A mountain chain that rises over the
Chihuahuan Desert in
northwestern
Texas. The Guadalupe's are the remnant of an
ancient
Permian fossilized reef comprised mostly of
resistant
limestone.
The reef formed over 250 million years ago when Texas and
New Mexico
were submerged under sea water. The
reef was then covered with
salty sediments as the sea evaporated. After millions of years,
the reef was uplifted and many of the overlying
sediments were
eroded away leaving the western portion of
the reef exposed.
What to see when you visit:
-
El Capitan.
-
Carlsbad Caverns. Yes, it is located in New Mexico, but this is
part of the reef formation. The speleotherms are tremendous! I
highly recommend the natural entrance trail when you visit.
- Guadalupe Peak. The highest point in Texas (8,749 feet).
- Rattlesnake Canyon. A bit of a hike, but there is a lovely park
for picnics where you park.
- The "Bowl." A beautiful high country conifer forest that makes the
strenuous hike to get there worthwhile.
Other geologic formations that can be seen in this region are
faults,
alluvial fans, and huge evaporite formations of
gypsum,
calcite and
hydrite.