Guadalupe Mountains: Pine Springs Parking Lot Closed for Roadwork

If you're planning a hike at Guadalupe Mountains in the next few days, there's one logistical detail worth knowing. The Pine Springs Trailhead parking lot is closed right now for a paving project on the road surface. No cars can park there while the work lasts, which is about a week. It's worth sorting out before you show up with your hat on and your bottle full.

Here's what it means for you. Parking shifts over to the visitor center. From that lot, a path of about a quarter mile takes you to the usual trailheads. So plan on a few extra minutes of walking each way, out and back, before you've even started your route.

Two marquee hikes are directly affected. There's the Devils Hall trail, with its narrow passage between the rock walls, and above all the climb up Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas. On these already long, exposed routes, that little bit of extra distance from the visitor center is no small thing, so plan to start a bit earlier and carry more water. The heat doesn't forgive much out here.

Wilderness permit holders are in the same boat. They also have to park at the visitor center before setting out on foot for their starting point. Keep it in mind when you pack your bag and balance the load, especially if you're heading out for several days.

So nothing dealbreaking here. The park stays open and its big trails accessible, as long as you work this transfer into your morning plan. To line up the rest of your visit, the other access points, and our seasonal tips, check out the Guadalupe Mountains park guide. Once the work wraps up, the Pine Springs lot will reopen and everything will be back to normal.