outdoor stores like REI.

[@hikingwithjackieboy]

How long is the cliff section?

[@CameronHall88]

I measured it once but I dont remember exactly. I'm wanting to say from sign to sign its between 200 and 300 feet. Probably closer to 200.

[@hikingwithjackieboy]

@@CameronHall88 thank you

[@jrconde1001]

Maybe I didn’t catch it, but what month of the year did you do this hike?

[@CameronHall88]

This video is from late November. But I've done this same hike in Spring and Summer as well.

[@dryfly1999]

What month did you and your mom make the hike up there?

[@CameronHall88]

This is early November. I've also done it in summer several times. October and early November are great times to do it as it coincides with fall foliage in the park.

[@kumarram6061]

where would be best site to check the wind speed ?

[@CameronHall88]

bigbendchat.com/gumo-weather-stations-t9573.html These are the weather stations throughout the park and will give you actual real time weather updates. www.nps.gov/gumo/planyourvisit/weather.htm This is the parks forecasted weather and extended forecast.

[@kumarram6061]

thank you@@CameronHall88

[@MegaMastiffman]

That’s an outstanding hat ya got there bud

[@CameronHall88]

Thanks, Brendan. It's my second one of the exact same hat. I wore my first one so much that it is now brown.

[@PR-nq4dt]

Is there mountain lions or bears in that area?

[@CameronHall88]

Technically, yes. But the population is so sparse that your chance of seeing either is incredibly low.

[@aberkimm]

What did your mom carry in her backpack? Congratulations, mom!

[@CameronHall88]

She mostly carried clothing layers. Also water, snacks, phone, and things like that.