Hours are 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Mountain Standard . In the summer of 1854, a destitute stowaway on a Texas-bound schooner was discovered and forced to work for his passage. The exact reason for the fishs demise in the state is not known with certainty. On the return hike, I passed literally hundreds of other hikers on the trail (we visited Guadalupe Mountains during spring break in March, one of the busiest weeks to be in the park). Low tides again this morning at South Padre Island, South Padre Island sunrise at the Jetties today. Another part that was cool, both figuratively and temperature wise, was hiking in the shadows of the canyon. The canyon hike is almost as long as the summit hike, but less altitude gain. Today, there is a growing belief that they are actually native to Texas. As a solo traveler I felt safe. As we drove up 54 and merged with 62, the mountain range loomed large. We were a bit early this year to see full fall colors, but there definitely were some, especially between Pratt Cabin and the Grotto. Any Texas or southwestern U.S. road trip wouldn't be complete without experiencing all the outdoor adventures in Guadalupe Mountains National Park! Devils Hall, which is in Pine Springs, is shorter and more fun than the McKittrick Canyon Trail, and it leads to a cool looking slot canyon. Another native Texas fish, the Rio Grande Chub Gila pandora (Hendrickson 2019 Rio Grande Chub), provides additional clues about the validity of a native Texas trout. 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. 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. 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! 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. Unfortunately, the Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout is now rare throughout its native range (Western Native Trout Status Report). 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. 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. Then I hiked into the Canyon and climbed up to McKittrick Ridge for. Fishes found in the freshwaters of Texas. Trout numbers increased from 10,000 in 1966 to more than 260,000 in 2004. Cellular Service. Hike unlike anything around. 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! Hiking the McKittrick Canyon Trail to Pratt Cabin, the Grotto, and the Notch is one of the most popular hikes in Guadalupe Mountains National Park. The Lower Laguna Madre awaits. We did pass about 30-35 people on our return, but overall we were surprised the hike wasn't busier compared to what we had been warned. 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. 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. For one, McKittrick Creek would have been fair game for fishing, as Guadalupe Mountains National Park wasnt established until 1972 (although the Texanist has no idea if there were trout present before those early stockings). This is a very pretty trail in Guadalupe NP that is surprisingly lush considering that its located in a desert climate. We had too much fun taking pictures of El Capitan rest stop so we did not have the full two hours to make Pratt Cabin, but we did have an amazing walk through a unique canyon. We all had a great time at the entrance sign. Salt Flat I liked the McKittreck Canyon hike enough to return the next day and go on another hike. Trail Junction: The trail to the Grotto is on the left and the McKittrick Canyon Trail continues on the right. Perhaps another asterisk is in order. McKittrick Canyon in the Guadalupe Mountains National Park has a self-sustaining population of rainbow trout, but fishing is not allowed there. Heres hoping that you find the elevated temperatures more advantageous than Oncorhynchus mykiss does. There are picnic tables here. This is a popular trail for camping, hiking, and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. 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 young man would go on to amass a fortune in land and cattle, not far from where he first disembarked. This needs to be renamed Kodachrome Canyon! So, is the McKittrick Canyon Trail worth it? Uniquely lush and vibrant trees, including juniper, pine, and ash, begin to emerge and line the trail, surprisingly verdant. Different Types of Hiking: Which Type Are You? Built by Wallace Pratt in the 1930s, on the land he owned at the time, this entirely stone cabin was later donated to the National Park. Its only occurrence in Texas is as a small, isolated population in the Davis Mountains, but otherwise its current range throughout the upper Rio Grande and Pecos River drainages in New Mexico and Colorado is very similar to the current range of Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout. McKittrick Canyon is designated as day-use only, with daily visiting hours from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time. However, if you plan to hike to the Notch, I recommend wearing hiking shoes. Think TPWD might stock some stripers in there to keep them trouts from taking over ? To get started on your day hike in McKittrick Canyon, access the trailhead just behind the McKittrick Canyon Visitors Center. Follow the McKittrick Canyon Trail as it drops down into the canyon, crisscrossing a wash until it reaches a stream gurgling over limestone boulders. 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. 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. Beyond the Notch, the trail continues is climb up to the McKittrick Ridge Backcountry Campground. Pets are only allowed in areas that are accessible by vehicle, such as established campgrounds and parking areas. Many species extended their ranges southward during the Wisconsin glacial period (75,000 - 11,000 years ago). " cade michael OpenMapTiles OSM 11.0 Miles Point to Point Distance:0.9 miles (1.4 km) round-trip, loop From there it is only 4.8 miles round trip to Pratt Lodge and 6.8 miles round trip to the Grotto. As the trail continues down northeast slope you will probably recognize that less sun exposure makes this side a little more lush. Whether you come for the fall show, or plan your trip for another season, the beauty of McKittrick Canyon is always breathtaking. All this brain power was focused on the potential of supplanting a non-native population of rainbow trout with nearby Rio Grande cutthroat trout. and cookie statement. more, #2 of 15 things to do in Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Tried to go to Devils Hall near the main visitor center, but was turned away because lot was full, and so was campground (we got there on Wed around 10:30am). A Look at Mckittrick's Naturalized Rainbow Trout - 2 Skiff Fly Line Management - THREE STYLES TO CHOOSE FROM! It takes about 2 to 3 minutes to get to the Grotto. For planning purposes, theres a few things you should know about accessing Guadalupe Mountains National Park, and the McKittrick Canyon hike. favorite durable, versatile, hiking pants from Columbia. So, as far as. South Padre Island and the Lower Laguna Madre fly fishing report. It took me, at 62 and in pretty good shape, most of the afternoon. To hike to Pratt Cabin, it is a 2.4-mile hike one-way. 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. 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. Between []. They have noticeable parr marks on their sides, so they could be young of the year, but it is conceivable that they are cuttbows, if in fact the rainbows were dumped in on top of the Rio Grandes as the anecdotal evidence suggests. McKittrick Canyon Trail Hiking Trail, Pine Springs, Texas McKittrick Canyon Trail Intermediate/Difficult 4.5 (12) Areas TX West Texas Guadalupe Mountains National Park Plan with onX Backcountry " A long and semi-technical canyon ascent that has some of the best views in west Texas! Considered by some to be the most beautiful fish in the world, it embodies everything that makes fly fishing great. Jetties sheepshead on fly. 1973 516 2000 2000 33.603859999999997-111.5317. Their modern-day range has been reduced to portions of southern Colorado and New Mexico, where they are the official state fish. McKittrick Canyon from a viewpoint near the Notch. A small portion of the trail is shaded (between Pratt Cabin and the Grotto), but you will be exposed to the sun on the remainder of the trail. 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. This is the steepest, narrowest, and rockiest part of the trail. In 1991 a research paper was published in the Texas Journal of Science by two Texas Parks and Wildlife Researchers, Gary P. Garret and Gary C. Matlock. Really awesome hike that is very popular in the National Park. Examining historical and anecdotal evidence, and even some evolutionary biology, they claimed the evidence indicate[s] Texas may have had one indigenous salmonid, the Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout.. Be sure to bring lots of water, a snack (or two), wear decent shoes and use sunscreen. (Or in the beaver department, for that matter.) Bring plenty of water. 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. Trail very pretty and peaceful. [["NAME","B01001_001E","state","school district (elementary)"], ["Clarkdale-Jerome Elementary District, Arizona","4041","04","00004"], ["Salome Consolidated . Find out what we carry in our day packs and what we wear on the trails. It slowly climbs uphill, but the ascent is so gradual that you may not even notice that you are walking uphill. However, they lock you in at 6:00 and it is a federal felony if you get stuck per the McKittrick VC. This National Park can be found in far west Texas, about an hour from New Mexico's southwestern town of Carlsbad and its 8 . . The first thing he said was that was a great hike! He loved the trail, the short but fun walk through a slot canyon, and the best part, the views from the top of the ridge. 31m Moderate 4.5 (129) *Planning to tag on another nearby National Park? Beyond the Grotto, the trail gets rocky and rapidly climbs higher to the Notch, but the reward is a great view of McKittrick Canyon. Hiking the McKittrick Canyon Trail to the Notch and the other detours along the way is one of the most popular hikes in Guadalupe Mountains National Park. From the trail junction, it only takes about 2 minutes to walk to Pratt Cabin. The rumors of this supposed ripe, lush, canyon oasis do not appear to exist yet. Se puede acampar? South Texas weather patterns are fantastic right now at South Padre Island, and now its time to start packing for the North again. We hiked the McKittrick Canyon Trail all the way to the Notch (10 mi. The Permian Reef Trail heads off to the right and the McKittrick Nature Trail heads off to the left. Beyond the Grotto, the trail gets steeper and if you look closely, you can see the trail as it switchbacks up the mountain. McKittrick Canyon, Guadalupe Mountains National Park: Address, McKittrick Canyon Reviews: 4.5/5. The catalyst for the new research is from a paper by Gary Garrett and Gary Matlock. The truth, the Texanist is sorry to report, is that there are no rivers in Texas, the Guadalupe included, that are cold enough to support a real trout fishery. So close and so diverse. *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. Active traveler discovering how far your own two feet can take you! Past the Pratt Cabin, the flora and fauna of McKittrick Canyon really begins to shine, and quickly becomes the star of this hike! It is the wider of the three trails and covered with bright white gravel. That said, it is not, in fact, the case that the Guadalupe River, which originates in the beautiful Texas Hill Country and flows on down to San Antonio Bay on the Gulf Coast, is the only river in Texas cold enough to support trout. One walk through Mckittrick Canyon in the Guadalupe Mountains National Park and you to will be convinced. , Find out what we carry in our day packs and what we wear on the trails. Once home to the Mescalero Apaches, McKittrick Canyon is an alluring wonderland of lush and abundant flora and fauna. 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. Good socks and liners are a must, as is plenty of water, and for real enjoyment, lunch and snacks. Most people begin their journey at the McKittrick Canyon Trailhead. Knapp (1953. Mixed shade and sun. Sign me up for the newsletter! Parking was way less busy, there were restrooms and some interpretive signs (that VC is not open right now). So as not to hijack another thread on this Forum, I thought I'd move this over to a new thread. West Texas may not inspire the same type of awe as the Teton mountains, or the cultural hotbed of, View Post Best Small Towns in Texas: Road Tripping Through West TexasContinue, There are two ways to develop a foolproof hiking checklist: from a series of carefully planned and successfully executed, View Post The Only Hiking Checklist You Will Ever Need: The 10 Essentials PlusContinue, Arizona, portrayed across Instagramthrough its painted deserts, red rocks, diverging canyons, and vast expanses. . If you fill out the first name, last name, or agree to terms fields, you will NOT be added to the newsletter list. Hes always availablehere. Specifically, McKittrick Creek, which runs through the Guadalupe Mountains (no relation to the Guadalupe River), near the TexasNew Mexico border. Ive heard its beautiful. The deep canyon offers breathtaking views and provides visitors with many hiking opportunities suitable for every level. The bigger, the better :-). McKittrick Canyon 119 Reviews #2 of 15 things to do in Guadalupe Mountains National Park Nature & Parks, Canyons Guadalupe Mountains National Park, TX Save Stephen S Richardson, Texas 28 27 Only Hiked to Pratt Lodge Review of McKittrick Canyon Reviewed June 14, 2016 The deep, narrow canyon is composed of gneiss and schist, which appears black when in shadow. The trail to the Grotto leads off to the left and heads downhill on a very rocky trail. As the gene pool of the fish population continues to dilute, all offspring eventually resemble Rainbows altogether, and the native fish population fades away. Mountains in Texas: Are They Fact or Fiction? View of McKittrick Canyon from the trail. To get to the trailhead, walk through the building to the other side. 2 . Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Discover McKittrick Canyon in Culberson County, Texas: Steep canyon walls hide a forested oasis in the West Texas desert. Rogers Virginia: the Highest Point in Virginia, The Best Outdoor Things to Do in Fort Davis Texas, 2 Ways to Explore Santa Elena Canyon: By Land and By Water, The Absolute Best Hikes in Texas You Cant Afford to Miss. 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). Your email address will not be published. Now, you are deeper in the canyon and there are a lot more trees and shade here. McKittrick Canyon Trail - A great way to begin a hike into the Guadalupe Mountains, this trail can be taken to gain access to the Pratt Lodge, the Grotto, or the Hunter Cabin, as well as connecting to the Tejas Trail and the Bowl. Additional land was purchased from J.C. Hunter, and in 1972, Guadalupe Mountains National Park was created by an act of congress. . Bear with me as this still may float around like a fall bigtooth maple leaf on McKittrick Canyon Creek. He backpacked in and got some beautiful photos of the trout in McKittrick Creek. 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. . 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. This unassuming brook is home to the only. Its almost easier to think New Mexico, than to believe something as beautiful and impressive as El Capitan is on the Texas side of an invisible line. Q: Im an avid trout fisherman who was raised in Oregon, which is blessed with many cold rivers and streams that support trout. It's quite an interesting mental exercise to consider the geological and biological factors in play. Even though the trail is ranked as easy to moderate, that depends on a few personal variables. Content of this site copyright Texas Parks and Wildlife Department unless otherwise noted. Select Model COLOR SELECTION A WIDE PRICE RANGE: The original "Rounder" at $129. 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 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. Daniel Vaughn is the countrys first barbecue editor, and he has eaten more barbecue than you have. Park entry fee required for all adult visitors. 1988 2800 3700 6612 33.673169999999999-111.2872. The trail is a moderate .9 mile round trip and takes less than one hour to complete. I managed to finagle a spot as the official photographer, and it probably helped that I am a member of TU and GRTU. Rainbow trout is an anadromous, cool- to cold-water fish species. C, @5x5brewing in Mission Texas after reupping my TPW, A Look at McKittrick Canyons Naturalized Rainbow Trout, A Look at Mckittricks Naturalized Rainbow Trout 2. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The Guadalupe Mountains rise into the flatness of West Texas along the Texas New Mexico border. As I met the participants, including personnel from TPWDs San Angelo, Texas, fisheries office, I began to be aware that none of us had been to McKittrick Canyon with the exception of Dr. Gary Garrett. 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 . . At one time there was continuity between Big Bend and the Rockies such that trout were endemic throughout. 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. It is named for Captain Felix McKittrick, who acquired the land for ranching in 1869. Trail surfaces are loose rock or hardened rock surfaces. I teach others how to develop a mindset for active travel! The trail provides incredible diversity in plant life due to the presence of a small stream. 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. 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. However, the trout were not washed out. UT Spring Bee Competition 2023. As Texans, we don't often get to enjoy a kaleidoscope of Fall colors. The McKittrick Canyon Trail is located in Guadalupe Mountains National Park. In 2.5 miles, reach the Pratt Homestead (2), a stone hut where geologist Wallace Pratt lived until 1957. If you are new to hiking or are curious about what you should bring on a hike, check out our Hiking Gear Guide. From the Grotto, retrace your steps back to the McKittrick Canyon Trail and turn left to continue to the Notch. One of the most fascinating examples of flora and fauna appears, the striking Texas madrone, with its trademark orange bark. There is a touch of moderate hiking involved in reaching the Grotto, but that is mostly due to short portions of gravely terrain, some stream crossings, and brief moderate inclines. the Texanist, is a staff writer. Hot tip: The Canyon Lake Dam tailrace, on the Guadalupe River, is a perennially popular spot. Bigtooth . 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. The Texanist, who is admittedly biased, suspects that the more you learn, the more youll love it here in your new home. Just like you, these trout are not native, but Texas is happy to have themand youall the same. Fly fishing is a much-romanticized pastime beloved by outdoorsmen the world over. People can also fish in the river, which is full of trout of different kinds. Step into the Guadalupe Mountains National Park, and you are stepping into Texas mountain time zone. Each year, the good folks at TPWD stock hundreds of fishing spots around the state with hundreds of thousands of ready-to-catch rainbow trout. So what gear will you need to responsibly enjoy McKittrick Canyon? Here, plants and animals tolerate true desert conditions. The Grotto and Hunter Line Cabin are adjacent to each other on the same spur trail, which will be described further in more detail. Day hikers typically walk to Pratt Cabin, for a 4.8-mile round trip, or to the Grotto, for a 6.8-mile round trip. It was well worth the drive. Fire Ants Have Unleashed Chaos in Texas for Decades. Two asterisks, actually. From the trailhead, you enter McKittrick Canyon. Always wanted to visit McKittrick Canyon for the Fall colors, and this trip did not disappoint. Great views and nice to learn about all the plants in the area. If you go there, consider staying at the Hotel El Capitan in Van Horn. The group convened at Van Horn, Texas, the closest town to our destination on the Texas side of the GMNP. Tags: GRTU, guadalupe mountains, National Parks Service, New Mexico, rio grande cutthroat, science, TPWD, TU, Category: Causes, Event Podcasting, Events, On The Road. TX Disclosure: Below are some affiliate links-these are all products I highly recommend. Quick Facts on the McKittrick Canyon Trail, Overnight Backpacking Length: 14.8 miles roundtrip. Thanks for writing in to let us know!! Learn how to plan your visit in our article Best Things to Do in Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Random notes on Texas fishes. Relatively easy but lots of rocks can be hard on the soles. Hiking or trekking poles are highly recommended. The McKittrick Canyon Trail starts at the McKittrick Canyon Contact Station where there are restrooms and a water cooler. BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK: Check out our Big Bend National Park Travel Guide for important travel information, sample itineraries, and how to plan your visit. Our website uses cookies. The Next Frontier of Science is in your Backyard (with you and your smartphone), Biotechnologies for Conservation & Their Intended Consequences, History of UT Herpetology, Part 3: Eric Pianka, the "Lizard Man". Have a question for the Texanist? The Texanist: Did the Texas Capitols Pink Granite Come From Maine? Still the experience and the wildlife was everything I wanted for this hike. The first piece of evidence for this is simple geography. Here is a link to a gentlemens story on the TKF. Back at the trailhead, the lot was still only about half full just after lunchtime. We paid our entrance fee at the visitor center and then drove to the canyon. Considered by some to be the most beautiful fish in the world, it embodies everything that makes fly fishing great. . I walked the extra half hour out to the Grotto. Which is why, says Steve Magnelia, Parks and Wildlife stocks lakes and neighborhood ponds with rainbow trout every winter. 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. The only self-sustaining population of rainbow trout in Texas is in McKittrick Canyon, near the New Mexico border in Guadalupe Mountains National Park, where the Rare Earth Elements: A Review of Production, Processing . Mckittrick Canyon. You can get by with a good pair of walking shoes or running shoes for this hike if you only plan to go to Pratt Cabin or the Grotto. The trail to Pratts has a gradual incline and is easy to navigate. Guide to Planning a Trip to China: The Great Wall Marathon Runcation. Mick, that is outstanding. The hike is lot more difficult beyond the Grotto. 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 JUMP OFF However, historical records indicate Texas probably had its own native trout, the Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout Oncorhynchus clarkii virginalis (Garrett & Matlock 1991 Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout in Texas). 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. There were beautiful views all along the way, and pretty places to stop and rest. For all these reasons, our entire group loved this. because of seeps and springs that flow out of the limestone formations of the canyon. 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. Whether you stop at the cabin or at the grotto, it's all beautiful. It is short around a mile, but is interesting the entire time it was our favorite hike! The next landmark along this portion of the McKittrick Canyon day hike is the aptly named Grotto. You can also learn more about the national parks (and get the full list) in our Guide to the US National Parks. The meeting between Pierce and the rich soil of the coastal plains of Texas might have been destiny. . This historic cabin is closing in on a 100 year old birthday soon! 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. Written by and Photos Courtesy of: Matthew Jacobs. 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. I drove into the park and camped overnight at the Pine Springs Campground before I grabbed my permit. Hike the McKittrick Trail to Pratt Cabin, a distance of 4.8 miles, crossing the stream twice.