Butterfield Stage Route

Dogs No Dogs

If you plan to be on this trail for any length of time, bring plenty of water and sun protection.

This trail, while not an especially noteworthy point-to-point hike, does highlight some interesting history of the area. This segment of old doubletrack was once a portion of the 2,800-mile route used by the Butterfield Overland Mail Coach.

In 1858, the Pinery (a horse-changing station), was constructed near Pine Springs for the Butterfield Overland Mail, and the stage route was established through what is now the southwestern corner of Guadalupe Mountains National Park. This trail was only used for less than a year as the coach was soon re-routed to a course along a string of army forts to the south. However, the remnants of this path are still interesting to explore, whether you approach it from Hwy 62 or from the Salt Basin Dunes trailhead.

For more information on the history of the stage route, visit the park's "a href="https://www.nps.gov/gumo/learn/historyculture/butterfield.htm">website.