McKittrick Canyon

Basics

Type:: Other

Description
Map + Directions
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Description

McKittrick Canyon is the centerpiece of Guadalupe Mountain National Park. It’s been called the "most beautiful spot in Texas,” and the canyon is startlingly diverse, and startlingly out of place. In the middle of the Chihuahuan desert, this is an oasis of East U.S. style foliage, and the fall colors are glorious. The scrub desert with its yuccas and cacti also shoves into the canyon, which makes for an odd and fascinating hybrid between the two.

The canyon is meant to be explored by foot, and how deeply you want to explore depends on you. McKittrick Canyon Nature Trail is very brief, if moderate, but gives the hiker a pretty good view of the canyon. Pratt Cabin and the Grotto are two hikes that delve deeper. The more dedicated can hike the McKittrick Ridge or up to the Permian Reef.

Hiking

McKittrick Canyon Nature Trail

Explore a patch of true desert canyon that still supports a fascinating range of plants and animals....

McKittrick Canyon Trail

Hike from McKittrick Canyon Visitor Center to Pratt Cabin or higher up the canyon to the Grotto....

Permian Reef Trail

This is a long, grueling hike, but takes you to one of the more unique geological formations anywhere....

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Wyoming Map

McKittrick Canyon

Guadalupe Mtns NP

In Depth

Basics