Wilderness Ridge

Permit required

Wilderness Ridge is a designated backcountry camp. You cannot reserve it directly — you must name it on a wilderness permit, and camping here without one is not permitted.

Apply for the permit on Recreation.gov

An interesting hike along the Permian Reef trail meanders up 2,000 feet to Wilderness Ridge where the sudden transition from rock to trees is refreshing. Once on top, the trail is level through forested and open areas and takes you to the edge of the escarpment where the view is outstanding. Once on the ridge, the campground is approximately 1/2 mile further. The Wilderness Ridge campground is in trees, and worth the extra distance to save the resource from unnecessary damage. Though the campground appears protected by ponderosa pine and juniper near all sites, high winds are common. There are five tent pads at the Wilderness Ridge campground.

The Wilderness Ridge campground is along the route of the Guadalupe Ridge Trail and could be used when planning a through hike.

Fees

Reservation Fee: A $6.00 non-refundable reservation fee is required for each overnight permit reserved. Recreation Fee: A $6 per-person-per-night fee is required for each hiker on the overnight reservation. Entry into the park requires a fee or pass. Over 96% of the Recreation Fee goes directly to funding Guadalupe Mountains National Park projects that improve the visitor experience.

Rules

This reservation is NOT your permit. You MUST pick up your reserved permit in person at the Pine Springs Visitor Center by 3:30PM Mountain Time up to forty-eight hours before the start of your trip. Walk-up permits for unreserved sites in the Wilderness may be issued on-site on a first-come, first-served basis at the Pine Springs Visitor Center from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Noon, daily. Walk up permits may be obtained up to 24 hours in advance of the trip. Proof of identity will be required to obtain your permit (acceptable forms of identification include driver’s license, work ID, school ID, credit card, passport, etc.). Parking: Your permit reservation does not ensure a parking spot. Parking lots fill up early in the morning during peak visitation periods. Carpooling is encouraged. Wilderness protection requires your personal commitment. Plan your activities to allow time and energy for good Leave No Trace practices. All group members are responsible for complying with the following minimum impact restrictions. A ranger will review these restrictions when you pick up your Wilderness Use Permit. You are responsible for knowing and abiding by all park rules and regulations . Planning: Weather is highly variable even on a day-to-day basis so you must plan for all types of inclement conditions. Please check with the National Weather Service when planning your trip. The nearest places to stay prior to your arrival are in park front-country campgrounds, only available through reservation, and in Carlsbad, NM or Van Horn, TX. Consult the park website for more information on how to choose an itinerary and prepare for your trip. Water: There is no water available in the Guadalupe Mountains. All users must carry in their water; plan for one gallon per person per day. Water is available at Pine Springs, McKittrick Canyon, and Dog Canyon. Safety: You are responsible for your own safety. Search and rescue is discretionary. Rescuer safety is our first priority. Exhibit self-reliance commensurate with the riskiness of your activities. Cell phones have limited coverage. If you carry a phone or satellite device, learn its operation and limitations. Don't rely on it to summon help or notify family that you are "OK." If you have an emergency and cannot self-rescue, contact a ranger or call 911 or Texas DPS Pecos Dispatch (432) 447-3533. Provide clear, concise information about the nature and exact location of the emergency. For more information on planning your adventure in the wilderness of Guadalupe Mountains National Park, visit our Wilderness Trip Planning page.