Hiking to the Highest Point in Texas - Guadalupe Peak & Carlsbad Caverns in 4K

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In this episode, we went hiking and camping in Guadalupe Mountains National Park. We drove out to West Texas, staying at Van Horn the night before heading into the park. We then hiked the Salt Basin Overlook trail on the first day. We had some great views of the desert and saw the Guadalupe Mountain's El Capitan.
The next day we hiked up to the highest point in Texas, Guadalupe Peak, sitting at 8751 feet above sea level. We then hiked on the Devil's Hall Trail on the last day before driving to Carlsbad Caverns.
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-SCENE SELECTION-
00:00 Teaser
00:30 Theme Song
00:57 After Intro
02:01 San Antonio Jaunt
02:59 Breakfast and Driving Out
04:49 Car Boredom
06:52 Hotel Archives
07:49 DAY ONE
08:49 Arriving at the Park
09:27 Map Sequence
10:00 El Capitan Trail and Plant ID
13:18 Desert Hiking
19:10 Mormon Tea
22:46 Snack Break
25:11 Sunscreen Smothering
25:57 Sunny Ascent
29:45 El Capitan Views & Vista
34:02 Resting and Talking
35:59 Flowers and Skull
36:38 Hiking Back to Camp
39:38 Shady Tree Rest
41:58 Dehydrated Hiking
44:54 Back to Camp & Water Pump
46:01 Campsite Reflections
46:44 Dinner Shenanigans
51:50 Skunk & Eating
53:08 Dessert in the Desert
54:56 Stars and Storms
56:54 DAY TWO
58:33 Reviewing our Plans
59:15 The Hike Begins
1:02:30 Hail
1:04:58 Resting & Rainbows
1:05:38 To the Summit
1:07:34 The Summit!
1:09:29 Back Down the Mountain, Michelle & Becky
1:12:40 Return to Camp
1:13:31 Visitor's Center
1:15:18 "Luxurious" Dinner & Dessert
1:17:00 Evening Relaxation
1:18:30 Dusk & Night
1:20:16 DAY THREE
1:22:28 Tarantula
1:24:25 Rocky Canyon & Devil's Hall
1:26:46 Final Reflections
1:28:37 Viewer Shoutout and Credits
1:30:05 Post-Hike Meal
1:32:29 Carlsbad Caverns
1:38:54 Credits Resume
1:41:02 Call to Action
1:41:30 Shoutouts
1:46:51 Secret Bites
-----------------------------­--------
All of the musical compositions or arrangements and footage in this video are original, and were composed, recorded, and captured by Andrew Lin, Bryan Lin, Robby Huang, and Thomas Sinard
Featuring drums by Nate Laguzza
Original content and music is copyright Adventure Archives (c) 2021

[@TickThis]

Just a reminder to everyone that the music we enjoy is produced by these same gents. Stunning work guys.

[@Jesusadvocate11013]

I think about that every time I watch one of their videos. It's all so good

[@shikhanshu]

What?? I had no idea! I thought this was some royalty free music they were borrowing. They make this themselves? Way too much talent!

[@ReeWrayOutdoors]

Andrew: "I'm not a fan of hiking uphill. I'm a fan of having hiked uphill." Truer words have never been spoken!

[@MishaDaBear]

I love up hill, but down hill kills my shins and ankles! On a bike I hate up hills and live for every decent, none are long enough!

[@Michael_Tran]

Im just here to see Robby smacking his leg while enjoying his meal haha

[@Jesuscares7680]

Not odd at all..😉😉😉

[@curiousnomadic]

Hey it's one epic hilarious meal.

[@ceceliabess7450]

The century plant only lasts a year then stalk dies and falls over. They are edible but you have to cut the stalk sometime in may and before it blooms. My late father used to cut it down for us as kids and cut the stalk into like foot long sections then he would roast all the sections in a fire. I am Apache from Arizona and it is one of our native foods. It is sweet. Thank you for sharing this awesome video. I really enjoyed watching this one.

[@curiousnomadic]

Much respect and thanks for the info.

[@AdventureArchives]

That sounds amazing, thank you for sharing your comment with us and for watching!

[@davidparker5345]

"century " plants is a catch all name for several varieties of agave plants. Most live SEVERAL years. One I planted bloomed this year. I planted it over 20 years ago. Also around here. The natives (go to a pow wow at the Carlsbad Park) and they do eat part of the plant THE ROOT BULB. Infor from Hobbs New Mexico. Check "facts" from the interenet

[@curiousnomadic]

32:20 Awesome philosophical conversation guys. We are all interdependent. Thumbs up for that.

[@mvg523]

Guys, I just wanted to let you know that my dog actually loves watching Adventure Archives. Whenever I have to leave him at home for a while, I put on Adventure Archives and he will just chill out and watch it. It's his favorite!

[@jb0258]

I've noticed my cat likes to lay near the TV when I have one of their videos going lol. Idk if it's just coincidence or not, but I like to think she enjoys it

[@traviskinchen2265]

My first trip to the Guadalupes was as a young teen in the early 80s when I climbed the peak for the first time with my mother. My most recent trip there (not last!) was in December 2019 just before the pandemic began, when I backpacked out around the El Capitan trail (day one in this video) to Shumard canyon and the Williams Ranch house, and back the next day. In between I have hiked almost every trail in the park (two trail segments still on the list), camped at most of the backcountry sites, taken my dad on his only non-army backpacking trip (McKittrick Ridge) and climbed Guadalupe Peak with my own kids. I've also been blessed to get to visit and explore caves in the New Mexico portions of the mountain range, camp and hike and mountain bike, picnic at Sitting Bull Falls, and just soak up the unique and unexpected environments throughout these mountains. Literally a lifetime of adventures. This place is the home of my heart, and it was such a joy to see it so beautifully filmed and appreciated. Thanks, guys. This one was special. Do go back in late October to mid-November some time and see the maples in brilliant color with the desert mountains around - it's a treat.

[@williambeck6364]

Love the hints of Ennio Morricone (RIP) in the music!

[@Mangaman_]

Got it on my playlist, love the Yo-Yo Ma album

[@Oldwomaninthewoods]

I had to drink water the whole time watching this!

[@lexilovespau]

I like how every scene has a different music that matches the vibe, Robby your sound scoring is superb.

[@mattkrea]

What madman disliked this video?

[@nathanaelcard]

Someone who really misses Brian? So much they just *can't* without him

[@darthchua]

A mad man

[@yokehuatgoh]

not mad men, just psychologically disturbed and emotionally insecure individuals.

[@tetsmcgee]

right

[@alant.541]

Beautifully shot video. Going to put Carlsbad Caverns on my bucket list. Thanks for sharing that adventure.

[@robertterrell3065]

If you go to Carlsbad Caverns be sure to stick around until about sunset to watch to bats fly out of the cave on their nightly bug hunting excursion. There are over a million bats and it's awesome!!

[@kdavis4910]

It's beautiful. You'll love it.

[@aquagardenalgae2833]

I look forward to watching the next video.

[@alexglau7473]

42:13 I think we are halfway there, guys *Narrator:* Thomas, however, was not to be fooled by this false sense of hope

[@jason89988]

Great these guys are back! Some of the best hiking videos on KZbin! They deserve more subscribers for the quality material they produce!

[@carolemahoney3766]

So happy to see you again. I am 76yrs old and love traveling with you guys. Loved this episode. Thank you!

[@kezbot2]

Oustanding content and musical compositions once again, guys! Thanks again for the birthday shout out, Robby and @Jason Bourgeois I'm so appreciative of your (shirtless) efforts 😂🙏😍

[@jason_from_canada]

Robby had artistic control on this one! 🤣🤣🤣

[@kezbot2]

@@jason_from_canada 🤣😚👏👏

[@jason_from_canada]

@@kezbot2 😙💜💜👫

[@CAgirrrrrrrrl]

Absolutely beautiful. And poor Thomas is sunburned.

[@veronica0406]

I was born and raised inTexas, but now live in Idaho. You should add the Sawtooth Mountains to your adventure list. That is a stunning hike! Great video, thank you.

[@bethanydueweke7492]

I can't describe how much I enjoy these productions. If anyone asks what my favorite show is, it's this. This one came out just in time for my birthday and was the best present! From the jokes to the serious, the music and stunning videography, and the end, oh how I look forward to the end 😂! I'm a Robby fan girl for sure, but love watching all of you, and missed Bryan! Can't wait for the next adventure... 😊

[@JohnKExp]

You guys should check out big bend national park. Pretty underrated.

[@rebeccadurrant7115]

Just found all of you a couple weeks ago. Love the videos!

[@johnniehasaproblem]

At this point, Marie Fisher deserves a cameo.

[@marieokay]

no promises

[@WannaKamaka]

The caverns were awesome.

[@jamesmcgurk7367]

That kind of sun exposure is when I get my long sleeve shirt and pants on with a full brim hat. I look silly, but avoiding the sunburn is worth it.

[@LyndonsAdventures.]

Great video . Always love seeing Texas

[@evelynmoyer9069]

A nice reminder how we are all connected. Thanks again, guys.

[@kimbettendorf3937]

36:39-46:25 might just be my favorite music that Robby has ever done so far. LOVE this episode, guys!

[@AdventureArchives]

That was an Andrew joint! All the credit goes to him.

[@kimbettendorf3937]

@@AdventureArchives daaaang, go Andrew! I love it.

[@nenemcginnis9133]

Absolutely the song for the mt.Whitney was my songs too.

[@hectorminator89]

Have you guys ever considered making an interactive map of all the places you guys have visited on the channel. That’s would be awesome.

[@whatoh3407]

This

[@IdRatherBeHiking]

That's a great idea, I'm going to do that for my channel.

[@hectorminator89]

@@IdRatherBeHiking Do it! Let’s us know if you make it.

[@Hikesoup]

This

[@jb0258]

The layered limestone is such an amazing sight! I can only imagine how beautiful it looked in person. Robby's right, that's right out of a dream.

[@ranedeer3743]

Andrew getting blasted in the face by the water spigot was the highlight of this one for me. 😆 Great work!!

[@Jesuscares7680]

Andrew is always the highlight for me..:)

[@scotttaylor9875]

nice trip guys....

[@loganz]

The end credits is as long as an episode and I’m loving it.

[@lizzymoore54]

Electrolyte water, boys, electrolytes!!!! I’m exhausted and dehydrated just watching your hike but it was a wondrous day to behold! Carlsbad Cavern was stupendous!!!! Thanks for the experience, I did so enjoy it! 🌕✨☀️⛈💦💧💦⛈☀️✨🌕

[@AdventureArchives]

Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it, we definitely should have brought some electrolyte packets :)

[@marionnatale8230]

I adore watching you young men on your treks. You make my heart happy. Continue on and be careful. God Bless all of you. 🙏❤️

[@serena_davis]

The credits are awesome. 😄

[@michael_budda]

Awesome video and the antics after the credits were great! Fus Ro Dah!!

[@cassietheconqueror]

I’ve been putting off this video because I am so excited about this adventure! As a fellow Texan, I am so happy y’all are exploring my stomping grounds. We actually planned to hike this trip in November but with a baby on the way, we will have to live vicariously through y’all!

[@robertcayne]

I cant' stop watching this one for some reason. And it's semi-desert! Who would have thought there would be such a beautiful hike there! Reminds me a bit of Joshua Tree

[@Tolya1979]

Love to see and hear from you, again!

[@audieo575]

Dang….what an awesome cinematography!

[@adventureoutdoors2022]

Just started watching your videos. I am crazy about this part of the country. Got lost here back in 1979 but made it through. Watched all your Smoky mountain videos since that’s where I am from. You gave gained a subscriber for sure. All four of you are down to earth and I really love the friendship you share. God Bless and Happy Trails.

[@trailhooks8753]

Such a great episode! Thank you all for the hard work you put into each episode! I never get tired of Adventure Archives!

[@LordDelCasa]

@1:07:48 man that moment made me smile. haven't watched one of these in a while. THANK YOU

[@eduardmg9456]

It's incredible how this videos just keeps on giving. Great content!

[@nancyford4536]

Love the hike and caverns.

[@mdmonirulislam2520]

So much to learn!

[@cburgner3222]

Another great trip with you all! I feel like I’m there each time any of you hike or travel. One of my favorite KZbin subscriptions! Always a happy peaceful end to my hectic day. Thank you!

[@paradise619619]

Popcorn ready. Love you guys. Much luv from Birmingham England United kingdom 🇬🇧

[@simonjones701]

Really enjoyed viewing the unique geography of this part of Texas. Fun to watch. Come hit the Rockies in Alberta!

[@leann4925]

This popped up on my page and just had to watch as love stuff like this. WOW what a storm. The cave was awesome also. Thanks!

[@98wolfpack98]

I love the high desert. looks like an absolute blast!

[@davidparker5345]

WALKING trail to top is amazingly maintained. Just a long up hill walk. The pyramid on the top was brought up there on mule. Other than the need to pack in water (8 pounds a gallon) Great trails and backpacking camping. There are other trails other than to the top of the peak with campsites

[@raystupka3823]

The Century Plant only blooms once every 100 years at the end of the plants life cycle.. So, that was a rare treat to see one in full bloom.

[@AnonymousSaiyan]

Fantastic experience coming from your videos as always. The musical choices throughout this one were spot on and excellent. Can't wait for the coming videos.

[@cities_signs_and_deserts]

This is amazing. Also, epic soundtrack. Best soundtrack of any AA episode. Reminds me of the Lost Horse loop at Joshua Tree.

[@backpackbros8407]

Most dope channel on KZbin.

[@bknwuzheer1]

that Tarantula was amazing; you can see it's missing a leg on the side facing the camera in that 2nd shot, so badass

[@markvanderstelt8999]

they ate it for lunch

[@jamieabel477]

Permian reef trail is a great one too

[@nathanaelcard]

This has me daydreaming of a Sedona or Sante Fe episode some day

[@98wolfpack98]

As someone born and raised New Mexico I would love to see that!

[@nathanaelcard]

Not from there myself, but I fall more and more in love with the NM landscape every time I visit. Gila NF and Carson NF are just begging for some Adventure Archives action

[@killuax3905]

Good to see you guys back on another adventure! :)

[@myabear2409]

I had a lot of fun with you guys on this one. good job! =)

[@TFrax]

Love how they pay tribute to all their contributers in such a great way. Also anyone else notice Bryan is really getting into shape (not meant as an insult). Soon him and Andrew are gonna look like twins with the long hair and beards

[@marianfrances4959]

Yup, noticed. How fantastic! 👍😎🇨🇦🌲👣

[@curiousclownfish3166]

Just did the same trip last week and enjoy watching this.

[@woodsandcreeks]

10:52 Solanaceae. Its interesting to hear AA theme music covered in different instruments at different tempos throughout the video till the end.

[@tundraoutlander3488]

Carl's Jr. Yuck! Hahaha 🤣😂 Whataburger is the way to go in Tejas.

[@phillipkrise9042]

Thanks for taking us on another great adventure.

[@robertterrell3065]

You dudes are up on that bluff in the Texas heat (I was born in San Antonio so I feel it :) ) talking about all the people who helped get you there, your collective moment. This is a real Buddhist moment you're having 😑😊 I love it. I doubt if any of you claim to be Buddhists, it's just flowing right out of your real selves on the hike. 👍🏻

[@Jesuscares7680]

Agreed...put some why / where/when/how in the dialogue ....less shots of eating snacks...more meaty(no pun intended) sharing like the traveling shows of past days on PBS...Its not about the hikers..it about where you are hiking/camping...

[@leahclark2072]

The lighthearted commiserating made this one especially entertaining! Also appreciated the mountaintop collaboration epiphany🙌🏻✨

[@dcv9460]

That was EPIC guys!!!

[@texassalt8999]

Texas here. The sun is no joke down here. That's why I fly to the cooler mountain regions during the summer and fall.

[@uptrail7169]

Another great AA episode! Guadalupe has been on our list for a long time.

[@leahellyson]

All I want is for you all to be 80 years old someday and literally filming Hotel Archives.

[@GxAce]

I would watch a 5 hour AA video. Just sayin'.

[@mikeb.2643]

Weakling...better up that cardio....keep training Padawan and some day you can reach 24 hour watching AA like the rest of us..

[@TyrantTiger85]

How about a 5 hour hike, Just sayin'.

[@blazentoo4904]

Toe jam and earl haha haven't heard that in forever.. As always great job!!

[@damier]

Nice bonus feature at the end guys! Now i want to go see the caves too! The main video, but totally didn’t see what happened to Thomas by the third hike coming. No spoilers, but if you follow this channel, it’s shocking.

[@BushidoDevilDog]

@1:12:15 “...He’s wearing *loafers made from gophers* ..!” 🤣🤣🤣 Nice one!!!

[@adamframpton]

Wow I don't know how I've never heard of those caves, planning a trip right now. Great episode! Looking forward to more traveling!

[@lastminuteman]

Love the video! My nephew and I just did your last hike to Mount Leconte… these videos are inspiring and motivating; keep up the good work fellas.

[@GreatAmericanHikes]

The flute in the song at 59:15 reminds me of New Slang by the Shins.

[@RobbyHuang]

This was a great episode. Sometimes I watch old episodes and I’m like what is this garbage. But this one holds up.

[@susannewcomer9614]

You guys produce better videos than much of the travel shows on the PBS Create channel. The videography is beautiful and the musical scores keep getting better and better with great changes of mood that are so well linked to the video footage.

[@curiousnomadic]

Definitely as good. I used to like Globetrekker and Motion/Outside with Greg Aiello.

[@susannewcomer9614]

@@curiousnomadic You are right about the Globetrekker shows that used to go to places seldom seen on other TV travel shows. I do think that Adventure Archive produced programs about backpacking and hiking would appeal to many of the Create PBS channel viewers who clearly enjoy things like the Ken Burns National Park series. There are so many diverse and beautiful forests and parks that Adventure Archives has visited, and I think TV viewers would enjoy knowing how close they are to where people live around our beautiful country.

[@swgl2245]

I love watching you guys, I'm not much of a hiker but love the places and hikes you take the viewers

[@blakebean4160]

Best hiking videos on the internet..

[@quangphan5911]

woohoo long weekend and a new episode from AA .... and wow at the cinematography....

[@jason_from_canada]

Fantastic episode guys!👍 Thanks for pushing yourselves with those hikes to capture those epic vistas! Robby opting out of a burrito? 🌯🤯 The shout-outs were so funny and imaginative and thanks for including the birthday wish to @kerrylarsen 😁 I'm going to sign up for that Wueen Tsjung course just to get that plain white tee-shirt! 😆 Nice Napoleon Dynamite nod! Happy Birthday @kerrylarsen 🎂😍💜💜

[@kezbot2]

Thank you once again for the birthday shoutout @Jason Bourgeois and Adventure Archives. It was a special surprise, I loved it! :D

[@jason_from_canada]

@@kezbot2 So glad you loved it Kerry 💜💜👫

[@Wolfsonchik]

Music done great!

[@88Kidlat]

Glad to see you back!!!

[@DemiDang]

Almost halfway through and its already so good having come back from TX recently. Great job guys!

[@ryleenafziger9873]

You guys are 100% correct. The Guadalupe Mountains aren't actually mountains. They are, in fact, an ancient fossil reef that ended at some point around the Pangaea breakup. That peak is more or less a graveyard for all sorts of microfossils and ancient aquatic species going as far back as the Paleozoic Era potentially. Heading north from the National Park is a special permit area, closed to the general public and designated for paleontological research primarily.

[@brycewalburn3926]

I decided to hike out the natural entrance at Carlsbad, and multiple people looked at me like I was crazy hahaha. One person even said, "You can do that?!" as if the path only went one way. A bit more of a workout, but still really fun.

[@erichter66]

I love your documentary, thanks! It will help me prepare for this trip. I had to laugh when you were more tired than expected, ran out of water, got the wrong gas containers for your stove, steaks got warm… “this food is not as good as I expect it, But I Appreciate It! I thought it was just me! It is nice to see that these things happen to other people and that they can take it with humor. The night thunderstorms in the dessert are always epic.

[@reyl6152]

This video made me so nostalgic for the past few years.. before the pandemic hit when I was getting my horticulture degree, my classmates and i went to Garfield conservatory in Chicago to see a huge agave plant blooming so I was so excited to see one blooming in this! I remembered working out in the summer heat on a farm in the past year seeing you all suffer similarly in the sun, and then I was brought back to when I traveled to Roswell and the very same caverns with my mother. Wonderful video as always!!

[@Silkstep]

Another Excellent Adventure! Especially liked the cavern hike. Thanks for taking us along. :)

[@johnbarns548]

Stupendous beginning to end. Did that exact trip, got the butt clenching thunderstorms and caverns at end. One of our most memorable trips ever completed. Thank you for bringing back great memories

[@DaSalsaNBachataHo]

Waiting for the next AA video is like waiting for the next season of my favorite show to start!!! As always, well done on the whole production! It was always enjoyable, educational, and makes me eat ramen while watching all of your videos. Keep up the great work guys!

[@sallywhitehead6476]

I love your videos, but your friendship and respect for each other is truly amazing!

[@fuhrank]

It’s not a vacation… it’s an adventure!

[@privatename123]

Seems like u guys are discovering the awesomeness of day hikes. Nothing but the greatest hits of hiking, no filler, with comfy goodness of tasty dinner and drinks and the soft bed of a nice hotel at night.

[@kaylynnbrown1901]

Amazing once again guys.