Guadalupe Mountains National Park · Texas

Foothills Trail

2.3 mi of trail, end to end · Foothills Loop: 4.5 mi round trip in the Service's write-up · about 350 ft of climbing · 5,484 ft–5,841 ft · native surface · trail class Developed · horse

5,549 ft 5,841 ft · 2.3 mi high 5,841 ft

Foothills Loop 4.5 mi round trip · the Park Service's write-up

2-4 Hours · no dogs · entrance fee applies · season While this is generally a year-round route in good weather, the Foothills Loop will be open and exposed to high temperatures from late summer through early Fall.

A desert mountain landscape with buildings and a prominent point in the background.
View towards Frijole Ranch from the Foothills Loop. Photo: NPS Photograph

This moderate loop route uses the Frijole Trail and the Foothills Trail to make a loop below the eastern escarpment of the Guadalupe Mountains. Excellent views up Bear Canyon and toward El Capitan can be found along the trail. It's not unusual to spot deer along the trail. This trail can be hiked high to low (Frijole Trail first) or low to high (Foothills Trail first).

Distance: 4.5 miles (7.2 km) round-trip from Frijole Ranch; 5.5 miles (8.9 km) round-trip from Pine Springs

Elevation Change: 800 feet

Time Estimate: 2-4 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Trailheads: This loop can begin either at Pine Springs or the Frijole Ranch.

Trails: Portions of the Foothills and Frijole Trails are used to make a loop.

Pets Pets disturb wildlife and are not allowed on trails. Your pets should remain at home as opportunities for pets are very limited in the park.

Accessibility Trail surfaces are loose rock or hardened rock surfaces. Hiking or trekking poles are highly recommended. Trail widths vary from two to six feet depending on the trail. Parking All trailhead areas have accessible parking available. Service animals Only service animals that have been individually trained to perform specific tasks for the benefit of persons with disabilities are allowed in the park and on trails.

This hike on nps.gov

On the parks map

All 43 trails in Guadalupe Mountains National ParkFind a trailOn the parks mapPark on nps.gov

About this trail's facts

The lines are the National Park Service's public trails layer, the trailheads and the waterfalls, views, peaks and historic places along them the Service's public points of interest, read 2026-10-16 and simplified for the map; the length is the line's, end to end. The write-ups are the Service's own "things to do" text, unedited. Heights come from USGS 3DEP through Terrain Tiles on AWS (Mapzen/Tilezen), read along each line and rounded; a short trail on steep ground can be off by a few tens of feet. Closures change: check the park's own site before you go.