If you think Texas is all flat and dusty, Guadalupe Mountains National Park is here to prove you wrong. Home to the highest peak in Texas, rugged canyons, and some of the best hiking in the state, this park is an under-the-radar gem that deserves way more attention.

The crown jewel? Guadalupe Peak. At 8,751 feet, it’s the highest point in Texas, and the 8.4-mile round-trip hike to the top is a leg-burner—but the 360° views of the Chihuahuan Desert make every step worth it. If you’re looking for something a little less intense, McKittrick Canyon is a stunning alternative, especially in the fall when the trees explode into vibrant reds and oranges.

For something truly unique, check out Devil’s Hall, a short but rocky trail that leads through a narrow slot canyon with towering walls. And if you want to walk through ancient history, the Salt Basin Dunes and Fossil Reef tell the story of a prehistoric ocean that once covered this land.

Guadalupe Mountains might not have the crowds of other national parks, but that’s part of the magic—epic views, killer hikes, and total solitude in one of the wildest corners of Texas.