Guadalupe Mountains, Texas

The Guadalupe Mountains of western Texas tower over the Salt Basin, a remnant of an ancient lake that existed during the Pleistocene Epoch between 10,000 and 1.8 million years ago. The lake, which at times was up to 37 feet deep, had no outlet. As the water evaporated, salt and gypsum accumulated. The old lake bed is now dry most of the year, collecting only an inch or so of water during exceptionally heavy rains. The Guadalupe Mountains, part of Guadalupe Mountains National Park, are visible on the horizon. The iconic El Capitan (8085 feet/2464 meter) is visible at right. Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas at 8749 feet (2667 meters) is immediately left of it.

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The Guadalupe Mountains of western Texas tower over the Salt Basin, a remnant of an ancient lake that existed during the Pleistocene Epoch between 10,000 and 1.8 million years ago. The lake, which at times was up to 37 feet deep, had no outlet. As the water evaporated, salt and gypsum accumulated. The old lake bed is now dry most of the year, collecting only an inch or so of water during exceptionally heavy rains. The Guadalupe Mountains, part of Guadalupe Mountains National Park, are visible on the horizon. The iconic El Capitan (8085 feet/2464 meter) is visible at right. Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas at 8749 feet (2667 meters) is immediately left of it.