Texas State Eagle Expedition 2026

Sept 17-20, 2026 | Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Overview

Guadalupe Mountains National Park - Texas State Expedition

The Texas State Eagle Expedition brings Eagles to Guadalupe Mountains National Park, September 17-20, for four days of challenge, connection, and shared purpose in one of the most rugged and rewarding landscapes in the country. Pine Springs Campground serves as the basecamp for high-country adventures, including the gateway to Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas at 8,749 feet. Eagles will push their limits on iconic trails, share meals under some of the darkest skies in the Southwest, and forge the kind of bonds that only come from embracing hard terrain together. September delivers crisp air, lighter crowds, and the first hints of fall color, making this one of the best windows of the year to experience the Guadalupe Mountains.

Applications

Application Date Window: Now-September 10, 2026

Registration Fee: $50 registration fee

Fundraising Opportunity: Raise $100 and earn Expedition swag!

Spots Available: 14 participants

Applicants will be notified of their status starting in June on a rolling basis

Apply Now

At a Glance

Location:

Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas

Duration:

4 Days / 3 Nights

Group Size:

14 participants + 2 Expedition Guides

Expedition Type:

Basecamp camping

Terrain:

Expect varying terrain between basecamp and Guadalupe Peak

Expedition Highlights

The Highlights

High desert camping!
Experience high-altitude hiking and build mountain travel skills
Basecamp for three nights allows for more comfortability at camp
Build resilience and confidence through a physically demanding hikes
Tight-knit team experience with fellow veterans
8.4 mile, 3000’ elevation gain trek to Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in the park at 8751’

If you couldn’t join us live, you can now watch the full session. Get an overview of the program, trip details, eligibility, and the application process.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival & Setup

Meet at Pine Springs Campground
Setup gear, connect with the team
Group dinner and connection
Stargazing

Day 2 – Acclimation

Planned morning hike: McKittrick Canyon Trail to Hunter Line Shack (Rated as Moderate) 6.5 miles round-trip. While the full McKittrick Canyon Trail is around 25 miles long, this section to Hunter Line Shack is a scenic day trip in the canyon. You'll follow along McKittrick Creek and pass the historic Wallace Pratt Lodge, which is a great place to rest halfway along the route. This route ends at the historic remains of Hunter Line Shack. This cabin was formerly owned by ranchers who eventually transferred the land to the National Park Service. Further into the canyon, you can reach the Grotto, a small cave with unique rock formations, and the Notch, a high point viewing area.
Team lunch on the trail, resilience discussion
Afternoon movement and backcountry skills building
Team dinner and evening movement
Stargazing

Day 3 – Transition & Descent

Morning hike: The trail starts at the Pine Springs Trailhead. You will encounter the steepest part of the hike in the first mile, as the trail switchbacks up the first steep slope. Hikers will arrive at the north-facing slope. Here, hikers will discover a small forest of pinion pine, south-western white pine, and Douglas fir. The forest exists here since on a north-facing slope there is not as much sunlight. The slightly cooler, shadier climate allows these pines to survive. After nearly three miles the trail will top out at a false summit. It is still a little more than a mile to the actual summit. The trail will flatten out for a short distance as it passes through a sparse forest of ponderosa pine. The trail descends slightly and crosses a wooden bridge. After the bridge, the trail begins the final climb to the summit. After only a few switchbacks, the top of El Capitan will dominate the view to the south. Eventually, you will pass the horse hitching posts and arrive at the summit, where, on a clear day, you will be rewarded with a tremendous view of the surrounding mountains and desert.
Lunch on the trail, resilience discussion, backcountry skills building
Afternoon recovery
Team dinner and reflection
Stargazing

Day 4 – Final Descent

Morning hike: Devil’s Hall Trail (Rated as Moderate) departs from the Pine Springs Trailhead and is 4.2 miles round-trip. After the first mile the trail leads to a rocky wash which takes hikers to an impressive natural rock staircase leading to a "hallway" formed by steep limestone canyon walls. The wash portion of the route requires the hiker to scramble over medium size boulders and other debris. This route offers spectacular views of geologic formations, steep canyon walls, tall trees, and mountaintops.
Reflection, Packup, light movement
Depart

(subject to change)