Devil’s Hall Trail in Guadalupe Mountains National Park was a fun, moderately challenging hike that the whole family enjoyed.
When we went to Guadalupe Mountains National Park for Spring Break in 2024, we weren’t sure which trails we were going to do until a few days before getting to the park. I had seen a lot of photos from friends with Boy Scouts who have done the Guadalupe Peak Trail, but we weren’t quite ready for that long of a trail.
The day we went to the park was very chilly and foggy, so I’m glad we decided against the peak trail as we wouldn’t have seen anything from up there. We talked to a few other hikers who came planning to summit the peak, but changed plans due to the weather conditions.
Devil's Hall Trail Basics
3 – 4 Hours
4.2 Miles Round Trip
Out-And-Back
548 feet
Duration: 3-4 Hours
Plan on about 3-4 hours for this trail. It took us about 3 hours for the full hike plus the time we spent at the Hall at the end of the hike. Overall, we were out on the trail for 3.5 hours the morning we hiked Devil’s Hall.
Distance: 4.2 Miles Roundtrip
I have seen varying information on the length of this hike. I think it depends on how straight of a line you walk through the river wash.
Type: Out-and-Back Trail
The trail to Devil’s Hall is an out-and-back trail. It doesn’t loop around anything. Once you get to the end of the trial, you will turn around and go back the same way you came in.
Elevation Change: 548 Feet
While that sounds like a big elevation change, it isn’t all at once. Other than a few notable places on the trail, I didn’t notice much of the elevation change.
Season: Dry Season
This trail can be done during any season, but it’s best during the dry season. Keep a close eye on weather forecasts before you head to the park. Keep in mind you won’t have cell reception in the park to check weather conditions.
Due to the trail traversing the river basin, it is very prone to flash flooding. As much as we loved this hike, I would avoid it if there’s any chance of rain the day you are hitting the trail.
The rainy season in Western Texas is usually late summer. But, again, keep an eye on the weather no matter what time of the year you are heading to the park.
Time of Day: Morning
The parking lot for the trailhead fills up quickly. We woke up early, left our hotel in Carlsbad, New Mexico, by 6am, and were on the trail by 7:30am. The parking lot was already about halfway filled at that time. We didn’t see any other hikers on the Devil’s Hall Trail the entire way to the end, but saw a few on the way back. I’m guessing most of those who were there that early were heading out on the Guadalupe Peak Trail since they start at the same trailhead.
Of course, we went during Spring Break which is a busy time of the year for the park since it gets dangerously hot in the summer and can have snow in the winter.
Amount of Shade: Partial
Some parts of the trail had shade while others didn’t. The first mile, going through the dirt trail, had sporadic trees.
While in the wash, it depends on where you are at. Some of the area has tall canyon walls alongside and you will find yourself in the shade of those walls as you hike.
When you reach the Devil’s Hall slot canyon at the end, you will be between two massive canyon walls, so in the shade. It’s a great place to rest, get a snack and some water, and prepare for the trek back to the trailhead.
As with any trail you go on, sunscreen is always a good idea. Speaking as someone who burns easily and a history of melanoma in the family… don’t play around with getting sunburned. It’s just not worth it.
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
This partly depends on what level of a hiker you are. Tyler and Ryan, who were ages 10.5 and almost 9 when we did the hike, had no trouble with it. We go hiking often, but don’t do any type of training or running when we aren’t at the parks.
If there had been recent rain in the area, and the boulders are wet, that would make the climb much more difficult. We did not have any trekking poles but saw quite a few hikers with them on our way back down.
What Makes Devil’s Hall a Great Hike?
We had a blast on this hike. Of the last few parks we have been to, Tyler and Ryan have had the most fun when we’ve done hikes or trails that required some rock climbing. Their favorite hike was the Alluvial Fan when we went to Rocky Mountain National Park because they would go off-trail and climb the boulders. Then we went to Joshua Tree National Park in February, just one month before this trip, and they had the best time climbing on all the boulders there. This is the second trail we did this year with an ominous name. One of our favorites in Joshua Tree was called the Hall of Horrors. It was Ryan’s idea to check it out and we are so glad we did!
The first mile or so of the trail is through a wooded area with a dirt path that slowly goes up and down in elevation. The next mile of the trip is through the river wash basin. It’s nothing but rocks and boulders to climb to continue on the trail. As soon as I saw that information, I knew it was the trail for us!
Scenery on the Devil's Hall Trail
Start of the Trail
The start of the trail has you walking in the valley of the Guadalupe Mountain Peak along a dirt path. As you walk this path, you can get a glimpse of the river bed to your right. There are multiple places to stop and take in the scenery. The sun was rising behind us which was a beautiful sight.
On the Trail
Once you get to the river wash area, the scenery changes drastically. You’ll be walking through the river bed, over tiny pebbles and boulders bigger than cars. The mountain peaks will be to either side of you with towering canyon walls in some areas.
End of the Trail
The trail ends with the slot canyon called Devil’s Hall. You’ll find a small area that looks like it’s the end, but keep going. You are only about 5 minutes from the true end of the hike. We tried to see what was past the slot canyon, but it wasn’t something we could do and was not part of the designated trail.
Notable Places on the Hike
Near the end of the hike, you will come to the Hiker’s Staircase. This is a natural stone staircase that was fun to climb up. There are two ways to traverse this, and we ended up doing both between the four of us. On the way up, Justin, Tyler, and Ryan went up the middle, taking the most stairs. I went to the left and walked along the edge, which I found easier. They all followed me that way on the way back!
Once you pass the Hiker’s Staircase, you’ll see a small natural pool that you will walk along that leads to another small staircase area.
Continue for just a few more minutes until you wind back to the slot canyon.
This is a great place to explore the canyon but also to stop for a snack and water break.
Devil's Hall Trailhead Information
Park Name: Guadalupe Mountains National Park
You’ll find the Devil’s Hall Trail in the busiest area of Guadalupe Mountains National Park.
Finding the Trailhead
Luckily, since this is the most popular place in the park to start a trail, the trailhead is very well marked.
Markers Along the Trail
When you get almost 1 mile into the path, you’ll see a marker directing you to veer to the left or behind you for the Guadalupe Peak Horse Trail or continue forward for the Devil’s Hall Trail. This is the only trail marker you’ll see along the path, other than some rock cairns through the wash.
Parking Area: Pine Springs Trailhead
Look for the Pine Springs Trailhead area on the park map. It has the Pine Springs Picnic Area, Pine Springs RV Campground, Pine Springs Trailhead, and Pine Springs Amphitheater. The trailhead parking area fills up quickly. The next parking area is at the Pine Springs Visitor Center. It’s about 0.4 miles to walk from the Visitor Center to the trailhead. If you can’t find parking there either, you’ll have to park at the overflow parking which is 0.8 miles from the trailhead, adding almost 2 miles to your hike for the day.
Nearest Restrooms: Pine Springs Trailhead
There are restrooms to the left of the trailhead. These are flushing toilets with running water (not the vault toilets or pit toilets most National Parks have).
Other Trails at this Trailhead
There are a number of other trails that you can start from the Piney Springs Trailhead. Most of the trails here are considered strenuous due to their elevation gain, their length, or both.
- Guadalupe Peak Trail
- El Capitan Trail
- Salt Basin Overlook
- Hunter Peak
- The Bowl
- Foothills Loop
- Pine Springs to McKittrick Canyon
- Pine Springs to Dog Canyon via the Tejas Trail
- Tejas Trail
- Tejas Trail & Bush Mountain Loop
- Overnight to Shumard Canyon
Tips for Devil's Hall Trail
- When you think you’ve reached the end, keep going just a little bit further until you get to the slot canyon
- Take your time on the rocks as some seem stable but moved under our feet
- Plan more time than you think you’ll need for the length of the hike as it takes longer to climb up and down the boulders than to walk on a smooth trail
Accessibility Information for Santa Elena Canyon Trail
Dirt, Rocks, Boulders, Climbing
Paved
Trail Type: Dirt, Rocks, Boulders, Climbing
This trail is most definitely one that is not great for those with mobility issues. Even the first mile, the dirt path, has quite a few rocks, tree stumps, and natural steps.
Parking: Paved
Although the trails at the trailhead here aren’t accessible-friendly, the parking lot has some handicap parking spots. The parking lot is also part of a small campground for RVs and there is a flushing restroom at the trailhead.