El Capitan
A limestone cliff rising abruptly at the southern end of the Guadalupe Mountains. It marks an ancient Permian reef and can be viewed from Highway 62/180.
El Capitan is the southern end of the ancient Permian Capitan Reef. It rises about 600 meters from the Chihuahuan Desert and was a landmark on the historic Butterfield Overland Mail route. The best viewpoint is the scenic pullout on US Highway 62/180, where the light is especially lovely in the evening. You can also look down on it from the Guadalupe Peak trail. There is no entrance fee, and you can take photos from roadside parking.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Guadalupe Peak
- Devil's Hall Trail
- Frijole Ranch
- McKittrick Canyon
- Salt Basin Dunes
- Slaughter Canyon Cave
- Sitting Bull Falls
- Rattlesnake Springs