El Capitan Trail is a 9.6 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Salt Flat, Texas that offers scenic views and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking and camping and is best used from September until March.
There is an entrance fee of $10/person. There is also a park-specific annual pass available for $35
April 10, 2021Nice trail with good views of the Salt Basin below.
April 3, 2021I took the shortcut as well from Guadalupe Canyon road. It's a bit down from the visitor center, it'll be a right turn. This route is primarily the salt Basin trail, but connects with El Capitan. El capitan goes much further than AllTrails says. I went a little further before turning back and also did the salt Basin overlook. I turned right and the first 2 miles were definitely not easy. Very steep once you got going. The other four miles were much easier, but a little hard on the joints! Definitely not as steep. Spectacular views on the trail. If I had known the 4 miles back were so easy, I definitely would have gone further on El Capitan. Next time! I really took my time, I had to stop and look around every 5 minutes just to see it all! Saw several centipedes, a little pack of javelinas, and there's a lot of scat on the trail so watch where you step!
March 8, 2021February 6, 2021Trail is awesome peaceful and amazing seeing deers roaming around. Hey how come no one mentions the plane wreck around mile 4-5? Told the rangers supposedly it’s been there since the 70s didn’t looked that rusted to me. Oh well it was very interesting seeing that in the middle of nowhere
February 5, 2021Windy AF, but great!!!!
January 19, 2021Trail was great, well maintained and clearly marked with hoodoos. We took the shortcut talked about in the comments. Wanted to add a few details to that. When looking for the turnoff you will see a sign marked Guadalupe Canyon rd, this is where you will want to turn off.
January 17, 2021This trail is extremely rewarding. I took the advice of another hiker to start at the Guadalupe canyon road mentioned in another review. This cuts off a few miles and gets straight to the best parts of the trail. Amazing views and rock formations, and saw some deer coming down the mountain. This should be rated strenuous as parts of it were kind of treacherous (as in loose rocks on a sheer cliff), especially in big gusts of wind. It is 100% worth it. Bring lots of water and sunscreen as this trail is very exposed. If you want solitude this is where to go.
January 2, 2021I don’t know who rated the trail as moderate but super nope. Also felt way longer than 9 miles, to the point where I got to 8 miles and saw the trail continue to descend onwards into the distance and turned around. Don’t try this without supplies and time to make it a 2 day trip. Other than that, one of my favorite trails I’ve ever hiked. Truly isolated from people, no one else on the trail, and no sound of civilization. Plenty of animals too. You might get lost on the trail so bring a trail map and compass or gps. I know I definitely lost the trail a few times trying to get back to my truck. 10/10 will do again (with more water, supplies, time and a trail map)
December 27, 2020December 22, 2020December 19, 2020This trail continues farther than what it says. I highly suggest continuing another 3/4 of a mile. The views are stunning. Also, lots of wildlife and no people.
December 15, 2020Extremely well marked and worth it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mc5KhBQYMos&t=161s
November 17, 2020July 1, 2020Hiked this in November, not too much traffic. Nice stream mid way through and the colors of the trees in fall were gorgeous.
January 20, 2020I did a portion of this trail. You get up close to the main landmark of Guadalupe, El Capitan. You can cut off a portion of the hike. Instead of hiking from the visitor center, get in your car and turn right out of the visitor center. Keep an eye out for a pull off that leads to a gated old, abandoned road. If you drive past the El Capitan overlook pull-off, you've got too far. Walk up the abandoned road and go through two turnstiles until you reach a sign that says Guadalupe NP and points you to the trail. It seems a little sketchy but a Park Ranger told us about and said it is allowed.
January 16, 2020Great trail and views, easy to follow. It leads to a saddle that was super windy the day I hiked it.
November 13, 2019Moderate to difficult hike depending on season and trail conditions, typically well traveled in peak season. Take water. Rocky trail. There are some options off this trail that offer some of the best hiking in the entire park. Not well know but ask around (seasoned park rangers will point you in the right direction), it’s well worth the trouble.
October 12, 2019Stunning views. It was very cold with winds from the north so we didn’t not see many animals of any kind. But I did see a gorgeous Mountain Lion half way.
July 19, 2019Walked first 6km to the junction. Nice views on top of canyon, would recommend. Bring lots of water!
July 15, 2019My husband and I really enjoyed this hike. Moderate describes it pretty well in terms of the hiking difficulty, but the heat (over 90) and the fact that there was no shade wore us down. We each went through ~3.5 liters of water! We actually took the Salt Basin Overlook trail when we reached it on the way out and then came back on El Capitan trail when it intersected.
July 7, 2019One of my favorite trails in Guadalupe NP
April 25, 2019Couldn’t make it all the way with the family and AllTrails messed up the gps on the way back, we stuck to the trail. Absolutely beautiful.
March 13, 2019Very easy trail. Saw lots of deer, no other hikers. The further you go, the better the views get. Enjoy!
August 22, 2018I like this trail, the further you go the better the views. Around mile 6 is when it gets spectacular and just gets better all the way to mile 9. Didn’t see a single person for the entire 18 mile round trip :•)
May 27, 2018Day hike (11m) with incredible views of the Salt Basin. From the Pine Springs trailhead, take the El Capitan Trail. You’ll get incredible views of El Capitan as you hike through Guadalupe Canyon. The trail is well maintained and easy to follow. After 3 or so miles, follow the sign to Salt Basin Overlook. Bring tons of water, then bring a few more bottles. I did this in May, 88F at Salt Flat, and with 2L water, lots of stops and some small snacks in about 6 hours. Be sure to step down to the Salt Flat Overlook - it’s a good midway stop for lunch.
March 6, 2018Great views with wild life deer and aoudad
