Guadalupe Mountains National Park - Frontcountry Management Plan

Guadalupe Mountains National Park is pleased to announce the initiation of a Frontcountry Management Plan. This planning process will establish a consistent vision for visitor experience and resource protection in the park's frontcountry areas and create a roadmap to build climate resiliency and guide future investment decisions.

Why is this plan needed?

Since the early 2000s, the park has experienced a significant shift in visitation. Prior to 2005, McKittrick Canyon was the centerpiece of use. Today, visitors flock to the Pine Springs area to hike Guadalupe Peak and Devil's Hall. The busy season is also lengthening, which places additional stress on parking areas, campgrounds, trails, and other infrastructure. The Frontcountry Management Plan will consider strategies to improve visitor access, orientation, accessibility, and connectivity between key frontcountry destinations; and enhance recreational opportunities and ways for visitors to connect with the park's natural and cultural heritage. Planning will be in balance with preserving the park's sensitive resources and accommodating a range of experiences for visitors of different ability levels.

Thanks to those of you attended public meetings and shared thoughts and ideas on the future of the park during the open comment period from May 1 to June 7, 2024. Your early input will help the National Park Service further refine and develop frontcountry management concepts and ideas. Future opportunities to engage in the planning process will be announced widely and also posted on this project webpage, along with other project updates. The National Park Service anticipates releasing a draft plan to the public and soliciting further comments in the summer of 2025.

Thank you for your interest in the future of Guadalupe Mountains National Park!

Contact Information

Theresa Moore
915-828-3251