Standing atop Guadalupe Peak
Standing atop Guadalupe Peak

It is obvious when you have reached the summit, thanks to American Airlines' placing this stainless steel obelisk on the highest point of the peak.

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The Summit Obelisk
The Summit Obelisk

Airman and Dedication Plaque
Airman and Dedication Plaque on Obelisk

American Airlines Logo
American Airlines Logo on Obelisk

Pony Express Rider
Pony Express Rider on Obelisk

The summit marker on Guadalupe Peak is a thinly-veiled advertisement for American Airlines. Did I say "thinly-veiled?" How about "overt?" It is quite unique, with the bronze plaques depicting both trail and air pioneers. Did you notice that someone managed to pound pennies into the Os in the wording around the Post Office rider?

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The Summit Obelisk
The Summit Obelisk

Airman and Dedication Plaque
Airman and Dedication Plaque on Obelisk

Nattily Attired for the Summit
Nattily Attired for the Summit

When ascending to the highpoint of one of the 50 states, one must conform to the appropriate dress code, that being a Highpointers Club t-shirt!

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Returning to the Trailhead
Returning to the Trailhead

While there may not be the 98 switchbacks of the Mt. Whitney trail, the hike up Guadalupe Peak involves its fair share of back and forth.

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Sunset over the Guadalupe Mountains
Sunset over the Guadalupe Mountains

The clouds which had been slowly thickening overhead as we were on the summit and trail back broke just enough for a spectacular sunset as we drove up toward Carlsbad Caverns.

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