For many who grow up in the vicinity of El Paso and southern New Mexico, the Guadalupe Mountains National Park stands as a treasured escape. My own childhood was dotted with early morning jaunts to Pratt Cabin in McKittrick Canyon, relishing the rare occasions when a park ranger would allow us a peek inside. With time, my adventures steered towards the less traveled paths. There’s an entire world beyond US-62/180, often overshadowed by its acclaimed neighbors. I’ve unearthed some hidden jewels down these less trodden roads, yet much remains to be discovered.
I’m excited to share not just how to get to Guadalupe Mountains’ well-trodden regions but also how to delve deeper, uncovering the park’s more secluded areas — all while navigating in an electric vehicle (EV).
Exploring the Popular Frontiers of Guadalupe Mountains
Unlike other parks where well-paved roads lead to scenic spots, the formidable terrain of the Guadalupe Mountains offers little room for such convenience. Visitors eager to capture the essence of the park must commit to lacing up their hiking boots. With trailheads at Pine Springs and McKittrick Canyon that interlace through the park’s expanse, capturing its beauty requires several visits, each revealing unique vistas and experiences.
For many, the journey begins in nearby urban centers like Carlsbad, Van Horn, or El Paso. However, EV adventurers face a unique challenge: the lack of charging stations between El Paso and Carlsbad can make a trip to the park an exercise in meticulous energy management. Navigating with a substantial kWh battery pack makes the trip feasible, or alternatively, one might find reprieve at an RV park near Carlsbad Caverns National Park or a hotel in Carlsbad offering Level 2 charging to extend their explorations.
Discovering Secluded Beauty Beyond Pine Springs & McKittrick
The park’s topography is not limited to the conventional trails most visitors trek. Venturing down the road a stitch further unveils the striking silhouette of El Capitan — well worth the EV battery trade-off for the climb back. Yet, before departing for a recharge, there’s more to behold.
Firstly, the Salt Flats, though not officially within park boundaries, offer arresting views and a slice of local history at a nearby marker, recalling a bitter 1870s conflict over salt rights. The Salt Basin Dunes, accessible via Dell City, remain on my bucket list and represent yet another overlooked facet of the park.
The Uncharted North
The park’s northern aspects are flush with lesser-known allure. Venturing there can be a highway journey up Dark Canyon Road or Queen Highway, with a destination of Dog Canyon offering an outpost for those with longer-range EVs. Each additional detour — be it the Guadalupe Rim, Five Points Vista, or Sitting Bull Falls — gradually siphons one’s driving range.
Conveniently, the Queen RV Park in the vicinity caters to EV drivers, providing 50-amp service for those who bring their equipment. Beyond the immediate national park, the Guadalupe Ranger District of Lincoln National Forest unveils a whole new spectrum of outdoor activities.
On my latest expedition aboard a Kia EV9 press car, I embarked from Cloudcroft, traversing the entire Guadalupe Rim Road. This experience offered unrivaled glimpses of the Otero Mesa and angles of the Guadalupe Mountains that defy comparison, a testament to EV-enabled exploration.
