McKittrick Canyon from a viewpoint near the Notch. There is a self pay box at the trailhead, as well as a registry that all hikers should fill out for safety purposes. Unfortunately, the Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout is now rare throughout its native range (Western Native Trout Status Report). We only had enough time to do one hike in the McKittrick area of the park, so Tim and I split up. If you wanted to just hike to the Grotto and Hunter Line Shack, it would only be about 7 mi. Perhaps another asterisk is in order. 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. 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. Wading in pristine mountain streams and casting flies hand-tied out of animal hair towards wild and elusive fish are so enticing that movies such as A River Runs Through It practically make themselves. The trail features vegetation typical of the Chihuahuan Desert - that is, until you get farther up and start to see oak, ash, and maple trees. Today Rio Grande Chub persists (barely) in Texas, but Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout didnt quite make it into modern times. 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. H-E-Bs True Texas BBQ Restaurant Is Slipping, West Texans Are Learning What It Means to Live in Bear Country. So, is the McKittrick Canyon Trail worth it? 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. The Permian Reef Trail is slightly shorter than hiking to the Notch, but there is 1,000 feet more elevation gain, so overall it is a tougher hike. 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. Loved it, cant wait to return next fall. Trail that combines desert scrub with mountain vistas, trout streams and vintage backcountry cabins . Your email address will not be published. Heres hoping that you find the elevated temperatures more advantageous than Oncorhynchus mykiss does. There is a short side trail to follow off the main path to visit the Pratt Cabin. TX I want to hear more! While I hiked the McKittrick Canyon Trail, Tim hiked the Permian Reef Trail. Parking was way less busy, there were restrooms and some interpretive signs (that VC is not open right now). 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. As you will come to learn about six months from now, it gets hellishly hot here in the summertime, and while the states many rivers and creeks can maintain refreshingly cool temperatures through the warmer monthsif, that is, they dont completely dry up and blow awaythey do not, McKittrick Creek notwithstanding, stay chilly enough to support trout, who prefer a sub-70-degree water temperature. The trail itself is only moderately difficult, and the park's staff recommends allowing three to five hours to hike the canyon. It included; National Park Services Fred Armstrong & Jeremy Markuson, Texas Parks and Wildlifes Mukhtar Farooqui, Gary Garrett, Mandy Scott, Charles Cruz & John Ingle, Trout Unlimiteds Chris Wood, Jack Williams, Bryan Moore, Mick McCorcle & Jeff Schmitt, US Fish and Wildlifes Jim Brooks and retired New Mexico Fish and Games David Propst. Distance: 8 miles roundtrip to Mckittrick Canyon; 14.8 miles to McKittrick Ridge Elevation change: 1,500 feet Hiking time: 5-8 hours Highlights: The sweeping hills and valleys of Dog Canyon and the rugged beauty of McKittrick Canyon. Email subscriber privacy policy It was well worth the drive. If you are new to hiking or are curious about what you should bring on a hike, check out our Hiking Gear Guide. It is the wider of the three trails and covered with bright white gravel. As a solo traveler I felt safe. For aquatic organisms in particular, what is now the Chihuahuan Desert was a route for dispersal during this time. Make sure to go past the Notch another 300 yards or so for even more sweeping views. The trail feels more sheltered and its a little easier to walk, now that you arent hiking on loose gravel. 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! The Saturday Reruns are falling fast now. VISIT THE US NATIONAL PARKS: Looking for your next big adventure? 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. The Best of Caprock Canyons State Park Hiking and Camping, The Mount Mitchell Hike: The Highest Mountain in North Carolina, Hiking Mt. As the trail heads deeper into McKittrick Canyon, it crosses a dry wash several times and there will be one to two creek crossings (the creek may be dry depending on recent rainfall). This is a very pretty trail in Guadalupe NP that is surprisingly lush considering that its located in a desert climate. It's a few miles away from the main part of Guadeloupe National Park. Their pickiness often borders on the non-sensical, and the pursuit of them takes anglers to locations so remote, they could double as spiritual getaways. I have never been to the areas you speak of, but it would be great to restore the fish to their native waters. McKittrick Canyon is a spectacular canyon jewel hidden and protected from the outside world between a narrow outer wall (Frijole Ridge) and the main part of the Guadalupe Mountain Range of West Texas. Whether you come for the fall show, or plan your trip for another season, the beauty of McKittrick Canyon is always breathtaking. The final 0.25 miles up to the Notch is the most difficult. Relatively easy but lots of rocks can be hard on the soles. I like trout fishing! . Title, 400 Pine Canyon Tags: GRTU, guadalupe mountains, National Parks Service, New Mexico, rio grande cutthroat, science, TPWD, TU, Category: Causes, Event Podcasting, Events, On The Road. This park is about an hour away from anything, so if you are going to visit, look at a map and plan your day. Enter the Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout, a rare species found in New Mexico and Southern Colorado. McKittrick Canyon is a scenic canyon within the Guadalupe Mountains of West Texas and Eddy County, New Mexico. Im Kristen, the author and active traveler behind Yonderlust Ramblings! Just like you, these trout are not native, but Texas is happy to have themand youall the same. and the fantastic "Clint" the largest on the market at $149.+ TX&SH Made right here in Texas, the good old USA, by me. McKittrick Canyon Trailhead Read that paper for background. The trailhead is located in the McKittrick area of Guadalupe Mountains National Park. The McKittrick Canyon Trail is located in Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Rip & Go: McKittrick Canyon - Backpacker Other imposing residents include elk and black bear, though they are less likely to be spotted. McKittrick Creek, Guadalupe Mountains. Se puede acampar? There are 8 primitive campsites at the McKittrick Ridge Campground. 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. Hike unlike anything around. We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location. . Julie Last updated: May 5, 2022 United States 4 Comments. Winter tides and weather are formidable foes especially in the Lower Laguna Madre system. In this area of the park, the Permian Reef Trail is the best hike to do, in our opinion. Still the experience and the wildlife was everything I wanted for this hike. The Chihuahuan desert contrasts with steep canyon walls, century plants, and prickly pear cacti. However, they lock you in at 6:00 and it is a federal felony if you get stuck per the McKittrick VC. On the way back to the Contact Station we encountered a park volunteer who shared stories of the area with us. Imagine, however, if it turned out that none of that was true. If you have any questions about hiking the McKittrick Canyon Trail to the Notch, let us know in the comment section below. Here is a link to a gentlemens story on the TKF. Many species extended their ranges southward during the Wisconsin glacial period (75,000 - 11,000 years ago). All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. The catalyst for the new research is from a paper by Gary Garrett and Gary Matlock. One of those unique things was water. If you are lucky enough, View Post Complete Guide to the Humphreys Peak Hike: Highest Point in ArizonaContinue, There is a common misconception floating around out there that the state of Texas is all just flat and, View Post The Lost Mine Trail at Big Bend: Hiking to the Top of a National ParkContinue, What makes hiking so enjoyable, is that no matter the person, there are all different types of hiking, so, View Post Different Types of Hiking: Which Type Are You?Continue, I will always remember the day my husband and I bought our tour packages to run the Great Wall, View Post Guide to Planning a Trip to China: The Great Wall Marathon RuncationContinue, Your email address will not be published. Pine Springs to McKittrick Canyon - My Life Outdoors I recommend doing these first and if you still have time, then hike the McKittrick Canyon Trail. All trailhead areas have accessible parking available. For this part of the hike, you have wide open views of McKittrick Canyon and Wilderness Ridge. Select Model COLOR SELECTION A WIDE PRICE RANGE: The original "Rounder" at $129. Estimated Time to Hike to the Grotto/Hunter Line Cabin Roundtrip: 4 hours. We quickly crossed a dry creek bed lined with golf ball size white river rock, and it was a lot like walking on a deep pile of golf balls. I enjoyed the stops and the views along the way. People can also fish in the river, which is full of trout of different kinds. The Grotto marks 3.4 roundtrip miles along the McKittrick Canyon Trail, but I would highly recommend tacking on another minute to take the spur trail just past the Grotto to the third and final landmark on this day hike, the Hunter Line Cabin. 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. Any Texas or southwestern U.S. road trip wouldnt be complete without experiencing all the outdoor adventures in Guadalupe Mountains National Park! The Grotto is a small cave with formations that resemble stalactites and stalagmites, with a little bit of imagination. Based on the recommendation from another hiker we started toward the Notch. 5h 12m Easy 4.3 (131) McKittrick Canyon Nature Loop Trail Guadalupe Mountains National Park Length: 1.0 mi Est. Now, you are deeper in the canyon and there are a lot more trees and shade here. An editor's note following the article stated that the presence of trout in Texas had been firmly established by "ample testimony." 79847. However, the trout were not washed out. McKittrick Canyon is a day-use area; the highway gate is currently locked at 6 p.m. and will close at 4:30 p.m. when the clocks return to Mountain Standard Time. I love seeing those trout. 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 . This National Park can be found in far west Texas, about an hour from New Mexicos southwestern town of Carlsbad and its 8 best things to do outdoors, including its resident iconic Carlsbad Caverns. The native range of the Rio Grande Cutthroat suspiciously cuts off right at the Texas border. To date, theyve hauled off more than 36,000 of these derelict traps. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. We all had a great time at the entrance sign. Content of this site copyright Texas Parks and Wildlife Department unless otherwise noted. If you are new to hiking or are curious about what you should bring on a hike, check out our. Considered by some to be the most beautiful fish in the world, it embodies everything that makes fly fishing great. The landscape isnt the only showstopper here in McKittrick Canyon. McKittrick Canyon Trail to Hunter Line Shack - AllTrails Avid hikers can go all of the way to the Notch while kids and those whom arent a big fan of hiking can hike to Pratt Cabin or the Grotto. . Guadalupe Mountains National Park epitomizes the diversity of this region: it has mountains, forests, deserts, and canyons, all intricately and seamlessly blended together! 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. Bring plenty of water. Expect to see resident mule deer enjoying the peaceful serenity of the canyon. Specifically, McKittrick Creek, which runs through the Guadalupe Mountains (no relation to the Guadalupe River), near the Texas-New Mexico border. For the entire first half of the hike, I had the trail to myself, other than passing two backpackers on the trail. The Notch Out-and-Back Hiking Trail, Pine Springs, Texas Their modern-day range has been reduced to portions of southern Colorado and New Mexico, where they are the official state fish. Again, the trail steadily and almost imperceptibly heads uphill. The McKittrick Canyon Trail is the middle of these three trails. Pets are only allowed in areas that are accessible by vehicle, such as established campgrounds and parking areas. Different Types of Hiking: Which Type Are You? account_circle Please note that McKittrick, Smith, Devil's Hall are near peak and Dog Canyon is just past peak. 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. Those familiar with nature know that wildlife tend to care little for human boundaries. After handling freight to pay for his travel, nineteen-year-old Abel Head Pierce, a native of Little Compton, Rhode Island, landed at the Texas port of Indianola five months after leaving home. So what gear will you need to responsibly enjoy McKittrick Canyon? McKittrick Canyon: Lower Section to the Grotto and Pratt Lodge [["NAME","B01001_001E","state","school district (elementary)"], ["Clarkdale-Jerome Elementary District, Arizona","4041","04","00004"], ["Salome Consolidated .