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Map to the Guadelupes,
as posted by Pete Hammer
Here are some mileages and landmarks to get to the Guadelupe Ridge flying sites. (Thanks to Duane and Tre for the mileages).
To get to Queen, location of the only general store / gas station / phone / diner this side of Carlsbad, go north from Carlsbad on 285. 14 miles north of the 285 / 180 intersection, turn left (west) on 137. There should be signs for Sitting Bull Falls and Dog Canyon Campground.
Queen is about 37 miles in on 137. Look for messages posted in the phone booth for information on where we will be camped. We will montor 151.625 MHz, although the terrain sometimes interferes with reception.
North Launches and Camping
From Queen take 137 West about 5 miles. Take 67 National Livestock Rd North. This is the gravel road that goes along the top of the ridge to the North.
- 1st cattle guard 5.9 miles in.
- 2nd cattle guard is 7.7 miles in.
- Cliff Launch / place we sometimes camp is 8.3 miles in.
- Slope Launch is 9.0 miles in.
- Message board is on the East side of the road 9.4 miles in.
- Third cattle guard is 10.0 miles in.
- Road to top LZ is to the East and is 10.7 miles in. (This is also a good camping spot.)
South Launches and Camping
From Queen take 137 west about 2 miles. Turn left (south) on Rd 540. This is the road that goes along the south end of the ridge.
- The road forks after about a 1/2 mile, stay on 540 to the right. (There is an alternative camping spot just down the left fork.)
- After about 3.5 miles, you pass the left for the Klondike Gap. (There are camping spots about 2 mile down that road that are suitable for strong wind conditions, being protected down in the canyons. To get to the south launches, stay on 540.)
- About 6 miles from 137, 540 comes back out to the ridge.
- At about 10 miles, you reach the 5 Points Vista overlook / launch.
- At 11 miles, you reach the end of the gravelled portion of 540, and the south camping spot.
Dog Canyon Campground and Bottom LZs
To get to the bottom, stay on 137 past 540 and 67. A mile and a half west of 67 (7 west of Queen), the road descends to the valley. The small valley between the last switchback and the El Paso Gap is one LZ. About 2 miles further, the road passes between two low hills (this is the El Paso Gap). The paved road (137) continues south, another 7 miles to the Dog Canyon campground. This is just back over the border into Texas, and is therefore in the National Park, complete with rangers. Beware. This campground has bathrooms but no showers, marked tent sites, and no fires allowed. It is fairly sheltered from high winds.
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