It can be done faster (we reached the summit in 2 hours) or longer. Be sure to tell him where youre from. McKittrick Canyon - Guadalupe Mountains National Park (U.S. National In its entirety, McKittrick Canyon Trail runs a total of approximately 11.1 miles from the trailhead at the McKittrick Canyon Visitor's Center (31.977596, -104.752145) to the point where it intersects Tejas Trail (31.977596, -104.752145), which is an additional 8 mile hike to park headquarters at Pine Springs Visitor's Center. Today Rio Grande Chub persists (barely) in Texas, but Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout didnt quite make it into modern times. 31m Moderate 4.5 (129) 1997 1036 5515 6000 35.291260000000001-106.4879. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Title, 400 Pine Canyon For all these reasons, our entire group loved this. Hes always availablehere. Do not expect to be able to call, text, email, or access the internet while in the McKittrick area of Guadalupe Mountains National Park. We saw many families with children returning as we were striking out. Distance: 4.75 miles out-and-back Difficulty: Easy Total Ascent: 525 feet Starting Elevation: 5,000 feet Elevation at Pratt Cabin: 5,220 feet Time: 1.5 to 3 hours, Distance: 7.25 miles out-and-back Difficulty: Easy to moderate Total Ascent: 820 feet Starting Elevation: 5,000 feet Elevation at the Grotto: 5,350 feet Time: 2 to 4 hours, Distance: 9.8 miles Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous Total Ascent: 1,675 feet Starting Elevation: 5,000 feet Highest Elevation (the Notch): 6,100 feet Time: 4 to 6 hours, McKittrick Canyon Trail elevation profile. There is a short side trail to follow off the main path to visit the Pratt Cabin. This unassuming brook is home to the only self-sustaining population of trout in Texas, a remarkable remnant of a rainbow trout stocking program from way back in the early part of the last century. Its nice, but there are a bunch of hikes that we liked a lot more. While fall colors are not particularly visible on Guadalupe Peak, the hike to the summit remains the most popular in the park, with hundreds of visitors attempting this strenuous trail . The first mile or so of the McKittrick Canyon Trail wind through the open and shrubby environment of the surrounding Chihuahuan Desert, through empty washes dotted with minimal, characteristically desert, vegetation. account_circle See what else this Mountain Range is Home to at neighboring Carlsbad Caverns National Park! . Ive heard its beautiful. On the way back to the Contact Station we encountered a park volunteer who shared stories of the area with us. Once home to the Mescalero Apaches, McKittrick Canyon is an alluring wonderland of lush and abundant flora and fauna. I think at some point, everyone asked everyone else individually if they had been to McKittrick Canyon, and we slowly realized just how unique this opportunity was going to be. Loved it, cant wait to return next fall. Bucket list McKittrick in Fall- accomplished. We'll assume you accept this policy as long as you are using this website, Guide to Day Hiking From the Trailhead to the Grotto, Gear Recs for Day Hiking McKittrick Canyon, go to dual agent breathable yet warm wool base layer. [["NAME","B01001_001E","state","school district (elementary)"], ["Clarkdale-Jerome Elementary District, Arizona","4041","04","00004"], ["Salome Consolidated . McKittrick Canyon Trailhead Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas. and the BEST SELLER Clint the largest on the market at $149.+ TX&SH Made right here in Texas, the good old USA, by me. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. VISIT THE US NATIONAL PARKS: Looking for your next big adventure? Off to the right, Wilderness Ridge looms over the canyon. See dusty greens and brightly colored prickly pear blooms against steep canyon walls and blue skies. McKittrick Canyon is Guadalupe Peak's equal opposite in elevation gain (200 ft. v 3,000 ft.) and mileage (4.8 miles round trip v 8.4 miles) but it should not be missed. McKittrick Canyon: A Beautiful History - Donna Blake Birchell - Google Remember that as Daylight Saving has ended, the gate to McKittrick Canyon is now open daily from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. MST. Just like you, these trout are not native, but Texas is happy to have themand youall the same. For those that love hiking in rugged secluded-ness, Texass OTHER National Park should definitely be on your radar! The little rainbow trout in McKittrick Creek at Guadalupe Mountains National Park are actually part of a wild population that has sustained itself, without supplemental stocking, for 80 years or so. Part of the Guadalupe mountains national park in Texas. Fall Colors Coming To Guadalupe Mountains National Park The canyon is one of the few spots within hundreds of miles with maple trees, so at this time of year the scenery is spectacular. McKittrick Canyon in the Guadalupe Mountains National Park has a self-sustaining population of rainbow trout, but fishing is not allowed there. | the Tickler at $129. If you are part of a large group, be prepared to wait awhile. By the mid-20th century, trout were still being discussed as native or possibly native to Texas. Park entry fee required for all adult visitors. McKittrick Canyon Trail Since McKittrick Canyon is a hundred miles east of El Paso and two hundred miles due west of Midland, you could say it's in the middle of nowhere. The trail becomes quite steep near the end, so ending your trek in McKittrick Canyon is never a bad idea. The detour to the Grotto is marked with a metal trail sign. The Rio Bonito is a tributary of the Pecos River and is known to have contained Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout at that time (Behnke, R.J. 1979. 12The only native trout that we're aware of are maybe some Rio Grande cutthroat trout that were in the McKittrick Canyon area of the Guadalupe Mountains. McKittrick Canyon - Explore Texas There is a large parking lot here as well as a ranger station and restrooms. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Cool! I liked the McKittreck Canyon hike enough to return the next day and go on another hike. The rumors of this supposed ripe, lush, canyon oasis do not appear to exist yet. The Top 5 Best Canyons in Texas You Have to See in Person . Which is why, says Steve Magnelia, Parks and Wildlife stocks lakes and neighborhood ponds with rainbow trout every winter. E-Newsletter Archive. It was spectacular! The one trail exception is the short Pinery Nature Trail located at the Visitor Center. Nestled among towering limestone canyon walls, Mckittrick Canyon has a beauty that while not as majestic as the Grand Canyon, does have its own impressive diversity of plants, wildlife and scenery. It is elusive, wild, and free. Although the hike lacks much vertical challenge, you lowlanders will be aware of breathing immediately, and need for hydration that comes with a dry climate at a starting altitude of 5,013 feet above sea level. This historic cabin is closing in on a 100 year old birthday soon! With just a few trees here and there, most of this trail is exposed to the sun. Se puede llevar casa de acampar? We were surprised there were not more hikers but we did go in the middle of the week. PDF Rainbow Fishing Techniques I met yesterday with the Board of Guadalupe River Trout Unlimited and have their support for the project. Thanks for writing in to let us know!! Still the experience and the wildlife was everything I wanted for this hike. See what else this Mountain Range is Home to at, *And since were on the topic of checking off National Parks, keep track of all the National Park gems youve been to, and still plan to visit, with, Best Small Towns in Texas: Road Tripping Through West Texas, The Only Hiking Checklist You Will Ever Need: The 10 Essentials Plus, Complete Guide to the Humphreys Peak Hike: Highest Point in Arizona, The Lost Mine Trail at Big Bend: Hiking to the Top of a National Park. And happy fishing! Located in the Guadalupe Mountains National Park, McKittrick Canyon boasts foliage colors that contrast dramatically in the arid Chihuahuan desert. This park is about an hour away from anything, so if you are going to visit, look at a map and plan your day. Yet Texas fly fishermen find themselves in a bit of a predicament when it comes to this addictive passion; there is no trout species native to Texas. Perhaps another asterisk is in order. I enjoyed the stops and the views along the way. We have a winner! Just beyond the Grotto is a cluster of picnic tables. But the views from the Notch are incredible, and worth the pain to get there. There are no restrooms or running water here. 5h 12m Easy 4.3 (131) McKittrick Canyon Nature Loop Trail Guadalupe Mountains National Park Length: 1.0 mi Est. As a jumping off point, Van Horn is approximately 55 miles from the entrance to the McKittrick Canyon portion of GMNP. Further supporting this theory is the existence of a wild, self-sustaining population of Rainbow Trout in McKittrick Creek, in Guadalupe Mountains National Park. The views from the trail and the detours to the cabin and Grotto are just OKnothing all that spectacularwhich had me wondering why was this hike so popular? Check out the, What to Expect on a McKittrick Canyon Day Hike, Day hiking in McKittrick Canyon was long on my bucket list of hikes, after having witnessed the surprising depth and diversity of other portions of Guadalupe Mountains National Park, including its, *Planning to tag on another nearby National Park? This point in the McKittrick Canyon hike is considered an ideal turn around point for the average day hiker. Checked out the historic cabin, then walked on to the Grotto where there were picnic tables to eat on. It is also a challenging and steep ascent of over 2,000 feet in elevation gain to summit the ridge and reach the campground. The initial start into McKittrick Canyon is deceptive. In 1878, the wildlife conservation and sporting magazine, Forest and Stream, reported that a surgeon stationed at Fort Davis, Texas during the Civil War took "Salmo fontinalis" from nearby Limpia Creek. Two other scientists, Jim Brooks of the US Fish & Wildlife Service and Dave Propst from New Mexico, also part of the expedition, were staying in Carlsbad, New Mexico, which is just about the same distance from our rendezvous point. There are even tales of some stocked trout surviving well into spring and even through the summer on that stretch of the Guadalupe, which is likely the origin of the story that brought you to the Texanist in the first place. A Look at McKittrick Canyon's Naturalized Rainbow Trout Even though the trail is ranked as easy to moderate, that depends on a few personal variables. Thousands of visitors come to Guadalupe Mountains National Park to visit McKittrick Canyon each year, especially during the latter part of October or early November for the sensational fall colors. When I did this, I started relatively early in the morning (about 8 am) and was the first person to the Notch. We all highly recommend this hike. However, this particular post will not cover hiking past the Grotto and Hunter Line Cabin. I felt like this hike allowed a good overview of Guadalupe Mountains National Park. One of the most fascinating examples of flora and fauna appears, the striking Texas madrone, with its trademark orange bark. It took me, at 62 and in pretty good shape, most of the afternoon. Pine Springs to McKittrick Canyon - My Life Outdoors Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. WHITE is the 2022 default color, but you can order color mats with a few extra days of patience. because of seeps and springs that flow out of the limestone formations of the canyon. There are several other trails that branch off from the main McKittrick Canyon Trail, like the McKittrick Canyon Nature Trail, so be sure to follow signs to stay on the main path. The Chihuahuan desert contrasts with steep canyon walls, century plants, and prickly pear cacti. View of McKittrick Canyon from the trail. This is the steepest, narrowest, and rockiest part of the trail. The trail itself is only moderately difficult, and the park's staff recommends allowing three to five hours to hike the canyon. Fish Commission, Article 3:57-126) listed "Salmo mykiss spilurus" as in Texas at "Limpia, Devil River, San Felipe Springs, and headwaters of the Canadian River, Texas, and Rio Bonito, New Mexico.". The deep canyon offers breathtaking views and provides visitors with many hiking opportunities suitable for every level. This 3.4 miles one way and back covers multiple landmarks, including the Pratt Cabin, the Grotto, and the Hunter Line Cabin. The Notch Out-and-Back hike takes hikers through McKittrick Canyon, past a couple cabins to some pretty stunning views of the canyon. (The Texanist prefers to do his swimming in water with a temperature just above the 70-degree mark, cool but not too cold. South Texas weather patterns are fantastic right now at South Padre Island, and now its time to start packing for the North again. The extra traction on hiking shoes will make it easier and safer to hike the rocky trail to the Notch. Beyond the Grotto, the trail gets steeper and if you look closely, you can see the trail as it switchbacks up the mountain. As a stopping point on your way to somewhere else, Van Horn and the El Capitan will take you back in time, say 50 years. In this fly fishers humble opinion, the possibility of catching a native Texan trout while wearing a cowboy hat is something that needs to happen. Written by and Photos Courtesy of: Matthew Jacobs. 7. If this is part of a bigger road trip to Texas and New Mexico, here is more information to help you plan your trip. Scenic canyon with unique animal and plant life. Quick Facts on the McKittrick Canyon Trail, Overnight Backpacking Length: 14.8 miles roundtrip. There are picnic tables here. McKittrick Canyon - Culberson County, Texas - Atlas Obscura Estimated Time to Hike to the Grotto/Hunter Line Cabin Roundtrip: 4 hours. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. From training resources, to select active travel destinations, I can teach you how to have a different kind of vacation, an active travel vacation! Based on the recommendation from another hiker we started toward the Notch. Trail Junction: The trail to the Grotto is on the left and the McKittrick Canyon Trail continues on the right. The native range of the Rio Grande Cutthroat suspiciously cuts off right at the Texas border. Gary Garrett is a Research Associate in the Ichthyology Collection, 102 E 24th StreetFNT 1.206CAustin, TX 78712, http://www.fishesoftexas.org/specimen/FoTX%20unvouchered1. Less than an hour away from big sibling Carlsbad Caverns, visitors to the Grotto can get a little taste of this mini cavern. It's a gorgeous place. Voicemail messages are responded to within five business days. Read that paper for background. At this point in the trail the incline becomes much steeper increasing more than 1,000 feet in about a mile and also becomes much rockier. There were beautiful views all along the way, and pretty places to stop and rest. . The landscape isnt the only showstopper here in McKittrick Canyon. Manage My Subscriptions, archive Back at the trailhead, the lot was still only about half full just after lunchtime. 4.9 Stars on Google with over 100 reviews We offer Full Service Moving and/or Labor Only Fully Licensed & Insured ODOT#254487 USDOT#3429439 MC#256401 Schedule your next Move or Free Walk Through. McKittrick Canyon is a scenic canyon within the Guadalupe Mountains of West Texas and Eddy County, New Mexico. Location of the McKittrick Canyon Trail . How to Hike the McKittrick Canyon Trail to Pratt Cabin, the Grotto Recently Updated The backdrop of this frontier cabin is just as impressive as the Pratt Cabin! Just do it! It's a few miles away from the main part of Guadeloupe National Park. favorite durable, versatile, hiking pants from Columbia. The Guadalupe Mountains rise into the flatness of West Texas along the Texas New Mexico border. Guadalupe Mountains National Park epitomizes the diversity of this region: it has mountains, forests, deserts, and canyons, all intricately and seamlessly blended together! The six hiked into McKittrick Canyon with electrofishing equipment and collected 26 trout that may possess genetic remnants of Texas' only native trout population Pat Hutson, trout program leader, said historical records of the region . Trail very pretty and peaceful. And You Thought Feral Hogs Were Bad. The Guadalupe River Chapter of Trout Unlimited (GRTU), a conservation organization dedicated to protecting trout populations across the country, is spearheading an effort to look into reintroducing the fish into its native Texas waters, starting with McKittrick Creek, home to the aforementioned viable population of introduced Rainbow Trout. Mountains in Texas: Are They Fact or Fiction? I am a full time teacher, wife, cheese-aholic, grammar nerd, and active traveler! Were on the road and in Gruene, Texas, for the annual Texas Clay Festival. Clouser Fly for Texas Saltwater fly fishing, Fly line mats for keeping fly line on boat decks keeping fly line on kayaks and drift boats.