Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Part 1: Devil’s Hall Trail
After visiting the Mission San Luis de Apalachee I made my way west, all the way to Guadalupe Mountains National Park to spend a few days before meeting friends in El Paso for a week over New Years. I arrived the morning of Christmas Day, set up camp, and set out on the 4.2 mile Devil’s Hall Trail at midday. The mountains here are captivating, possessing an understated beauty that shifts as you move though them. The sky too is gorgeous, a vibrant blue.
Guadalupe Mountains from Pinery Nature Trail, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas
The Devil’s Hall Trail leads through a canyon, up a dry waterfall called Hiker’s Staircase, and ends in the slot canyon named Devil’s Hall. Along the way you hike through forest and boulders along the wash. The snow on the shaded portions of the trail was magical, and made for a rejuvenating walk. On my return I met the only other people on the trail that day, Carol and her husband, travelers from Alberta with whom I shared some good conversation. It was such a peaceful and relaxing day, the kind that reminds me how fortunate I am to be doing what I’m doing.
Stream near beginning of Devil’s Hall Trail, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas
Snow in the wash, Devil’s Hall Trail, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas
View of the mountains, Devil’s Hall Trail, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas
View of the mountains, Devil’s Hall Trail, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas
Hiker’s Staircase, Devil’s Hall Trail, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas
Looking back from the canyon, Devil’s Hall Trail, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas
Devil’s Hall, Devil’s Hall Trail, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas
Wow, how nice to have been to hike that day with that blue sky above you. That sure would have lifted any spirits and given you joy. May your dreams stay big and worries stay small!
It was truly wonderful, Lavinia! Refreshing and lovely. Thank you so much for the good wishes!