Guadalupe Mountains National Park guide · 1 min read
Devil's Hall: The Park's Slot Canyon Hike
Devil's Hall is a narrow slot canyon within Pine Springs Canyon, and reaching the slot at the end of the trail is the highlight for many hikers.
The route is a 4.2 mile round trip that starts at the Pine Springs Trailhead, and most hikers should plan on three to five hours. Compared with the 8.5 mile round trip to the top of Guadalupe Peak, it is a short hike, but it is still a demanding one.
The first mile follows above a rocky wash. After that, the trail enters the wash itself, where hikers make their way up the canyon by climbing over boulders of many sizes. Near the end, a natural rock staircase rises to the entrance of a hallway bordered by steep canyon walls. A few minutes past the staircase, the canyon narrows into the slot itself.
Rock scrambling is the main activity on this route. The wash section requires climbing over large boulders and other debris, and the rock surfaces can be loose and slippery. The route is rated strenuous, with a total elevation change of about 548 feet. Wear sturdy footwear and consider bringing trekking poles. Do not attempt the wash in wet or rainy conditions, since heavy rain can cover it in loose rock.
Most visits to the park start at Pine Springs, which serves as the primary hub for the area. The visitor center, a campground and the trailhead are all located here. The ruins of an old stagecoach station stand near the visitor center.
