Frijole Ranch
Pine Springs, TX
A stone ranch house from the 1870s with a small history museum, shaded picnic tables and an easy 4 km loop to Smith and Manzanita springs. A good short stop if you are not hiking the peak.
Frijole Ranch is a historic ranch house in Guadalupe Mountains National Park in the west of Texas. The Rader brothers built the house in 1876, and it is considered the first permanent ranch house in the region.
From 1916 to 1942 the ranch also served as a community center and regional post office. Today it is restored and houses a small museum of local history. The house is also the trailhead for the path to Smith Spring.
For road-trippers: the park’s visitor center is in Pine Springs; ask there when the museum is open and how long the trails are (check in advance). The stop is a good addition to a visit if you are not climbing Guadalupe Peak.
- Nearest town
- Pine Springs, TX
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 31.9087, -104.8007
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, May, September and December. Hot in June–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Pine Springs CampgroundCampsite2 mi from Frijole RanchTents
- Pine Springs CampgroundCampsite2 mi from Frijole Ranch · 13 pitchesCaravans
- Guadalupe Peak CampgroundCampsite3 mi from Frijole RanchTents
- Tejas Backcountry CampgroundCampsite4 mi from Frijole RanchTents
- Dog Canyon CampgroundCampsite6 mi from Frijole Ranch
- E&I RV ParkMotorhome stopover24 mi from Frijole RanchMotorhomes
All campsites in Texas · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Frijole Ranch?
Frijole Ranch is in Pine Springs, TX, at GPS 31.9087, -104.8007. It is about 49 mi from Carlsbad.
Can you camp near Frijole Ranch?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Public Coral Campground, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 8 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Frijole Ranch?
Frijole Ranch is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Guadalupe Mountains: from El Paso to the top of Texas.
What is there to see near Frijole Ranch?
Places worth a stop nearby: Guadalupe Peak Trail (Pine Springs) (2 mi), McKittrick Canyon (6 mi), Carlsbad Caverns National Park (22 mi) and Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site (73 mi).
When is the best time to visit Frijole Ranch?
The most pleasant months are usually April and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, May, September and December. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)