I drove into the park and camped overnight at the Pine Springs Campground before I grabbed my permit. The catalyst for the new research is from a paper by Gary Garrett and Gary Matlock. To get here, look for signage directing off to the left of the main trail indicating the Grotto. The trail to Pratts has a gradual incline and is easy to navigate. 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. 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. All in all, this is the one hike you don't want to miss if you're visiting Guadalupe Mountains NP (sorry Guadalupe Peak!). McKittrick Canyon in The 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? 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. We usually head out to Lost Maples to get a glimpse of Fall foliage but this year we made the trek to McKittrick Canyon. Considered by some to be the most beautiful fish in the world, it embodies everything that makes fly fishing great. Hope the picking up and re-throwing down of stakes went well. The rumors of this supposed ripe, lush, canyon oasis do not appear to exist yet. 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. From US Highway 62/180, turn onto McKittrick Road and drive to the very end. 5h 12m Easy 4.3 (131) McKittrick Canyon Nature Loop Trail Guadalupe Mountains National Park Length: 1.0 mi Est. Title, 400 Pine Canyon This historic cabin is closing in on a 100 year old birthday soon! And here's a copy of another post on that thread with a link to an interesting article about the possibility of trout being native to Texas: 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). We (two couples ages 45-60) hiked the McKittrick Canyon trail to the Grotto (approx. Some of you know my writing from here OR publications like Drake Magazine, Lone Star Outdoor News and others. So as not to hijack another thread on this Forum, I thought I'd move this over to a new thread. Whether you come for the fall show, or plan your trip for another season, the beauty of McKittrick Canyon is always breathtaking. Then the trail moves upward into the mountain range and the view gets great. If you are not an experienced hiker, plan for this hike. WHITE is the 2022 default color, but you can order color mats with a few extra days of patience. People can also fish in the river, which is full of trout of different kinds. McKittrick Canyon in the Guadalupe Mountains National Park has a self-sustaining population of rainbow trout, but fishing is not allowed there. Random notes on Texas fishes. He backpacked in and got some beautiful photos of the trout in McKittrick Creek. Bring at least 3 liters of water per person in the summer if you plan to hike to the Notch. We all highly recommend this hike. Date Released For mountain hiking that traverses desert floors to forested peaks, look no further than the highest point in Texas at Guadalupe Peak! Manage My Subscriptions, archive You wont be missing out this shorter version of the McKittrick Canyon hike is brimming with things to see and experience, unlike anywhere else in the state of Texas! We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location. Your email address will not be published. RT) midweek in early November. 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. As for the hike itself, it was very flat and easy. Another part that was cool, both figuratively and temperature wise, was hiking in the shadows of the canyon. the canyon becomes spectacular with color change! Then I hiked into the Canyon and climbed up to McKittrick Ridge for. For a day hike, you should prepare with the following: 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 state high point hike at Guadalupe Peak! We absolutely loved the McKittrick nature trial hike an unexpected gem! 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. 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. Specifically, McKittrick Creek, which runs through the Guadalupe Mountains (no relation to the Guadalupe River), near the TexasNew Mexico border. 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 TX Park entry fee required for all adult visitors. So, is the McKittrick Canyon Trail worth it? PAGE 4 year's 1,100 "We felt we needed more largemouths fairly urgently this year because many of the lakes in the western half of the state have risen to high From the trail junction, it only takes about 2 minutes to walk to Pratt Cabin. It may not be the Colorado Rocky Mountains, but the mountains are plenty big for Texas. Mick, that is outstanding. account_circle You can also learn more about the national parks (and get the full list) in our Guide to the US National Parks. I felt like this hike allowed a good overview of Guadalupe Mountains National Park. . This one clocks in at 14-thousand views, and will actually get a follow-up this spring to let watchers know how all the tuning on the skiff turned out! Rusty speaking goes with the rest of the rust. *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 this FREE U.S. National Parks Checklist! So what does this mean? Texas Journal of Science 2:117-138.) The one trail exception is the short Pinery Nature Trail located at the Visitor Center. Written by and Photos Courtesy of: Matthew Jacobs. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Required fields are marked *. We saw many families with children returning as we were striking out. As we already know, completely washing fish out of any location is highly improbable. This cabin has similarities to the Pratt Cabin, though they were built separately. Low tides again this morning at South Padre Island, South Padre Island sunrise at the Jetties today. If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive more just like it. Always wanted to visit McKittrick Canyon for the Fall colors, and this trip did not disappoint. Great flora and fauna with Water, On our transition day from Big Bend to Carlsbad, NM we drove El Camino del Rio but I also allowed for enough time to stretch our legs in McKittrick Canyon. As the park time had only recently change, we did happen on 5 unsuspecting deer in the creek bottom. *Insider Tip: if basing your trip to McKittrick Canyon out of Carlsbad, New Mexico, know that the time zone is the same in both Carlsbad and Guadalupe Mountains National Park. 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. Monograph of the native trouts of the genus Salmo of western North America. As the gene pool of the fish population continues to dilute, all offspring eventually resemble Rainbows altogether, and the native fish population fades away. We realized that we would not be able to get to the Notch due to time constraints and turned back. Rainbow trout is an anadromous, cool- to cold-water fish species. The detour to the Grotto is marked with a metal trail sign. As we entered the park Saturday about 10:30 a.m., we were advised by a ranger that the park was almost full and we might not have a place to park. But your reward is better views, an overall more interesting hiking trail, and just a fraction of the number of people that the McKittrick Canyon Trail. ), Now, had you moved to Texas, say, 150 years ago, the situation would have been different. Bigtooth . Introduced Rainbow Trout in particular have proven very troublesome for different native Cutthroat species all over the country, as their high degree of genetic similarity allows them to interbreed with Cutthroats. Saw many families with young children enjoying the shallow stream crossings. The Grotto is a small cave with formations that resemble stalactites and stalagmites, with a little bit of imagination. 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. It is possible to see McKittrick canyon without hiking 19 miles with tree days of water. Alas, as West Texas warmed and dried over the millennia, only relict populations of cutthroat remained. The clubbing life in South Texas. Tags: GRTU, guadalupe mountains, National Parks Service, New Mexico, rio grande cutthroat, science, TPWD, TU, Category: Causes, Event Podcasting, Events, On The Road. Loved it, cant wait to return next fall. Hiking shoes. We were the first vehicle in the parking lot just after sunrise, and did not see another person until our return back down from the Notch. This 3.4 miles one way and back covers multiple landmarks, including the Pratt Cabin, the Grotto, and the Hunter Line Cabin. It's a gorgeous place. The Texanist: Why Dont Texas Houses Have Basements? Its nice, but there are a bunch of hikes that we liked a lot more. I like trout fishing! There is a reason that this portion of the trail is one of the most sought after fall destinations in Texas, during which season the heavy foliage here shifts into blazing and vibrant golds, reds, and oranges! A: Welcome to Texas, Mr. Cleland. Up the canyon . This lengthy and arduous hike extends from the length of McKittrick Canyons floor to the top of its ridge at the McKittrick Ridge primitive campground! The Headquarters Visitor Center at Pine Springs is located off Highway 62/180 at 400 Pine Canyon Drive, Salt Flat, Texas 79847 just 55 miles southwest of Carlsbad, New Mexico, 110 miles east of El Paso, Texas, and 65 miles north of Van Horn. There is also a plethora of anecdotal evidence; for years there have been findings of photographs and accounts from the nineteenth and early 20th centuries of people finding and fishing for trout in the streams of West Texas, specifically in tributary streams of the Pecos and Rio Grande Rivers. The Grotto and Hunter Line Cabin are adjacent to each other on the same spur trail, which will be described further in more detail. For those that love hiking in rugged secluded-ness, Texass OTHER National Park should definitely be on your radar! hundreds of fishing spots around the state, How Florence ButtNot Her SonLaunched the H-E-B Empire, More Colorful Texas Sayings Than You Can Shake a Stick At, The Bronc-busting, Cow-punching, Death-defying Legend of Boots ONeal, At Texas Swingers Clubs, the Lifestyle Is Booming. In fact, hiking on towards the McKittrick Ridge campground is the steepest portion of not only the entire trail, but the steepest incline in the entire park! Our group hit the trail. Relevance Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The gates do close at 5 and you need to make sure you are out before then. Specifically, McKittrick Creek, which runs through the Guadalupe Mountains (no relation to the Guadalupe River), near the Texas-New Mexico border. You will also get ahead of the crowds and hike in the cooler part of the day. We paid our entrance fee at the visitor center and then drove to the canyon. 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. 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. Its a big event, and my first visit to the event. McKittrick Canyon is designated as day-use only, with daily visiting hours from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time. If you wanted to just hike to the Grotto and Hunter Line Shack, it would only be about 7 mi. . VISIT THE US NATIONAL PARKS: Looking for your next big adventure? As previously mentioned, it is 6.8 miles roundtrip from the McKittrick Canyon Trailhead, to the fascinating Grotto formation, making this an ideal length for a day hike. The temperatures changed a lot during the hike, so I was glad that I had layered clothing and had taken water and a snack. The steep, towering walls of McKittrick Canyon protect a rich riparian oasis in the midst of the Chihuahuan Desert . As a standard for mythical tall tales and legends, it comes as no surprise that Texas holds the national corner on stories of lost treasure. In fact, Guadalupe Mountains National Park is part of the same mountain chain that houses the other worldly depths of Carlsbad Caverns! The Best of Caprock Canyons State Park Hiking and Camping, The Mount Mitchell Hike: The Highest Mountain in North Carolina, Hiking Mt. As a solo traveler I felt safe. It may be a park you have never heard of but it has the best trails you ever want to visit. If you fill out the first name, last name, or agree to terms fields, you will NOT be added to the newsletter list. The trail feels more sheltered and its a little easier to walk, now that you arent hiking on loose gravel. As you watch dragonflies near the water, you may be surprised to know that some are found only here and nowhere else. It is also a challenging and steep ascent of over 2,000 feet in elevation gain to summit the ridge and reach the campground. 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. I love seeing those 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 is located about seven miles from the Pine Springs Visitor Center the headquarters for Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Beyond the Grotto, the trail gets steeper and if you look closely, you can see the trail as it switchbacks up the mountain. Those familiar with nature know that wildlife tend to care little for human boundaries. The final 0.25 miles up to the Notch is the most difficult. By starting early, you can get one of the parking spaces in the trailhead parking lot. The restrooms have toilets and sinks (they are not vault toilets). 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. Heres hoping that you find the elevated temperatures more advantageous than Oncorhynchus mykiss does. Be sure to bring lots of water, a snack (or two), wear decent shoes and use sunscreen. If you have any questions about hiking the McKittrick Canyon Trail to the Notch, let us know in the comment section below. David Courtney, a.k.a. Between []. In Pine Springs, you can also hike to the highest point in Texas by standing on Guadalupe Peak. 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. Difficulty: A steady, sometimes steep climb to Lost Peak, then tracking the canyon rim Trail conditions: 915-828-3251 Jimmy Carters Peanut-and-Egg Taco Made Quite the Impression on San Antonians, The Top 50 Texas BBQ Joints: 2021 Edition. Wallace Pratt, a petroleum geologist who was charmed by the beauty and geology of the Guadalupe, purchased land in McKittrick Canyon in the 1930's. In 1959, Pratt donated his land to the National Park Service. 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. The year round creek begins to gurgle, making appearances as it runs parallel to this portion of the hike, providing an opportunity for several stream crossings. Bucket list McKittrick in Fall- accomplished. Baughman (1950. It was open when we visited in mid-October. The trail to the Grotto leads off to the left and heads downhill on a very rocky trail. listed S. spilurus as having a range that included Texas. The current state record, FYI, pulled from the Nueces River in 2010, stands at 8.92 pounds and 26.5 inches in length. Fly fishing is a much-romanticized pastime beloved by outdoorsmen the world over. The eggs require continuous oxygenation. Dog Friendly: Nope! Still the experience and the wildlife was everything I wanted for this hike. H-E-Bs True Texas BBQ Restaurant Is Slipping, West Texans Are Learning What It Means to Live in Bear Country. Still we saw most of what we wanted to see in the canyon. Leave them blank to get signed up. Per the NPS web site (which I apparently can't link to in this answer but should be findable with a quick search), all trails in Guadalupe Mountains National Park are currently open, but if you are planning a trip you should probably visit the site to confirm.