Julie Last updated: May 5, 2022 United States 4 Comments. The trail starts here (just look for the large sign). It is worth noting that while not on the main trail, the short spur trail that leads to the Grotto also leads just past the Grotto formation to a historic cabin, the Hunter Line Cabin, that will push your total roundtrip just slightly closer to an even 7 miles roundtrip. The McKittrick Canyon Nature Trail is a short trail with dramatic views. We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location. 1988 2800 3700 6612 33.673169999999999-111.2872. So, as far as. McKittrick Canyon Trailhead Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas. If you go there, consider staying at the Hotel El Capitan in Van Horn. Some from TPWD mentioned that McKittrick Canyon was on their bucket list, or even at the top of their bucket list. The fact no one had been there added something to the excitement and just like a backpacking trip along a new trail, it also leveled the field and heightened anticipation. 7. I am a hiker, backpacker, camper, state highpointer, long distance runner, cyclist, kayaker, tower runner, and avid pursuer of new destinations that allow me to interact with them in an active way! If you are new to hiking or are curious about what you should bring on a hike, check out our. Then I hiked into the Canyon and climbed up to McKittrick Ridge for. The trail was very good and well marked. It's a few miles away from the main part of Guadeloupe National Park. A drawing of the fish was accompanied by the description: "yellowish brown above, spotted with black; a red band on each side of the chin." At one time there was continuity between Big Bend and the Rockies such that trout were endemic throughout. The native range of the Rio Grande Cutthroat suspiciously cuts off right at the Texas border. There was a major flood in recent years that sent a lot of water down the canyon creek, moving boulders and reshaping the terrain. Trail that combines desert scrub with mountain vistas, trout streams and vintage backcountry cabins . THE BUCKET LIST Then the trail moves upward into the mountain range and the view gets great. 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. Back at the trailhead, the lot was still only about half full just after lunchtime. Somehow, though manmade, this cabin blends seamlessly into its environment, and is breathtaking in its humbleness. As we drove up 54 and merged with 62, the mountain range loomed large. While I hiked the McKittrick Canyon Trail, Tim hiked the Permian Reef Trail. Our group hit the trail. McKittrick Creek is a small creek in McKittrick Canyon, a gorgeous place in the middle of the Guadalupe Mountains National Park, elevation somewhere around 7000 feet (it's 7700 feet on McKittrick Ridge above the creek). Beautiful views, colors and interest along the way. account_circle Hiking the McKittrick canyon trail to the 90 years old Pratt cabin. Although the drawing is rather generic, the description is correct for Cutthroat Trout, and of particular significance is the reference to a red band, a diagnostic character for Cutthroat Trout. Going in, there wasnt going to be a lot of technical information, like oxygen content, food sources, numbers of fish and such but that will be provided later from the data on file with the National Park Service. He hiked roughly 9 miles without seeing another person. *Interested in Visiting BOTH National Parks in Texas on the Same Road Trip? Discover McKittrick Canyon in Culberson County, Texas: Steep canyon walls hide a forested oasis in the West Texas desert. Legends of lost Spanish gold mines drew many unsuccessful prospectors before the turn of the century. Judging by the smell, we also snuck up on a skunk. That they survived so very, very geologically long up there in little old McKittrick canyon in that little creek; all the while the rest of the world spun on, the epochs marched on. To hike to Pratt Cabin, it is a 2.4-mile hike one-way. The elevation gain and steepness of the trail pick up considerably past the Grotto and Hunter Line Cabin, so those continuing on should be aptly prepared, or planning to camp overnight at the backcountry McKittrick Ridge Campground. The Chihuahuan desert contrasts with steep canyon walls, century plants, and prickly pear cacti. detour, the Grotto. This was another reason for the plants and tree we saw. . 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 Pine Springs, you can also hike to the highest point in Texas by standing on Guadalupe Peak. Fall brings more changes than I can imagine. Once home to the Mescalero Apaches, McKittrick Canyon is an alluring wonderland of lush and abundant flora and fauna. Still we saw most of what we wanted to see in the canyon. This part of the trail looks a lot different than the first section of the hike. Beautiful views, colors and interest along the way. We only had enough time to do one hike in the McKittrick area of the park, so Tim and I split up. Heres hoping that you find the elevated temperatures more advantageous than Oncorhynchus mykiss does. Winter tides and weather are formidable foes especially in the Lower Laguna Madre system. As the gene pool of the fish population continues to dilute, all offspring eventually resemble Rainbows altogether, and the native fish population fades away. Mick, that is outstanding. I felt like this hike allowed a good overview of Guadalupe Mountains National Park. I also hiked the Devils Hall, but do not think I could have done both in one day, but I am not an experienced hiker. The trail to the Grotto leads off to the left and heads downhill on a very rocky trail. The Top 5 Best Canyons in Texas Location of the Top 5 Best Canyons in Texas #1: Santa Elena Canyon #2: McKittrick Canyon #3: Palo Duro Canyon #4: Caprock Canyon #5: Seminole Canyon Gear Recommendations for the Best Texas Canyons The Top 5 Best Canyons in Texas The surface of the trail is gravel and easy to walk. We started the hike around 2:30 and made it to the Pratt Cabin before having to turn around to make it back in time. We (two couples ages 45-60) hiked the McKittrick Canyon trail to the Grotto (approx. As a jumping off point, Van Horn is approximately 55 miles from the entrance to the McKittrick Canyon portion of GMNP. 1973 516 2000 2000 33.603859999999997-111.5317. We were a bit early this year to see full fall colors, but there definitely were some, especially between Pratt Cabin and the Grotto. Difficulty:moderate. Other imposing residents include elk and black bear, though they are less likely to be spotted. I was flying heavy with about 35 pounds of camera gear in my Lowe Pro backpack, heaviest load of everyone, and immediately aware that this wasnt going to be a walk in the park. This is the steepest, narrowest, and rockiest part of the trail. Be sure to tell him where youre from. BEST OF GUADALUPE MOUNTAINS: Read our article Best Things to Do in Guadalupe Mountains National Park for a full list of things to do, plus important information and helpful tips to plan your visit here. Bigtooth . Just do it! So what gear will you need to responsibly enjoy McKittrick Canyon? Any Texas or southwestern U.S. road trip wouldn't be complete without experiencing all the outdoor adventures in Guadalupe Mountains National Park! Your email address will not be published. From there it is only 4.8 miles round trip to Pratt Lodge and 6.8 miles round trip to the Grotto. (Or in the beaver department, for that matter.) If you are wondering more about photography, be sure to visit my photography website - www.shannondrawe.com. I wish trout could handle our climate. Cheers, Julie, Your email address will not be published. Q: Im an avid trout fisherman who was raised in Oregon, which is blessed with many cold rivers and streams that support trout. But what we may lack in trout, we make up in the diversity of our catchable piscifauna, including gargantuan bass, the freshwater fish for which Texas is probably best known. McKittrick Canyon surprised me, and it continues to be one of the most unique spots I have hiked in the state of Texas! Enter the Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout, a rare species found in New Mexico and Southern Colorado. However, they lock you in at 6:00 and it is a federal felony if you get stuck per the McKittrick VC. This is a popular trail for camping, hiking, and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Considered by some to be the most beautiful fish in the world, it embodies everything that makes fly fishing great. Salt Flat Please note: the Texanist is not sure how things work in Oregon, but in Texas theres a daily bag limit of five trout, with no minimum length requirement. Although less than ideal, the historical accounts do present a likely and compelling scenario for the natural occurrence of this species in the state (http://www.fishesoftexas.org/specimen/FoTX%20unvouchered1). 1997 1036 5515 6000 35.291260000000001-106.4879. Water and snacks. For aquatic organisms in particular, what is now the Chihuahuan Desert was a route for dispersal during this time. Dont underestimate this part of the hikeit is challenging. We usually head out to Lost Maples to get a glimpse of Fall foliage but this year we made the trek to McKittrick Canyon. From US Highway 62/180, turn onto McKittrick Road and drive to the very end. At a glance. The exact reason for the fishs demise in the state is not known with certainty. RT) midweek in early November. The Permian Reef Trail heads off to the right and the McKittrick Nature Trail heads off to the left. The eggs require continuous oxygenation. Beyond the Grotto, the trail gets steeper and if you look closely, you can see the trail as it switchbacks up the mountain. I teach others how to develop a mindset for active travel! Ive very recently moved to your great state, specifically Georgetown. Best Things to Do in Carlsbad Caverns National Park. It is possible to experience all of McKittrick Canyon in multiple, overnight days, but this itinerary is specifically designed for those looking to make the most out of a day hike on the McKittrick Canyon Trail. The trail becomes quite steep near the end, so ending your trek in McKittrick Canyon is never a bad idea. U.S.D.A. In this tiny part of west Texas, the foliage (brilliant reds, subtle yellows, and deep browns) contrasts dramatically with the flavor of the arid Chihuahuan desert that includes century plants, prickly pear cacti, blacktail rattlers, steep canyon walls and crystal clear blue skies. The Lone Star State, as youve apparently gathered, doesnt hold a candle to the Beaver State in the trout department. Jos R. Ralat is Texas Monthlys taco editor, writing about tacos and Mexican food. Beyond Pratt Cabin, the trail narrows, the gravel disappears, and now you are walking on a dirt singletrack trail. That portion of the trail was also a gradual incline. It is best suited for those wanting to make the trek a multi day, overnight, backpacking and camping trip. Distance:0.9 miles (1.4 km) round-trip, loop As a solo traveler I felt safe. Another surgeon who traveled in western Texas and New Mexico during the Civil War period wrote in Forest and Stream (also in 1878) about catching "S. fontinalis" in Texas in the Devils River at Fort Hudson, as well as in Limpia Creek. This is the distance to the Grotto, a reasonable turn around spot for those looking for a doable day hike that can be achieved in under 8 hours. Highly recommend! It took us about an hour each way to hike the 2.4 miles to Pratt Cabin, and we enjoyed the fairly small elevation change and chance to enjoy the variety of trees and colors. The trail feels more sheltered and its a little easier to walk, now that you arent hiking on loose gravel. Eggs are laid in shallow nests dug out by the female in gravel riffles. McKittrick Canyon is a day use area. [["NAME","B01001_001E","state","school district (elementary)"], ["Clarkdale-Jerome Elementary District, Arizona","4041","04","00004"], ["Salome Consolidated . THE JUMP OFF Today the only member of the family Salmonidae (trout, salmon and their relatives) that occurs in Texas is the non-native Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss. McKittrick Creek, Guadalupe Mountains. It is possible to see McKittrick canyon without hiking 19 miles with tree days of water. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. 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. From the Grotto, retrace your steps back to the McKittrick Canyon Trail and turn left to continue to the Notch. Im looking forward to learning much about the incredible state of Texas! Can College Sports Get More Absurd Than SMU Joining the Pac-12? and cookie statement. Start the hike early, ideally by 8 am (but even better is early). (Texass official state fish, by the way, is the Guadalupe bass.). Gear & Gadgets on the Texas Fishing and Outdoors Show, http://www.grtu.org/archives/Cutthroat_in_Texas_Garret_Matlock.pdf, http://www.texasexplorer.com/guadmckcanyon.htm, http://www.texaskayakfisherman.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=72&t=131911&start=0, Powered by UBB.threads PHP Forum Software 7.7.3. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The landscape isnt the only showstopper here in McKittrick Canyon. I recommend doing these first and if you still have time, then hike the McKittrick Canyon Trail. Located in the Guadalupe Mountains National Park, McKittrick Canyon boasts foliage colors that contrast dramatically in the arid Chihuahuan desert. McKittrick Canyon in the Guadalupe Mountains National Park has a self-sustaining population of rainbow trout, but fishing is not allowed there. NPS Photo Traveling clockwise, this fascinating, short trail passes an intermittent seep that lies hidden in junipers, then wanders up a southwest slope along an arroyo. From training resources, to select active travel destinations, I can teach you how to have a different kind of vacation, an active travel vacation! Of all the parks we visited, Guadalupe was rank first by Alltrails. So glad that we drove out to take a peek. And, Mr. Cleland, youve chosen a particularly fortuitous time to make your arrival, as the first of the releases occurred in November and the last will take place in March. I have never been to the areas you speak of, but it would be great to restore the fish to their native waters. We realized that we would not be able to get to the Notch due to time constraints and turned back. Two asterisks, actually. The canyon features some of the steepest cliffs and oldest rock in North America, and is a popular site for river rafting and rock climbing. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. The entrance gate on U.S.Highway 62/180 is locked each evening. Enter the Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout, a rare species found in New Mexico and Southern Colorado. Today, there is a growing belief that they are actually native to Texas. The water harbors Texas's only self-sustaining population of rainbow trout. I knew I had to go back and explore Guadalupes canyons more, and I was equally impressed. If there was once a trout native to Texas, what does that mean for fishermen and wildlife enthusiasts today? And it doesnt hurt that being one of the most underrated and least visited National Parks in the country, you are likely to have a lot of seclusion hiking here, unless, of course, you visit during the peak of autumn!