Guadalupe Peak Climb & Lessons Learned

After five years I finally got a chance to return to Guadalupe Peak- the highest point in Texas- for a second shot at reaching the summit. But in the intervening years it seems I had forgotten some basic rules of hiking and climbing and was nearly given a painful reminder.
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And then again in 2023 I tried Guadalupe Peak once more. How did I do?- • Guadalupe Peak Reclimb...
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[@carolynmoser6659]

Enjoyed your video and your adventure. Wednesday, will be my last year before I turn 70, and I want that same adventure but will take your advise. Thank you very much and God Bless.

[@Brappachino]

I'm hiking this in a few days. Your video gave a lot of tips

[@moncorp1]

They recommend a gallon of water per person for that hike folks.

[@kristopherbuchanan974]

Thanks that topic was danced all over without ever giving the answer the entire video. I waited with anticipation the whole time only to be let down. Another thing I wondered, how much did he bring?

[@balthazarmccohen4435]

Whiskey, not water. Trust the older generation. 89 years of age here and still riding this rodeo. Long live our good old Texas.

[@jmjennings59]

A gallon of water minimum for me at 160#. If you weigh 200# bring 5-6 quarts. Never hurts to bring some electrolyte powder to mix into it. Layers! Relatively light layers - preferably quick-drying synthetics - that you can doff as you work up a sweat, or don when you get up high and it gets cold and windy. You don't have to keep your jacket on the whole hike, just because you brought it. I did Guadalupe Pk yesterday and the route is, well, interesting. Often these burly SW desert-mountain hikes start off gentle, then get steep. This is the opposite. The first one-third of the route is steep switchbacks winding among the cliff bands on the almost sheer mountainside looming over the trailhead. After that the climb gets more moderate. Complicating matters, like Big Bend, the lower switchbacks feature log and stone 'stair steps' planted frequently along the trail. They're great for limiting erosion. But they break my stride and make hiking too much like doing lunges. It's almost as if the lower third of the trail was designed to discourage the unfit, faint of heart and lazy.

[@lawrencenodarse3090]

It's so nice to see a video of an older person describing the hike. I'm 55, and every advice/reflections video on a strenuous national park hike are by people in their 20s and 30s. I remember what my stamina was like in my 20s (it was amazing) and compare it to what it is now (not amazing), with my very weathered knees and ankles. Every other video I've seen about this hike are younger people saying that even though it's 6 to 8 hours, they finished it quicker than that. And it took you, what, 12? There really needs to be more national parks videos meant for middle aged and elderly people.

[@user-kt8yd6we4e]

Not sure I could do it myself, but it is on my mind. Glad you got water from a hiker, but they should have stayed with you or gotten help. Great report and it helps others.

[@aquillafleetwood8180]

I climbed it in Sep. of 1972! I was 20 years old and in excellent shape! Nice view!

[@parristx]

I think the trail may have gotten steeper! : )

[@713HOU5TON]

Next time you go on a 7 plus mile hike with elevation, start really early in the morning so the sun doesn’t kill you.

[@parristx]

Absolutely- an earlier start would have helped!

[@dedekarafotias5339]

Because of your cautionary tale we were prepared. Great climb!

[@parristx]

Glad I could help!

[@erickelly5395]

i did this hike a couple weeks ago. took about 4 hours. i did not bring food. i brought a 2 liter camelback and drank a little over half. it was a nice hike.

[@parristx]

Impressive! I am 50 pounds lighter now and hoping to give it another go this fall. But no way will I be anywhere close to four hours- well, maybe each way. 😁

[@SasSaga]

Thanks for the video! That sounds pretty rough. Rangers recommend 1 gal per person/ day (about 4 Liters). I usually take 5 liters, and electrolyte powder (to mix with water) when hiking in Texas. Also, I always take an InReach Mini 2, which is a personal locator beacon with satellite connectivity. This device has an “SOS” button, that will call rescue. Never underestimate any mountain, and be prepared to spend the night if you have to! Safe hiking, all!

[@parristx]

I have learned my lesson about bringing enough water- I am taking a full gallon when I go to climb it again next month. And I didn't know those satellite locators had actually gotten affordable- I will look into getting one of those as well. Thanks!

[@gordocoop]

So glad you are ok! Thanks for the story and cautionary tale.

[@parristx]

Thanks Gordo!

[@mmitchum3826]

Thanks for posting the long version of the story, and glad you made it all the way!

[@parristx]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed hearing it.

[@ocdmachine]

Thanks for sharing and it's a very good cautionary tale for any hiking situation, be very prepared.

[@parristx]

Thanks!

[@TheMountainMatt]

Stumbled across your channel planning our summer hiking trips 😁, great information! Hopefully we can still get there this year🤞🏼. Great video and channel sir 👍🏼!

[@ertatta]

Watching this makes me actually relieved that I postponed my Guadalupe Peak hike for next time. Something came up with my camping partner which prevented this. I’ll get into better shape and learn from your experience for this next spring. The park and hikes I did do(devils hall and McKittrick canyon) were magical.

[@nightsquats]

Thanks for sharing and congrats on meeting your goal!

[@parristx]

Thanks!

[@TheSpirobulldog]

I hiked Guadalupe Peak about 10 years ago in hot weather. I backpacked there about 5 years ago. I plan on hiking The Peak next weekend with my daughter. I am not as good of shape as I was but I'm glad I watched this video to remind me of a few things.

[@chapter024]

Dude loved your story. Chaotic stories are the best to tell but worst to live

[@parristx]

Thanks! And somehow it has even crossed my mind to climb it again...

[@ripkej77]

I’ve had it happen to me too lol😅

[@parristx]

Just so long as we learn from our mistakes! 🤔

[@butchpedit4871]

I also have over extended myself and put myself at risk for heat stroke and/ or bonk.

[@WalkTheTrails]

What a story! Keep hiking and thanks for sharing your story.

[@parristx]

Thanks! I am going to give it another go- but next time on a cool fall day. And I saw you are from Nepal. I visited there in the mid-90s and drove that road towards the Mt Everest base camp too.

[@WalkTheTrails]

@@parristx Mid 90s huh! That's a long time. A lot has changed now. Did you hike to Base Camp?

[@michaelkilimanjaro9926]

lol. My wife and I had exact same dehydration related symptoms on our 2nd day backpack hike at Big Bend past fall. Instead of coming down when our water was down to 16 ounces after 8 mile hike, we added summit up to Emory Peak. Coming back down 5 miles on steep trail without water was no joke while carrying with 30 lbs backpack. So many people passed us while my wife and I struggled each step. I must have drank like 3 16-ounces gatorade in a minute after coming down. Since then I overkill the water carry with 3-4 liters even 5-6 hour hikes.

[@parristx]

It is so true that at elevation even going downhill is strenuous and dehydration can strike. Glad you got down okay and now bring extra water. 👍👍

[@FilipinaDesertGardener]

Great tips thank you

[@parristx]

Glad I could help!

[@joetrueblood7663]

Great tipping points👍👍👍

[@ashleyluna4277]

Glad you made it back down!

[@parristx]

Thanks Ashley! It has been enough years that I am itching to climb it again. I need to re-watch my video to remind myself of what I learned last time. 🤣

[@JohnLynsAdventures]

A great story for future grandchildren.

[@parristx]

That's true!

[@VCBird6]

Got a similar story with my little brother and I (and will have the accompanying videos up in the next few weeks). We thought we were prepared. Heh, not quite! Luckily we stuck by each other and made it back down in the dead of night.

[@parristx]

I have done the dead of the night descents as well- scary. Glad to hear you made it down okay. I looked for the video on your channel but couldn't find it. Is it one of those titled "GoPro..."?

[@VCBird6]

@@parristx haha I still haven't gotten around to editing and uploading it quite yet

[@izaakmartinez8948]

Just did this hike and fell off one of the cliffs by the grace of god I didn’t get seriously hurt. But will definitely bring walking sticks next time 😂

[@jazzminejackson9181]

I got dehydrated on my first hike and barely made it back to my car (5 miles). I didn't bring enough water and my energy tanked big time. There were a few people in the group that stayed with me until I reached my car. Also, a nice man gave me a bottle of ice cold water that really helped. Maybe I will go hiking again but not any time soon. You really have to bring enough water and food as if your going to be self reliant. Bring more water than you think you will need.

[@macbeavers6938]

Thanks so much for sharing this great story. I can relate as the first time I attempted to hike Mt. Whitney from the portal I got altitude sickness and had to retreat. It is obvious now but you carried way too much crap up the trail. I and a buddy are going to hike Guadalupe Peak in a few weeks. The only thing of any consequence that I am going to take is water and maybe a few granola bars. I will also take a head lamp. Also, I am getting in great shape for this challenge. Thanks again for this story. You are very mentally tough. Good for you!! "There are no coincidences, only the illusion of coincidence." --V from V for Vendetta

[@parristx]

I remember being able to see Mt. Whitney when I visited Death Valley back in the 80s. The top looked awfully steep to climb and of course the altitude is a factor going over 14,000 feet. I hope you have a great time climbing Guadalupe Peak! I want to go back and climb it the same day as a future Blue Origin rocket launch. The Blue Origin launch pad is right on Highway 54 that runs from Van Horn to Guadalupe Peak. From the peak you have a clear view for many miles to the south and I bet a great view of the launch.

[@macbeavers6938]

Thank you for the reply sir. I live in Van Horn. My buddy is coming out from the L. A. area. Next launch for Blue Origin is October 12th. Adonai.

[@macbeavers6938]

@@parristx Made it to the top a couple of weeks ago. Man, that is a tough "trail". I have seen Blue Origin rocket launches from a distance and all you see is a vertical contrail and you probably won't even hear it from that distance of 40 or so miles. Having now made the hike I am even more impressed with your accomplishment under the conditions you endured. Take care Parris.

[@alexlee6247]

when backpacking can you camp anywhere along the trail?

[@scottythompson940]

cool video tech talk parris

[@freddyviafara2570]

You inspired me. I will climb tomorrow.

[@parristx]

Really? How did it go? I am planning to climb it again in a week or so.

[@freddyviafara2570]

@@parristx I took a lot of water. I was never concerned about being thirsty. I could worry about other things lol. Spring weather really helped. I was cold sometimes and I used a puffy jacket. It took me 6 hours. I feel so good I tryed it.

[@jessarellanes6648]

Be careful out there

[@parristx]

Good advice!

[@pacu7102]

How much water did you bring?

[@parristx]

About one liter. 😞😞

[@pacu7102]

@@parristx good to know! I will be attempting to hike this weekend and am trying to figure out how much water to bring. I’m thinking my wife and I can both carry a gallon and a half for a total of 3 gallons. The con of course will be 12lbs of weight for both of us to carry just in water. Thank you for responding and the insight!

[@rickdavis2235]

Maybe you should look at a keto regime where your body doesn't rely on the ups and downs of your energy levels when you consume sugary carbs.

[@parristx]

I actually switched from processed foods with added sugars and my energy levels have leveled out very well.

[@dryfly1999]

What month did you hike it?

[@parristx]

That was over Spring Break in April, I think. I am definitely going to have another go at it- but this time I would prefer a cool fall day.

[@MrCuervo22779]

So how much water did you take with you and what is recommended?

[@TilleyAlpha]

MrCuervo22779 4 liters is recommended per person for the round trip hike.

[@parristx]

I took two 16-ounce bottles. Half of what is recommended.

[@parristx]

Yes, and even a little more wouldn't hurt (some to share in case you find someone like me stumbling down the trail).

[@rb30athorn]

How do you get people to send you free stuff?

[@shells_elements]

My husband and I were there in February. He's an Eagle Scout and packed about 50 pounds of food and gear in his pack, way more than we needed. It was also much rockier and windier than we expected. My nervous stomach kicked in and six hours later, we're back at the hotel in Whites City. I definitely prepared badly! Glad you're ok.😊

[@parristx]

Sorry to hear it didn't work out. Are you going to give it another try? In researching about my own health issues I have learned the latest thinking on IBS and other stomach issues is that your microbiome (the resident bacteria colonies of your gut) may be involved. A book I just finished reading- "10% Human"- goes into the latest research and I highly recommend it.

[@balthazarmccohen4435]

In my old days we used to take a canteen of cheap rye whiskey and have small sips throughout the day when thirsty. Worked just fine probably better than water. It was also considered the line distinguishing child and man. The horses would get water. I remember riding up to the Guadalupe a few times, my father had a ranch somewhere in the vicinity and I would scout them mountains in the early hours of the morning. Point is, you seem to be a very young man compared to me and I think it is about time you and all the other men in your following start taking whiskey on your trips: it will strengthen your stomach and refine your senses

[@parristx]

Thanks for the tip! I know in watching older movies that whiskey used to be quite a cure-all. It has fallen out of fashion for those purposes.

[@mattmarzula]

It's not a climb. It's a hike. Literally a walk.

[@TilleyAlpha]

Sounds like High Altitude Sickness.

[@moncorp1]

^That or heat exhaustion.

[@parristx]

I have been at higher elevations without having symptoms but overall health may be a factor- or even age.

[@parristx]

Living in Texas I have overheated once or twice and it didn't feel quite like that. But my brain was pretty foggy at the time so anything is possible.

[@m.hernandez1404]

waterwaterwater

[@parristx]

Yup, I learned that lesson.