Hadn't done it in a few years. I was surprised how few people were on the trail. I've seen that trail look like a super highway before. Its was pretty nice.
I made this hike about a week ago! Super glad it wasn’t as this, it was very raining a little bit- very glad I had my treking poles to keep from slipping! Great video, you are super knowledgeable!
Thanks a lot Leyla. I feel like I know the park pretty well. Glad you were able to make it up to the peak even with all the craziness going on. I think trekking poles are a must at GUMO.
Excellent video! Hiked up in June for the first time and it was a great experience! Everyone I met was very nice and the views were spectacular. Thanks for the video reminder of my wonderful experience!
Thanks for watching. It's quite the hike. This was my second time and it was just as fun as the first. You're right, there are some awesome views from up there.
Great Videos... I'll be there on 8-23-18 I have seen the weather will not be to hot. Planning to camp on the peak camping area and maybe try El Capitan hike too. Is 20lb Base too much to hike there?
That's awesome. I would say 20lbs is probably pretty typical. It's mainly the water weight that is killer. Dont underestimate how much you'll need. I normally carry 1 gallon per 24 hours but drank way more on this trip and still needed more. Hope you end up with great weather. Have a great trip.
Sorry to bother Cameron. I will drive more than 6hrs to Guadalupe M. Just worried about available camping spaces on the peak campsite. if that is the case what other campsite do you recommend me ? with great views. Thanks. I will appreciate any advice
If its a weekday, you should have no problem getting a Guadalupe Peak campsite. If its a weekend, you will most likely be able to get one, but I'd make sure you are there to register for it in the morning sometime. For whatever reason if you need a different campsite with views, McKittrick Ridge probably has the best views. Bush Mountain has great views nearby, and Pine Top has pretty nice views also.
Thanks Cameron. for your advice. I camped 2 nights at the peak campsite as planned . weather was amazing with fast winds and thunderstorms at night... but I really enjoyed it. I had a great experience!.
My wife and I were at Dog Canyon and McKittrick Ridge July 25-28. Weather was fantastic. Up on McKittrick it rained on us and it felt like it was in the upper 60s, certainly no more than 70-71 degrees F. Definitely my favorite place in Texas. The trails are the best and most challenging, without question. We did about 26 miles over two days. Didn't want to leave. I see you can't get it out of your blood! :-) We drove around to Pine Springs. Very beautiful views, but just too many people for my taste. I prefer to be around much fewer people than I saw. It looked almost like a commune. Anyway, I enjoy your videos. We share a common passion!
I hear you on too many people. I was really worried about that on the Peak trail. But was pleasantly surprised. Sounds like yall had a great trip. I really want to spend more time in Mckittrick Canyon. Maybe some off trail stuff. And I'd like to spend another night or two on Wilderness Ridge. I'm going to plan another trip for late fall or winter. Itd be cool to get a small group together.
I suppose in certain places I might. But when I used them at Guadalupe mountains, I didnt. I also have a net rent that fits under the tarp to use in certain situations.
Thanks David. Sounds like you're picking a couple of the most scenic places in the park. Let me know if you have any questions before you go. Hope you enjoy your trip.
I'm hoping to have the stamina for Guadalupe Peak, but would the Salt Basin/El Capitan Trails be a good alternative if I find I can't hack Guadalupe Peak trail? I'm not finding much info about these trails during my research.
If you're planning on hiking to the top of McKittrick Ridge when you do McKittrick Canyon, that hike is a lot harder than Guadalupe Peak. If you plan to just hike to Pratt Cabin or the Grotto, its fairly flat. Guadalupe Peak is tough for the first 1/3 or so. Once you make it to the forested section, you get the shade and it isn't nearly as steep. Salt Basin/El Cap trails have more elevation change than you would think if you go all the way to Williams Ranch. If you just did the Salt Basin Loop, it isn't too bad. But the trail will be very overgrown in sections. And there will be nearly zero shade. Here is a video I did from just the Salt Basin Loop. I started at the highway and hiked up the wash instead of starting from Pine Springs Campground. ua-cam.com/video/IGWxFu5u3IQ/v-deo.html
Incredible filming of your views! They are very 3D compared to other Chanel’s. As close to being there as one can get just viewing on a screen. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Cameron, I saw the campsite video and thought you were going to do the four peaks. Nice views in the video and I'm looking forward to El Capitan. I'd like to go back and do it again when it's clear, but I'm sure you got some nice views. It's nice to be on the summit of Guadalupe peak alone. I've had it to myself three times, and the 4th time with only 3 other people. It's definitely great to be up there by yourself.
Zachary Teich I wanted to. I just didn't have it in me. Wasn't really having a ton of fun after day 1. Probably good because I would have run out of water even though I carried 8L. I need to train a little bit before I try it. Hopefully over the fall or winter.
Nice video, dude! I went in January of 2017. Slept in my hammock with 32° weather and 75 mph winds. Ear plugs definitely helped at night, lol. Looks like you stayed at the same site I did. That brick wall helped block the wind for cooking some grub.
Very cool. Sounds like you had a very cold night. Bet your hammock was rocking that night. I've spent a couple nights in the Guads with winds that were around 60 or so and snow on the ground. I really like it out there in winter. Also less people around. I haven't taken a hammock out there in a couple years but look to do so again this winter.
Ultralight Outdoors The 20° UQ, TQ and extra pair of socks came in handy. Actually pretty cozy. I just lost tension in my tarp from user error so there was a lot of flapping. When possible, hammock is a no brainer.
As usual very nice video. I climbed up Guadalupe peak back in November a week after we had snowfall in the Austin area. There was snow all along the trail. It was very slick in some parts but it just made the views more beautiful. The only thing that disappointed me was the night time views off the campsite all you could see was flares off the oil and gas rigs and truck traffic off in the distance.
That's awesome. I didn't remember all the lights from the last time I was there. But there was a really thick blanket of clouds under us and we couldn't see the desert floor. It was a little disappointing this time. The view toward the canyon and Shumard and Bush was cool though.
great hike and Awesome you got the summit to yourself. beautiful forest and decent views if a little hazy. Nice to take it a little easier once in awhile, no point in killing yourself... looks like it worked out great thanks for taking us along
Hello. I would love to go there, but as I am approaching the age of 89 I wonder if my body can carry me to the top. My biggest fear is another one though and more of a private kind: is it legal to use the park premises as toilet? Can I pee on the trail? In my venerable age I cannot hold it long enough so I will leave some souvenirs here and there, I just wanted to warn everybody in advance and hopefully you can help and answer my question
I attempted El Cap last year but had to turn back near the bottom after I took a nasty fall. My hand landed right on a prickly pear. Had 4 thorns go completely through my hands and fingers. Best use of a multi tool yet. The trip back up to the trail was very steep and the scree made it very interesting. Someone graffitied some rock a couple years back and if I recall correctly it was between where you flip to the west side and before you enter the Enchanted Forest. Just curious if it's still there. It's been a little more faded each time I've been up.
Oh my goodness! That sounds rough! I was thinking I was going to end up getting a prickly pear thorn in my leg while pushing through some of the thicker brush. I had that happen down on the El Cap/Salt Basin Loop trails last year. But I was fortunate not to this trip. I didn't notice any painted rock. I feel like it would have stuck out to me. But I might have just missed it. Have you explored much in the actual forest on El Cap? I thought that may be neat during cooler temps. And exploring along some of the rock walls across El Cap.
I haven't explored any of El Cap yet. Last year was my first attempt and I failed to reach it. I know I departed the trail at the right point but I chose the wrong path to take down. I started out following the hill on the left and was aiming to reach the bottom in the first wash on the left. I believe now I would have had better luck working my way over to the wash on the right. I also know now that I need to strengthen my legs a bit before attempting again because I was beat by the time I made it back up to the GP trail. I can't imagine what the the climb would've been like after summiting El Cap had I been successful. My goal is to return in November to hike up to The Bowl via Bear Canyon and make another attempt on El Cap. You're more than welcome to join. I live in DFW and don't think we're that far from each other.
Yeah I would be interested. Bear Canyon is my new preferred route to the Bowl. I'm planning to hit Shumard and Bartlett on my next trip. I had originally planned it for this past trip but it didn't work out that way.
Guadalupe Peak itself can definitely be done without any experience. El Cap is a good offtrail route for people new getting into offtrail hiking. The route itself and views are great. It definitely would be a test as a first ever hike.
Awesome trip so far man! I made my first trip up there Saturday, May 19. It was jam packed at the top and entire way up. At least 30 people at the top. I had a funeral to attend in El Paso, left the next morning bright and early to go summit Guadalupe before making the long drive back to DFW. I think it took me around 5 hours round trip to summit. I'll have to get out there again in the winter and camp. Maybe summit El Capitan while I'm at it. Can't wait to see your next video!
That's what I was expecting. A ton of people. Really cool to have it to myself for a while. You made pretty good time. Maybe we'll cross paths or meet up there over the winter.
Nice video with awesome views, thanks for posting! Do the trees at the campsite offer any protection from the wind at all? Plan on going in October and trying to make a decision on a light shelter.
The only protection from the wind at Guadalupe Peak campsites is the small wall campers have built out of branches at the one tent pad. Hopefully you catch it on a good wind night.
Awesome. It can be an addicting place. My wife really enjoyed the one trip she took with me out there. But that's been a few years. I hope to take her and my boys car camping out there sometime next year.
Nice trip Cameron. I'll be headed back in a couple of weeks for my 62nd birthday. This trip I'll be taking a brother n law who's never backpacked before. Might as well break him in right huh ? Looking for part 2 where you summit El Cap. Hopefully that will be my next trip out there. It's farther than it looks from the peak ! Last August I took my Costco quilt and had to put on my rainsuit for extra warmth in the middle of the night.
I actually just rewatched your trip from last year before I went on this. Your birthday trip. Really good video. It reassured me that maybe there wouldn't be too many people at the campsite. My quilt worked out fine. My toes got cool a couple times but I'm really too big for the quilt and mines not sewn up. I'll have the El Cap video up next week.
Curious , How did your Zero handle the extra water weight. I'm asking because I have the Nero but never had that much weight in it. My total weight is normally half of what you took with a base weight of 7.75 pounds. That trail looks like you need to be part mountain Goat to make it to the top. Not use to trails like that around here , Central Florida. I like to refer folks to the Everglades National park and the road into Flamingo. There is a sign at about the half way point that says you have reached the highest point there...... 3 feet above sea level...... lol Florida does have some higher hills in the northern part. The highest is Britton Hill at 345 feet ( 105 meters ) in the panhandle.
I have my eye on Britton Hill sometime soon. I already have a route mapped out to do the south eastern state highpoints. The pack was fine. I'd had 26 lbs in it once before. It's not the most comfortable. But I lost the weight quickly by drinking the water. I left 4 liters at the campsite also before I headed to the peak. On my way down the mountain the next day my pack felt as light as it should have. It's definitely better to go somewhere with water. Just doesn't happen too much around here.
Great video and informative. Thanks for posting!
Very very nice!! One of our favorite hikes!! Thanks for sharing!!
Hadn't done it in a few years. I was surprised how few people were on the trail. I've seen that trail look like a super highway before. Its was pretty nice.
I made this hike about a week ago! Super glad it wasn’t as this, it was very raining a little bit- very glad I had my treking poles to keep from slipping! Great video, you are super knowledgeable!
Thanks a lot Leyla. I feel like I know the park pretty well. Glad you were able to make it up to the peak even with all the craziness going on. I think trekking poles are a must at GUMO.
Excellent video! Hiked up in June for the first time and it was a great experience! Everyone I met was very nice and the views were spectacular. Thanks for the video reminder of my wonderful experience!
Thanks for watching. It's quite the hike. This was my second time and it was just as fun as the first. You're right, there are some awesome views from up there.
Very nice scenery there.. definitely worth a gander next time I'm through there
For sure. Really unique views in every direction.
Great Videos... I'll be there on 8-23-18 I have seen the weather will not be to hot. Planning to camp on the peak camping area and maybe try El Capitan hike too. Is 20lb Base too much to hike there?
That's awesome. I would say 20lbs is probably pretty typical. It's mainly the water weight that is killer. Dont underestimate how much you'll need. I normally carry 1 gallon per 24 hours but drank way more on this trip and still needed more. Hope you end up with great weather. Have a great trip.
Thanks Cameron. I appreciate your reply. Keep up the great work
Sorry to bother Cameron. I will drive more than 6hrs to Guadalupe M. Just worried about available camping spaces on the peak campsite. if that is the case what other campsite do you recommend me ? with great views. Thanks. I will appreciate any advice
If its a weekday, you should have no problem getting a Guadalupe Peak campsite. If its a weekend, you will most likely be able to get one, but I'd make sure you are there to register for it in the morning sometime.
For whatever reason if you need a different campsite with views, McKittrick Ridge probably has the best views. Bush Mountain has great views nearby, and Pine Top has pretty nice views also.
Thanks Cameron. for your advice. I camped 2 nights at the peak campsite as planned . weather was amazing with fast winds and thunderstorms at night... but I really enjoyed it. I had a great experience!.
My wife and I were at Dog Canyon and McKittrick Ridge July 25-28. Weather was fantastic. Up on McKittrick it rained on us and it felt like it was in the upper 60s, certainly no more than 70-71 degrees F. Definitely my favorite place in Texas. The trails are the best and most challenging, without question. We did about 26 miles over two days. Didn't want to leave. I see you can't get it out of your blood! :-) We drove around to Pine Springs. Very beautiful views, but just too many people for my taste. I prefer to be around much fewer people than I saw. It looked almost like a commune. Anyway, I enjoy your videos. We share a common passion!
I hear you on too many people. I was really worried about that on the Peak trail. But was pleasantly surprised.
Sounds like yall had a great trip. I really want to spend more time in Mckittrick Canyon. Maybe some off trail stuff. And I'd like to spend another night or two on Wilderness Ridge.
I'm going to plan another trip for late fall or winter. Itd be cool to get a small group together.
Cameron, here's our trip: ua-cam.com/video/gGwROLtGJgw/v-deo.html
Hope this question is not too dumb. Do you have to worry about Scorpions while camping like that?
I suppose in certain places I might. But when I used them at Guadalupe mountains, I didnt. I also have a net rent that fits under the tarp to use in certain situations.
Really enjoying your GUMO hiking videos. Looking to visit Texas for the time 3 weeks from now to hike Guadalupe Peak and McKittrick Canyon.
Thanks David. Sounds like you're picking a couple of the most scenic places in the park. Let me know if you have any questions before you go. Hope you enjoy your trip.
I'm hoping to have the stamina for Guadalupe Peak, but would the Salt Basin/El Capitan Trails be a good alternative if I find I can't hack Guadalupe Peak trail? I'm not finding much info about these trails during my research.
If you're planning on hiking to the top of McKittrick Ridge when you do McKittrick Canyon, that hike is a lot harder than Guadalupe Peak. If you plan to just hike to Pratt Cabin or the Grotto, its fairly flat. Guadalupe Peak is tough for the first 1/3 or so. Once you make it to the forested section, you get the shade and it isn't nearly as steep.
Salt Basin/El Cap trails have more elevation change than you would think if you go all the way to Williams Ranch. If you just did the Salt Basin Loop, it isn't too bad. But the trail will be very overgrown in sections. And there will be nearly zero shade. Here is a video I did from just the Salt Basin Loop. I started at the highway and hiked up the wash instead of starting from Pine Springs Campground.
ua-cam.com/video/IGWxFu5u3IQ/v-deo.html
Cool. Thanks for all your help and expertise.
Incredible filming of your views! They are very 3D compared to other Chanel’s. As close to being there as one can get just viewing on a screen. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for watching. I really appreciate your comment. It was my second time up Guadalupe Peak and I really enjoyed this hike.
Hi Cameron, I saw the campsite video and thought you were going to do the four peaks. Nice views in the video and I'm looking forward to El Capitan. I'd like to go back and do it again when it's clear, but I'm sure you got some nice views. It's nice to be on the summit of Guadalupe peak alone. I've had it to myself three times, and the 4th time with only 3 other people. It's definitely great to be up there by yourself.
Zachary Teich I wanted to. I just didn't have it in me. Wasn't really having a ton of fun after day 1. Probably good because I would have run out of water even though I carried 8L.
I need to train a little bit before I try it. Hopefully over the fall or winter.
Beautiful area. I'll have to do some hiking in Texas next time I get out that way.
West Texas is amazing if you ever get out that way.
Nice video, dude! I went in January of 2017. Slept in my hammock with 32° weather and 75 mph winds. Ear plugs definitely helped at night, lol. Looks like you stayed at the same site I did. That brick wall helped block the wind for cooking some grub.
Very cool. Sounds like you had a very cold night. Bet your hammock was rocking that night. I've spent a couple nights in the Guads with winds that were around 60 or so and snow on the ground. I really like it out there in winter. Also less people around. I haven't taken a hammock out there in a couple years but look to do so again this winter.
Ultralight Outdoors The 20° UQ, TQ and extra pair of socks came in handy. Actually pretty cozy. I just lost tension in my tarp from user error so there was a lot of flapping. When possible, hammock is a no brainer.
man i could never sleep on ground with those red millipeds running around. lol
I'm usually so tired I don't even think about it!
As usual very nice video. I climbed up Guadalupe peak back in November a week after we had snowfall in the Austin area. There was snow all along the trail. It was very slick in some parts but it just made the views more beautiful. The only thing that disappointed me was the night time views off the campsite all you could see was flares off the oil and gas rigs and truck traffic off in the distance.
That's awesome. I didn't remember all the lights from the last time I was there. But there was a really thick blanket of clouds under us and we couldn't see the desert floor. It was a little disappointing this time.
The view toward the canyon and Shumard and Bush was cool though.
great hike and Awesome you got the summit to yourself. beautiful forest and decent views if a little hazy. Nice to take it a little easier once in awhile, no point in killing yourself... looks like it worked out great thanks for taking us along
Very nice video. Great views. It has been 9 years since I’ve been up on Guadalupe Peak and it was exhausting. Hope to camp up there some day.
You should for sure. It's a neat campsite. Can get really windy though.
Hello. I would love to go there, but as I am approaching the age of 89 I wonder if my body can carry me to the top. My biggest fear is another one though and more of a private kind: is it legal to use the park premises as toilet? Can I pee on the trail? In my venerable age I cannot hold it long enough so I will leave some souvenirs here and there, I just wanted to warn everybody in advance and hopefully you can help and answer my question
I attempted El Cap last year but had to turn back near the bottom after I took a nasty fall. My hand landed right on a prickly pear. Had 4 thorns go completely through my hands and fingers. Best use of a multi tool yet. The trip back up to the trail was very steep and the scree made it very interesting.
Someone graffitied some rock a couple years back and if I recall correctly it was between where you flip to the west side and before you enter the Enchanted Forest. Just curious if it's still there. It's been a little more faded each time I've been up.
Oh my goodness! That sounds rough! I was thinking I was going to end up getting a prickly pear thorn in my leg while pushing through some of the thicker brush. I had that happen down on the El Cap/Salt Basin Loop trails last year. But I was fortunate not to this trip.
I didn't notice any painted rock. I feel like it would have stuck out to me. But I might have just missed it. Have you explored much in the actual forest on El Cap? I thought that may be neat during cooler temps. And exploring along some of the rock walls across El Cap.
I haven't explored any of El Cap yet. Last year was my first attempt and I failed to reach it. I know I departed the trail at the right point but I chose the wrong path to take down. I started out following the hill on the left and was aiming to reach the bottom in the first wash on the left. I believe now I would have had better luck working my way over to the wash on the right. I also know now that I need to strengthen my legs a bit before attempting again because I was beat by the time I made it back up to the GP trail. I can't imagine what the the climb would've been like after summiting El Cap had I been successful.
My goal is to return in November to hike up to The Bowl via Bear Canyon and make another attempt on El Cap. You're more than welcome to join. I live in DFW and don't think we're that far from each other.
Yeah I would be interested. Bear Canyon is my new preferred route to the Bowl. I'm planning to hit Shumard and Bartlett on my next trip. I had originally planned it for this past trip but it didn't work out that way.
Two more on my list I need to check off! I'll message you my contact info through Hangouts and we can discuss further.
I’m going to tackle this solo with zero hiking experience.
Guadalupe Peak itself can definitely be done without any experience. El Cap is a good offtrail route for people new getting into offtrail hiking. The route itself and views are great. It definitely would be a test as a first ever hike.
Awesome trip so far man! I made my first trip up there Saturday, May 19. It was jam packed at the top and entire way up. At least 30 people at the top. I had a funeral to attend in El Paso, left the next morning bright and early to go summit Guadalupe before making the long drive back to DFW. I think it took me around 5 hours round trip to summit. I'll have to get out there again in the winter and camp. Maybe summit El Capitan while I'm at it. Can't wait to see your next video!
That's what I was expecting. A ton of people. Really cool to have it to myself for a while.
You made pretty good time. Maybe we'll cross paths or meet up there over the winter.
Awesome hike - I'll definitely get out that way as I do state high points. That sun shield on your hat is awesome, got a link?
KrizAkoni ua-cam.com/video/HtqrlwbYuW0/v-deo.html
This is my review of it. I'll look for a link to where you can purchase it and post below.
www.outdoorresearch.com/us/en/sun-runner-cap/p/2434330800008
Sweet, thanks! 🤓
Nice video with awesome views, thanks for posting! Do the trees at the campsite offer any protection from the wind at all? Plan on going in October and trying to make a decision on a light shelter.
The only protection from the wind at Guadalupe Peak campsites is the small wall campers have built out of branches at the one tent pad. Hopefully you catch it on a good wind night.
I plan on going back soon with my wife.
Awesome. It can be an addicting place. My wife really enjoyed the one trip she took with me out there. But that's been a few years. I hope to take her and my boys car camping out there sometime next year.
Nice trip Cameron. I'll be headed back in a couple of weeks for my 62nd birthday. This trip I'll be taking a brother n law who's never backpacked before. Might as well break him in right huh ? Looking for part 2 where you summit El Cap. Hopefully that will be my next trip out there. It's farther than it looks from the peak ! Last August I took my Costco quilt and had to put on my rainsuit for extra warmth in the middle of the night.
I actually just rewatched your trip from last year before I went on this. Your birthday trip. Really good video. It reassured me that maybe there wouldn't be too many people at the campsite.
My quilt worked out fine. My toes got cool a couple times but I'm really too big for the quilt and mines not sewn up.
I'll have the El Cap video up next week.
Curious , How did your Zero handle the extra water weight. I'm asking because I have the Nero but never had that much weight in it. My total weight is normally half of what you took with a base weight of 7.75 pounds. That trail looks like you need to be part mountain Goat to make it to the top. Not use to trails like that around here , Central Florida. I like to refer folks to the Everglades National park and the road into Flamingo. There is a sign at about the half way point that says you have reached the highest point there...... 3 feet above sea level...... lol
Florida does have some higher hills in the northern part. The highest is Britton Hill at 345 feet ( 105 meters ) in the panhandle.
I have my eye on Britton Hill sometime soon. I already have a route mapped out to do the south eastern state highpoints.
The pack was fine. I'd had 26 lbs in it once before. It's not the most comfortable. But I lost the weight quickly by drinking the water. I left 4 liters at the campsite also before I headed to the peak. On my way down the mountain the next day my pack felt as light as it should have.
It's definitely better to go somewhere with water. Just doesn't happen too much around here.
8 liters sounds fair..
It was more than I'd normally carry. And I ran out about 20 minutes before getting back to the trailhead. Glad I had that much though.