The hike up McKittrick Canyon, near the western edge of the Guadalupe Mountains National Park, offers something for everyone; there is a varied mixture of vegetation, quite plentiful wildlife and several historic sites. The path is at first shaded, level and easy, then after 4 miles becomes exposed and more challenging, linking with other back-country routes suitable for overnight back-packing trips. The first part of the path follows McKittrick Creek, which is unusual in that it flows all year but often partially underground so only short, separated sections have permanent water.
Start of the Trail: The canyon is separate from the main park area, and is reached by a short side road off US 62/160. There is an unmanned visitor center and a picnic site. The creek bed flows close by and continues westwards away from the mountains, eventually joining the Pecos River, but is usually dry at this point. The hike is initially along the streamway, then winds along the sandy banks at either side, crossing the creek several times. At first the plants are typical of the Chihuahuan desert with yucca, agaves and opuntia cacti, but with some pine/juniper trees that become quickly more abundant in the moister, cooler environment up the canyon and are joined by ash, oak and bigtooth maple. A more unusual tree is the Texas madrone, a distinctive species with red-colored bark and evergreen leaves.
Cabins and a Grotto: After 2.4 miles the path reaches the first of two historic cabins (Pratt Lodge) - there is a group of wooden buildings beneath shady trees, a site which is still occupied by a lone resident most of the year. Drinking water is available. Upstream of this location the creek flows even in summer, rising above ground at several points between rock layers, then returning below ground a few hundred meters further. Shortly beyond the cabin, the path crosses into the official wilderness region, becomes a little more rocky and passes several features of interest such as various pools with medium-sized fish, a grotto in a cavity beneath a limestone cliff with stalagmite-like formations, and the second old dwelling (Hunter Line Cabin, reached by a short spur trail). This is boarded up and not occupied, except by groups of bats that hang upside down from the ceiling during the day.
McKittrick Ridge: This is the usual point visited on a day hike, and is 3.4 miles from the start of the trail. Ahead, the canyon becomes quite steep and the path climbs nearly 2,000 feet over the next 2 miles to McKittrick Ridge at 7,716 feet, then continues through the forest, eventually joining the long Tejas Trail 4 miles from the northern entrance to Guadalupe Mountains National Park.
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