Suggested Mile / Segment Checkpoints & Features

Below is how you might divide the trail (one-way) by miles and features. Distances are approximate.*

Mile	Approx Location / Feature	Notes / Observations
0.0	Trailhead / Pine Springs Campground / RV section	This is where you start. There’s parking, signage. Yonderlust Ramblings+3AllTrails.com+3texashiking.com+3
0.5	Early steep switchbacks	Trail starts climbing steeply. The first 1–1.5 miles are among the steepest. AllTrails.com+2Visit Guadalupe Mountains+2
1.0	Switchback zone continues	You’ll likely already be gaining altitude and perhaps entering forested patches.
1.5	Emerging views / transition	Some clearing, less dense forest, more exposed terrain.
2.0	Mid-trail ridge / possible bench or rocky outcrop	Good rest spots here, views back toward valley.
2.5	“Around the bend” / trail junctions	This could refer to a bend or junction (e.g. where stock trail diverges). On some maps there is a “stock trail / horse route” divergence or junction you’ll see signs. Yonderlust Ramblings+1
3.0	Near backcountry campground	The wilderness campground is approximately at mile ~ 3.1 one-way (i.e. ~1 mile from summit) Visit Guadalupe Mountains+5National Park Service+5National Park Service+5
3.5	Last ascent zone / steeper rock sections	The final push to the top begins, possibly exposed rock, ridge cresting.
4.0	~0.2–0.25 mi below summit	Terrain becomes steeper, scrambling over rock slabs, wind more intense. Reddit+2Backpacker+2
4.2 (≈)	Summit / Guadalupe Peak	The goal! Expect wind, panoramic views, exposed ridgelines.

You would mirror these going back down for round trip markers (miles 4.2 → 0).

This is a way to mentally prepare and personally, it makes it less scary since we know what to expect! xoxo -Brenda, Bee