guadalupe mountains By Paola Jaime Facts and Information

Location…. When….. The Guadalupe Mountain is located in West of Texas at Guadalupe Peak. The Guadalupe mountain was discovered on October 27, It was established on September 30, 1972.

History… Culture… For over 10,000 years, the Guadalupes Mountains have witnessed a constant stream of human history, including bloody conflicts between Mescalero Apaches and Buffalo Soldiers, the passing of the Butterfield Overland Mail, the coming of ranchers and settlers, and finally, the making of a national park. Today, the history is preserved at the Frijole and Williams Ranches, and at the ruins of the Pinery Station. It is always exciting to discover evidence left behind by earlier inhabitants, but in order to preserve our history, and continue to interpret the cultures that came before us, it is imperative that all cultural and historic artifacts and evidence remain undisturbed. Please help us preserve these items. It is illegal to collect them

Early People Prior to the mid 1800’s, the Guadalupes remained an unchallenged sanctuary for the Mescalero Apaches. But newly established transportation routes, and the end of the Civil War, encouraged droves of pioneers, homesteaders, miners, and numerous others to head west. In the 1840’s and 1850’s, explorers were commissioned to look for possible emigrant routes to the west, and the proposed transcontinental railroad expected to follow one of these. Although these surveying expeditions would never lead to a railroad through Guadalupe Pass, they did provide the first extensive studies of the Guadalupe region.No one knows exactly when the first people came to the Guadalupes, but archaeological evidence dates back over 10,000 years ago. The earliest inhabitants were hunter-gatherers who followed available game and ripening vegetation, and lived in and among the many caves and alcoves common throughout the range. Scattered evidence of their existence, including projectile points, baskets, pottery, and rock art has been found throughout the park.

The Guadalupe Mountains have often been referred to as an “Island in the Desert”. As a rugged and ancient limestone reef, they rise more than 5,000 feet above the surrounding desert floor. Between the folds of this unparalleled landscape are lush streamside woodlands with oaks and maples, rocky canyons, and mountain top forests of ponderosa pine and Douglas fir. Together, these ecosystems provide exceptional habitat for hundreds of species of plants and animals, making the park an ideal location for birding, wildlife observation, and nature photography. With over 80 miles of trails, there are limitless possibilities to explore these and other resources of the park while hiking, backpacking, or horseback riding. At night a canopy of stars is visible from horizon to horizon, one of rewards of camping in wilderness. Attractions

Visitors: The Pine Springs Visitor Center is the first place to start when arriving at Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Inside you will find information regarding hiking trails, maps of the park. The Carlsbad bookstore is also located in the Pine Springs Visitor Center. A friendly CCGMA (Carlsbad Caverns Guadalupe Mountains Association) employee will be able to assist you in a selection of books, movies, water bottles, and collectibles.Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe Mountains newspaper, backcountry permits, and of course, your passport cancellation station. Rest those tired feet from hiking and stretch out in our spacious theater to enjoy a 12-minute orientation film about Guadalupe Mountains. it will cover the geology, history, and importance of the park.

Fun Facts Guadalupe Mountains rise sharply from the surrounding desert floor to form an island of outstanding diversity. Several different ecosystems, or life zones, are found within the park. These include the harsh Chihuahuan desert community, lush streamside woodlands of oaks and maples, rocky canyons, and mountain top forests of ponderosa pine and Douglas fir. Together, these ecosystems provide habitat for 60 species of mammals, 289 species of birds, and 55 species of reptiles. Guadalupe Mountains National Park preserves one of the finest examples of an ancient, marine fossil reef on Earth. During the Permian period, about 265 million years ago, a vast tropical sea covered much of the region.

Thanks For Watching

References National Park Service Guadalupe Mountains