Guadalupe Mountains National Park Self Guided Audio Tour

Texas , USA

Guadalupe Mountains National Park Self Guided Audio Tour

Active

4h - 6h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Explore the rugged beauty of Guadalupe Mountains National Park with our immersive audio tour! Discover towering peaks, ancient fossils, and scenic desert trails as our guides share fascinating stories about the park’s rich history, unique geology, and diverse wildlife. Learn about the iconic El Capitan, Guadalupe Peak, and the cultural significance of this stunning landscape. Perfect for adventurers, hikers, and nature lovers, this tour lets you explore at your own pace. Simply download, plug in your headphones, and embark on an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking Guadalupe Mountains National Park!

* *Download the Shaka Guide app to access the purchased tours*

Available options

Guadalupe Mountains National Park Self Guided Audio Tour

What's included

Tours NEVER expire

Freedom to explore at your own pace

Offline map (no wifi or data needed)

Turn-by-turn directions using GPS

Hours of audio narration with stories, travel tips and music

Audio narration that plays automatically as you drive

Detailed itinerary

This picnic area right off Route 62 provides a stellar view of El Capitan, a prominent peak in the Guadalupe Mountains standing just over 8,000 feet tall.

This small visitor center includes exhibits on the park's geological and natural features. There's also a small gift shop. This is where you'll need to pay your park fee.

One of the primary trailheads in the park, Pine Springs is the starting point for several trails. The two most popular are the trails to Guadalupe Peak, and Devil's Hall. Guadalupe Peak is the highest mountain in Texas. The hike to the summit is 8.4 miles round trip, with 3,000 feet of elevation change, and is considered difficult. Devil's Hall is about 4 miles round trip and is moderate to difficult. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks for either trail.

What remains of an overland mail route station called the Pinery sits at the foot of the Guadalupe Mountains. Mail used to cross the country by carriage, stopping at stations like this for a new driver and a fresh team of horses.

Explore a historic homestead at the Frijole Ranch. The farmhouse has been converted into a small museum displaying artifacts from the area's human history. You can also walk beyond the ranch to reach the Smith Spring Loop Trail, which heads a small ways into the mountain forest to a spring. The whole trail is 2.3 miles round trip and is considered moderate. You can also just stop at the Manzanita Spring, which is only 0.5 miles round trip.

McKittrick Canyon is an easier alternative to hike into the mountains than the hikes at the Pine Springs trailhead. There are a few hiking choices here, but the most recommended is the hike to Pratt Cabin. The hike is 4.8 miles round trip and is considered moderately difficult, mainly for the length. This area is known for colorful trees during the autumn. Next to the trailhead is a small visitor center that's intermittenly staffed.

What's not included

Private Transportation

Parking Fees

Meals & Refreshments

Available languages

Audio guide

Important information

Service animals allowed

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Get Started Easily: • Book Your Tour: Receive a confirmation and easy instructions via email. • Download the App: Follow the simple steps in your email. • Redeem the Tour: Use the redeem code in your email to redeem the tour in the app. • Prepare Ahead: Download the tour using strong Wi-Fi.

Begin Your Journey: • Select Your Tour: Go to the My Stuff tab in the Shaka Guide app to launch the tour. • Start the Tour: Select the tour starting point and follow the GPS instructions. • Follow Shaka Guide: Stick to the suggested route and speed for the best experience.

Why Choose Our Audio Tour: • Cost-Efficient: One tour for the entire vehicle—no per-person fees! • Ultimate Flexibility: Start, pause, and resume on your schedule. • Convenience: Use the tour any day, over multiple days if needed.

Top Features: • Hands-Free: The tour works automatically - GPS-activated stories, directions, and music play as you drive for a seamless experience. • Works Offline: No need for continuous wifi or data. • Reliable Support: Get help via call, chat, or email.

Private and Personalized: • Crowd-Free: Enjoy a private tour with just your group. • Customizable Stops: Pick the stops you want and skip the ones you don’t!

The Ultimate Guided Tour: • Detailed Itinerary: Includes travel tips and recommendations. • Engaging Narration: Captivating stories and history.

What Our Users Say: • “A fantastic way to explore! Easy to use and very informative.” • “Loved the flexibility to stop and go as we pleased. Highly recommend!”

Important notes

HOW TO REDEEM YOUR TOUR:

Thank you for purchasing the Guadalupe Mountains National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour.

Before you start your adventure, you'll need to redeem and download the tour in the Shaka Guide app. Follow the instructions below:

*Please Note: The redeem code is the 10-digit booking reference number on your ticket (located under the barcode).

How to Redeem Your Tour(s):
1. Download the Shaka Guide app from the App Store or Google Play
2. Open the app and sign up or sign in
3. Tap Support
4. Tap Retrieve Purchases
5. Tap Redeem Purchase
6. Enter the 10-digit Booking Reference number (under the barcode on their Viator ticket)
7. Hit Redeem Purchase and download the tour(s)

Once you've redeemed your tour you'll find it under "My Stuff" in the app. For a smooth ride, download the tour with wifi before you go.

We can't wait for you to explore with Shaka Guide! If you have any questions don't hesitate to reach out to aloha@shakaguide.com or call (808) 201-8138.

DOWNLOAD THE APP HERE: www.shakaguide.com/download.

About Texas

Texas is the second-largest state in the United States, known for its rich history, diverse landscapes, and vibrant culture. From the bustling cities of Houston and Dallas to the natural beauty of Big Bend National Park, Texas offers a unique blend of urban excitement and outdoor adventure.

Top Attractions

The Alamo

The Alamo is a historic mission and fortress compound in San Antonio, famous for the Battle of the Alamo in 1836. It's a symbol of Texas independence and a must-visit for history buffs.

Historical 1-2 hours Free (donations appreciated)

Big Bend National Park

Big Bend National Park offers stunning landscapes, including deserts, mountains, and the Rio Grande. It's a paradise for hikers, campers, and nature lovers.

Nature Multiple days recommended $30 per vehicle (7-day pass)

Space Center Houston

The official visitor center of NASA's Johnson Space Center, Space Center Houston offers a fascinating look into the U.S. space program. Visitors can see spacecraft, meet astronauts, and explore interactive exhibits.

Museum 3-4 hours $29.95 for adults, $24.95 for children

Must-Try Local Dishes

Brisket

Slow-smoked, tender beef brisket is a Texas barbecue staple, often served with pickles, onions, and bread.

Main Course Not vegetarian or vegan

Tex-Mex

A fusion of Mexican and Texan cuisine, featuring dishes like fajitas, enchiladas, and nachos.

Main Course Can be vegetarian or vegan with modifications

Chicken Fried Steak

A breaded and fried steak, typically served with cream gravy, mashed potatoes, and vegetables.

Main Course Not vegetarian or vegan

Popular Activities

Hiking in Big Bend National Park Whitewater rafting in the Guadalupe River Mountain biking in Barton Creek Greenbelt (Austin) Spa treatments in The Woodlands Beach relaxation in South Padre Island River cruises in San Antonio Visiting museums in Houston and Dallas Exploring historic sites in San Antonio

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November)

Spring and fall offer pleasant weather and are ideal for outdoor activities and festivals. The state's wildflowers bloom in spring, and fall brings cooler temperatures and vibrant foliage.

15-30°C 60-85°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Central Time Zone (CT) or Mountain Time Zone (MT) depending on location

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Texas is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates in most tourist areas. However, petty crime and scams can occur, so it's important to stay vigilant and take precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of strangers offering help or services
• Use ATMs located inside banks or reputable establishments

Getting there

By air

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport • 25 km from Dallas city center
George Bush Intercontinental Airport • 40 km from Houston city center

By train

Union Station (Houston), Union Station (Dallas)

By bus

Greyhound stations in major cities

Getting around

Public transport

Public buses are the primary form of public transportation in Texas cities. METRO in Houston and DART in Dallas offer extensive bus and rail networks.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Austin Deep Ellum (Dallas) The Woodlands

Day trips

San Antonio River Walk

130 km from Austin • Half day to full day

A scenic network of walkways along the San Antonio River, lined with restaurants, shops, and historic sites.

Fredericksburg

130 km from Austin • Full day to overnight

A charming German-inspired town known for its wineries, historic sites, and annual events like Oktoberfest.

Galveston Island

80 km from Houston • Full day to overnight

A barrier island off the coast of Texas, known for its beaches, historic sites, and amusement park.

Festivals

State Fair of Texas • Late September to mid-October Austin Film Festival • Mid-October Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo • Late February to mid-March

Pro tips

Visit during the spring or fall for the best weather and wildflower season
Try local specialties like brisket, Tex-Mex, and chicken fried steak
Explore beyond the major cities to discover Texas' natural beauty and small towns
Book accommodations and tickets in advance for popular events and festivals
Use navigation apps to get around, as some areas can be confusing for first-time visitors