About
Length (round trip)11.3 mi
ShapeOut-and-Back
DifficultyHard
Elevation gain1,000 ft up
Typical time6 hr 15 min
TrailheadPine Springs trailhead
SurfaceDesert bench trail, rocky and exposed
Best seasonSpring and autumn. Late October and early November for McKittrick Canyon fall colour - the busiest fortnight of the year.
DogsNot allowed
What you'll see 🌄 Big views

Less than a quarter mile from the trail is the junction of three trails. Stay straight to continue toward the summit of Guadalupe Peak. A right turn directs hikers toward Devil's Hall and the Guadalupe Peak "stock trail". A left turn here begins the El Capitan Trail. The El Capitan Trail leads around the base of El Capitan and along the west side of the Guadalupe escarpment, ending at the historic Williams Ranch house. It is the only trail to provide access to the west side of the Guadalupes. As such, the trail provides excellent opportunities for solitude and sweeping views. If following the trail to the right, in about a mile you'll reach the junction of the Stock trail connector for Guadalupe Peak. This trail features a less steep ascent/descent from the peak. A short distance past the stock trail junction this trail ends in the wash which leads to Devil's Hall. The route to Devil's Hall is a strenuous hike and features surfaces that are slippery when dry.

Tips
Almost no shade and no water. El Capitan is the sheer prow of the ancient Capitan reef and looks its most dramatic from this trail.
Location

Pine Springs trailhead

Other Hikers
No one has logged this trail yet.
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