Guadalupe Mountains National Park

But as I sat in my car, pondering what could possibly be at the summit that would be worth a four-hour climb with a backpack full of half my weight in bottled water and sunscreen. A forest full of magical creatures and unicorns? I suddenly realized that this picnic bench was the most exhilarating attraction in the park.

You see, like the Grand Canyon, a breath-taking sight you can no longer see once you go inside it, Guadalupe Mountains boasts breath-taking views which can only be seen from a few strategic spots at the top. But the view from the bottom is breath-taking everywhere. Bring a picnic basket and pull up a table anywhere in the park and admire the monumental towers of rock towering above you. Lunch in the shadow of the monumental tower of rock The view is awe-inspiring. And you can get it from the parking lot.

If you do want to get your proverbial feet wet (with the blood of adventure!) there are a couple of hikes that are mostly level. Devil's Hall trail just off the Visitor Center is recommended for people with children because of some light rock climbing. And McKittrick Canyon at the northeast corner of the park lets you work up to it by letting you get a mile or two into your hike before you have to make a decision about climbing.

Let's face it, this is a park about hiking, since the entire park is a couple of mountains and the trails leading up to the top. But never fear, fellow adventurers! Every mountain has its base. And there's plenty of fun to be had in the foothills.

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• HOW TO DO THE PARK IN A DAY
  
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• HOW TO GET HURT IN THE PARK
  

• THINGS YOU CAN SEE FROM YOUR CAR
  

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  • WHEN TO GET THERE / BEST TIME TO SEE THE PARK