McKittrick Canyon/Ridge

Hike Name: McKittrick Canyon/Ridge Location: west TX Length: 10 Submitted by: Clay E. Ewing Date Submitted: 0/0/00 Rating:	more Texas trail reviews Texas national parks Texas state parks
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Description
McKittrick Canyon is one of the most diverse ecosystems you'll hope to find. It's in the southern- most tip of the Guadalupe Mtns, in Guadalupe Mtn. National Park, which is surrounded by the northern edge of the Chihuahuan Desert. Leaving the McKittrick Canyon Visitor's center, the first four miles are an easy stroll up into the canyon, where the ecosystem begins changing from desert scrub, to sugar maple, live oaks, a clear running stream, and well populated by deer, javalina, turkey, even the occasional (very) bear. About 4 miles in, you'll come to the Pratt Cabin, a wonderful stone house built by the geologist who was instrumental in the nation getting the land that's now the park. Less than a mile past the Cabin, the trail stops meandering and starts climbing. Over the next two miles, you'll hike up over 2,000 vertical feet, crossing a wind-blown spine to gain, towards the top, McKittrick Ridge. From this vantage point, you can look east back into the North McKittrick Canyon, or south into South McKittrick Canyon. About a mile after gaining the top, you'll hike down the canyon, passing the trail that leads to 6 wonderful campsites beneath a canopy of trees. The trail slowly loses a few hundred feet as it slopes down to the Tejas Trail, which turns north to Dog Canyon (on the New Mexico border), or south toward Pine Canyon, the main campground for the park. From simple trails that wander along mountainsides,to near-climbs up ridges; to the hike itself up Guadalupe Peak (highest point in Texas); this remote park offers just about everything--but water, which you must tote yourself.

Directions to Hike
From Whites City, N.M.:take US62/180 28 miles south, then right on park road to McKittrick Canyon Visitors Center.
From El Paso: 108 miles on SH 62/180.
From Van Horne, TX: 55 miles north on hiway 54; turn right at junction of 62/180, then 12 miles to McKittrick turnoff

Contact Information
915/828-3251
or
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
3225 National Parks Kwy, Carlsbad, N.M. 88220

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