Hike-in Required
No
Open Year-round
Yes
ADA accessible
Yes
Guided tours
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The El Capitan Lookout Wayside offers a spectacular view of El Capitan which is part the Guadalupe Mountains. The lookout is located about 5 miles south of the Pine Springs Visitor Center on US Highway 62. At an elevation of 8,085, El Capitan is the tenth highest peak in Texas and is located within the Guadalupe Mountains National Park.

There are pull offs for this wayside are on both sides of the highway. There are sheltered picnic tables at the wayside, but no other amenities. Water and restrooms are available at the nearby Pine Springs Visitor Center. If you are driving this section of US Highway 62, it is definitely worth stopping to take in the incredible view of El Capitan and the surrounding desert. Consider watching the sunset from this location as well.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Parking Pass

None

Pros

Scenic view of El Capitan.

Cons

No restrooms.

Pets allowed

Allowed

Features

Covered picnic areas
Picnic tables
ADA accessible
Geologically significant
Big vistas

Location

Nearby Adventures

Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Guadalupe Mountain National Park, Texas

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

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