Guadalupe Mountains Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour

San Francisco, US
Self-guided - entry to attractions not included

Included

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    Other
    Just bring your car and phone; the app guides your tour.
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    Other
    Support is available via chat, email, or phone if you need help.
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    Other
    Planning tools, route maps, scenic stops, and area previews included.
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    Other
    Private tour experience for your family, in your own car.
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    Other
    Lifetime access: use the tour anytime and keep it for future trips.
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    Other
    Works offline with GPS route guidance and automatic audio stories.
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    Other
    One purchase covers everyone in your car, not per person.
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    Other
    Flexible tour: start, stop, and pause anytime during your trip.
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    Other
    Access your tour in our separate audio tour app after booking.
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    Hidden gems and local stories included along the route.

Excluded

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    No live guide. Entrance fees, parking, food, and car rental are separate.

Meeting Point

Start on State Highway 54, just south of Guadalupe Mountains NP. You'll see a scenic overlook with a dirt and gravel pull-off area on your left. Head north toward the park entrance. The audio tour starts automatically as you pass the starting point. Check email/text for details.

Meeting point

End point

End Point

Meeting point

End point

What to expect

1

Meeting Point

Start on US Highway 62/180, just west of Guadalupe Mountains NP. It’s a quiet desert stretch, so download the tour in advance. Head east towards the park entrance. The audio tour will start automatically once you pass the starting point. No one will meet you in person. Check email/text for details.

2

Meeting Point

Start at 5JFF+QGF, Whites City, NM. Head along US Highway 62, with Joel Volunteer Fire Dept on your left and Whites City Fuel on your right, and the audio tour will start automatically. Drive west toward the park entrance to begin the tour. Check your email/text for details.

3

Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute

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Chihuahua is the largest desert in North America. Like many deserts, it’s a place of extremes, with blistering hot days and cold nights. The tour is over 132 miles long, with more than 40+ audio stories, and takes about 2-3 hours to complete.

Duration 15 minutes
4

McKittrick Canyon

MicKittrick Canyon, one of the park’s best attractions. This canyon is like a hidden world inside the arid Chihuahua Desert. The steep canyon walls shelter a surprising variety of plants, animals, and waterways.

Duration 15 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
5

Frijole Ranch Museum

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The Museum is open seasonally depending on staff availability and tells the story of human habitation in this spring-fed desert oasis, from Native peoples through the Smith family. The grounds are open year-round and contain picnic tables under the shady trees.

Duration 15 minutes
6

McKittrick Creek

This stone cabin is a 5-mile round trip from the Visitor Center trailhead and is a moderately difficult hike. It takes most people around two hours to complete.

Duration 15 minutes
7
Frijole Ranch

This is a great place to walk around and explore. It generally takes visitors about an hour to visit the house and orchard.

Duration 15 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
8

Frijole Ranch Trailhead

This is also the starting point for the popular Smith Spring Loop Trail. This trail takes about an hour and provides an easy loop of just a little over two miles.

Duration 20 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
9

Frijole Ranch Museum

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the old Frijole Ranch house, which is open for visitors! Now a museum, this house shows what ranching life was like far back into the 1800s.

Duration 10 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
10

Pinery Butterfield Stage Station Ruins

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It’s part of the 2,800-mile route built for the Butterfield Stagecoach Route in 1858 to carry the mail cross-country. Stagecoaches made the grueling trip from San Francisco to St. Louis every two weeks to deliver mail across the fast-growing West.

Duration 10 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
11

Pine Springs Trailhead

Pine Springs Trail is a major north-south trail route through the park and connects to various other trails along the way. The main route returns us to McKittrick Canyon and is a challenging hike that takes 12 hours and covers almost 19 miles of rocky, steep terrain.

Duration 15 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
12

Guadalupe Peak

Guadalupe Peak is the highest natural point in Texas, with an elevation of 8,751 feet.

Duration 10 minutes
13

El Capitan Viewpoint

Along with Guadalupe Peak, El Capitan is one of the most famous peaks in Guadalupe Mountains National Park. It’s the tenth-highest peak in Texas, but it’s more famous for the hidden treasure found inside - a fossilized reef.

Duration 10 minutes
14

Salt Basin Dunes

The Salt Basin dunes provide another clue to the desert’s ancient past. As we drive, you can see the rugged peaks of El Capitan and Guadalupe Peak rising above flat, whitish terrain. We’re entering the Salt Basin, which is a relatively new addition to the complicated geology of Guadalupe Mountains National Park.

Duration 5 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
15

Cornudas Cafe

Cornudas is Spanish for “horn” - probably referring to the way the mountains thrust up from the desert floor. Like the Guadalupe Mountains, the Cornudas contain sedimentary deposits from the Permian era.

Duration 10 minutes
16

End Point

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    At your own pace: Start anytime and pause for hikes, picnics, photos, or scenic stops.
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    Download in advance: Download the Tour Guide app by Action and tour while connected to Wi-Fi or a strong cellular signal.
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    Easy to use: GPS-triggered audio plays automatically along the route for a hands-free experience.
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    Follow the route: Begin at the suggested starting point or join anywhere along the route shown in the app.
  • Additional information
    Good value: One purchase covers everyone in your vehicle, not each person separately.
  • Additional information
    Lifetime access: Preview the tour before your trip and revisit the stories, photos, and details afterward.
  • Additional information
    More ways to save: Choose a single tour, a nearby bundle, or access to 200+ tours.
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    Private tour: Explore in your own vehicle without crowded buses or large tour groups.
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    Public transportation options are available nearby
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    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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    Supported devices: iPhone with iOS 15+, Android with version 9+, or a GPS-enabled iPad/tablet with cellular capability.
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    The app’s audio will play through your car’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto display, while the app’s map will display on your phone. You can connect your phone to the car via Bluetooth to listen to the commentary through the car stereo.
  • Additional information
    Works offline: Once downloaded, the tour works using GPS without Wi-Fi or cellular service.
Provided by Stories with Action

What our experts say

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    Start early to avoid the heat
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    Visit McKittrick Canyon for hidden gems
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    Consider packing snacks for breaks
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    Bring binoculars for wildlife viewing
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    Download the app before arriving

More About this Experience

Introduction

Embark on a captivating journey through the stunning Guadalupe Mountains National Park with the Explore Guadalupe Mountains Self Guided Driving Audio Tour. This unique experience allows you to explore the desert landscapes, towering mountains, and hidden oases at your own pace while immersing yourself in the rich history and folklore of this extraordinary area.

What to expect?

With this self-guided driving tour, travelers can anticipate an engaging and informative experience as they traverse the rugged terrain of Guadalupe Mountains National Park. The easy-to-use app provides access to captivating storytelling, offline maps, and a comprehensive route that ensures you don't miss a single highlight along the way. Whether you're a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply seeking adventure, this tour offers something for everyone.

Who is this for?

This self-guided driving audio tour is perfect for independent travelers who crave flexibility and freedom in their exploration. Whether you're a solo adventurer, a couple seeking a romantic getaway, or a family looking for an educational and entertaining experience, this tour caters to a wide range of interests and preferences. From nature lovers to history buffs, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Why book this?

Immerse yourself in the captivating beauty and history of Guadalupe Mountains National Park with the Explore Guadalupe Mountains Self Guided Driving Audio Tour. This unique experience offers the convenience of exploring at your own pace while enjoying engaging storytelling and informative narration. With offline maps, a comprehensive route, and a hands-free audio guide, you can make the most of your visit without the need for attraction passes or reservations. Perfect for those seeking an affordable and unforgettable adventure in the great outdoors.

Good to know

Travelers embarking on the Explore Guadalupe Mountains Self Guided Driving Audio Tour should ensure they have the Actions Tour Guide App downloaded on their phone before starting the journey. With the flexibility to start and pause the tour at any time, visitors can enjoy breaks for snacks and photos while taking in the breathtaking scenery and fascinating history of the park. The tour is priced per car, making it a cost-effective option compared to guided tours.

Reviews

Travelers who have experienced the Explore Guadalupe Mountains Self Guided Driving Audio Tour rave about the convenience and value it offers. From the engaging storytelling to the comprehensive route and hands-free audio guide, visitors appreciate the flexibility and freedom this tour provides. Many have praised the ease of use of the app and the immersive experience it offers, making it a must-do for anyone looking to explore the wonders of Guadalupe Mountains National Park.

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