Along the Texas - New Mexico border between Midland-Odessa and El Paso in far west Texas, the Guadalupe Mountains jut upwards from the desert floor with jaw-dropping prominence. As you climb up this ancient fossil reef, you will gradually ascend into high sky islands, where mountain lions and Ponderosa Pine forests flourish. Brave the narrow trail up to the top of Guadalupe Peak and stand on top of the highest point in Texas. If you camp up on the high mountain campsite, you can gaze off into the faraway horizon and watch it fade from orange to red to purple into infinite starlight. Pro Tip: on your way back out of the park, stay a night in Van Horn at the 1930&';s adobe Hotel El Capitan. It&';s a beautiful place to clean up and show off to other travelers all your fabulous Sendero selfies.