Summary
– Guadalupe Mountains National Park in El Paso and southern New Mexico offers beautiful views and hiking opportunities
– The park is best explored on foot as there are limited roads within the park itself
– EV drivers visiting the park may face challenges finding charging stations, especially between El Paso and Carlsbad
– Beyond the main areas of Pine Springs and McKittrick, there are additional views like El Capitan and Salt Flats worth exploring
– The north side of the park offers more attractions like Dog Canyon, Guadalupe Rim, and Sitting Bull Falls, with limited charging options available in the area
Article
The Guadalupe Mountains National Park, located near El Paso and southern New Mexico, offers a variety of scenic views and hiking trails for visitors to explore. While most people tend to stick to the main attractions like Pine Springs and McKittrick Canyon, there are many hidden gems and back roads to discover in an electric vehicle (EV). Exploring the park in an EV can be a challenge due to the lack of charging stations between El Paso and Carlsbad, but with careful planning and sufficient battery capacity, it is possible to see more of the park beyond the popular spots.
The rugged terrain of Guadalupe Mountains makes it difficult for engineers to build extensive roads within the park, so most visitors have to park at one of the visitor centers and hike in to fully experience the natural beauty of the area. The park offers a variety of trails that lead to different parts of the park, making it impossible to see everything in just one visit. While popular starting points for hikes are Pine Springs and McKittrick Canyon, there are other scenic viewpoints and attractions that can be easily missed if visitors don’t venture further beyond the main areas.
Beyond the main attractions of Pine Springs and McKittrick Canyon, there are additional beautiful views and hikes to explore in the park. Traveling a few miles down the National Parks Highway can provide stunning views of the park’s key peak, El Capitan, and other natural attractions like the Salt Flats and historical markers. Exploring these lesser-known areas can offer a unique perspective of the park and its surrounding landscapes, showcasing the diverse natural features of the Guadalupe Mountains National Park.
Heading to the north side of the park requires driving along Dark Canyon Road or Queen Highway, which can be challenging for EV drivers due to the potential range limitations. However, there is an RV park with 50-amp service that offers Level 2 charging for EVs, providing a convenient option for recharging while exploring the northern areas of the park. This region offers a variety of side treks and attractions, such as the Guadalupe Rim, Five Points Vista, Dark Canyon Lookout, Sitting Bull Falls, and more, making it worth the extra effort to see these hidden gems.
While not officially part of the national park, the Guadalupe Mountains extend into New Mexico, offering a whole Guadalupe Ranger District with a range of recreational activities and scenic viewpoints. Exploring the Guadalupe Rim Road provides stunning views of the Otero Mesa and the Guadalupe Mountains from a unique angle, showcasing the diverse landscapes of the region. With careful planning and proper vehicle preparation, visitors can fully experience the natural beauty and hidden treasures of the Guadalupe Mountains National Park in an electric vehicle, creating unforgettable memories of their journey into the heart of the Southwest.
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