Although rainbows have been known to tolerate higher temperatures, they do best in areas where the water remains below 70F. Other than that, there are no native trout we know of in Texas. It was well worth the drive. The ultimate, News Summary and Forecasts on Fly Fishing in Texas, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window). Time Estimate:1 hour and cookie statement. South Padre Island and the Lower Laguna Madre fly fishing report. *Interested in Visiting BOTH National Parks in Texas on the Same Road Trip? It is also a challenging and steep ascent of over 2,000 feet in elevation gain to summit the ridge and reach the campground. It's quite an interesting mental exercise to consider the geological and biological factors in play. So as not to hijack another thread on this Forum, I thought I'd move this over to a new thread. 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. I have never been to the areas you speak of, but it would be great to restore the fish to their native waters. Check out the, What to Expect on a McKittrick Canyon Day Hike, 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, *Planning to tag on another nearby National Park? How far is is from McKittrick Canyon to the next ecosphere that can support cold water fish such as the cutthroat? Thankfully when we got to the parking, there were a couple of spaces left. The elevation gain and steepness of the trail pick up considerably past the Grotto and Hunter Line Cabin, so those continuing on should be aptly prepared, or planning to camp overnight at the backcountry McKittrick Ridge Campground. 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. Im Kristen, the author and active traveler behind Yonderlust Ramblings! Do not expect to be able to call, text, email, or access the internet while in the McKittrick area of Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Beyond the Notch, the trail continues is climb up to the McKittrick Ridge Backcountry Campground. The success of this project may allow similar efforts to be done all over the proposed native range in West Texas. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 915-828-3251 For mountain hiking that traverses desert floors to forested peaks, look no further than the highest point in Texas at Guadalupe Peak! I drove into the park and camped overnight at the Pine Springs Campground before I grabbed my permit. Specifically, McKittrick Creek, which runs through the Guadalupe Mountains (no relation to the Guadalupe River), near the TexasNew Mexico border. Daniel Vaughn is the countrys first barbecue editor, and he has eaten more barbecue than you have. . 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. We parked at the Visitor Center (mainly just restrooms and some outdoor displays) and took the nearby trailhead up the canyon. Nice and easy hike surrounded by trees. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. We were a bit early this year to see full fall colors, but there definitely were some, especially between Pratt Cabin and the Grotto. This hike starts off relatively easy, as it is a mostly flat walk through the canyon to get to the first two sights, the Pratt Cabin and the Grotto. Of all the parks we visited, Guadalupe was rank first by Alltrails. 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 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). Judging by the smell, we also snuck up on a skunk. These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Its a big event, and my first visit to the event. The Lone Star State, as youve apparently gathered, doesnt hold a candle to the Beaver State in the trout department. Dont underestimate this part of the hikeit is challenging. Sign me up for the newsletter! As we already know, completely washing fish out of any location is highly improbable. Texas Farm and Ranch Land Conservation Program. Any Texas or southwestern U.S. road trip wouldnt be complete without experiencing all the outdoor adventures in Guadalupe Mountains National Park! Located in the Guadalupe Mountains National Park, McKittrick Canyon boasts foliage colors that contrast dramatically in the arid Chihuahuan desert. For another, back then there were other waterways in far West Texas that actually did support native populations of trout, specifically an indigenous species known as Rio Grande cutthroat trout, so named because these denizens of the Rio Grande have a distinct ruby-colored band along the chin area that sort of resembles a cut throat. favorite durable, versatile, hiking pants from Columbia. 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. 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. 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. 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. | the Tickler at $129. . Upon returning from the expedition to McKittrick Canyon in the Guadalupe Mountain National Park (GMNP), I have been slowly reassembling all the sights, sounds and thoughts into some sort of organized, interesting and scientifically accurate report. 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. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. account_circle Trail very pretty and peaceful. Patricia Sharpe writes a regular restaurant column, Pats Pick, for Texas Monthly. Less than an hour away from big sibling Carlsbad Caverns, visitors to the Grotto can get a little taste of this mini cavern. The backdrop of this frontier cabin is just as impressive as the Pratt Cabin! As for the hike itself, it was very flat and easy. Cellular Service. Guadalupe Mountains National Park epitomizes the diversity of this region: it has mountains, forests, deserts, and canyons, all intricately and seamlessly blended together! The trail becomes quite steep near the end, so ending your trek in McKittrick Canyon is never a bad idea. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. It is elusive, wild, and free. 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. Then the trail moves upward into the mountain range and the view gets great. McKittrick Canyon Trailhead Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas. Unresolved: Release in which this issue/RFE will be addressed. GET SNEAK PEAKS | BEHIND THE SCENES | EXCLUSIVE CONTENT! . We (two couples ages 45-60) hiked the McKittrick Canyon trail to the Grotto (approx. The trail starts here (just look for the large sign). At one time there was continuity between Big Bend and the Rockies such that trout were endemic throughout. 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. Trail that combines desert scrub with mountain vistas, trout streams and vintage backcountry cabins . The canyon hike is almost as long as the summit hike, but less altitude gain. 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. Begin at the visitor center at the mouth of McKittrick Canyon to pick up a park brochure, view the outside exhibits, or start your hike into the canyon. It was open when we visited in mid-October. He hiked roughly 9 miles without seeing another person. 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. 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. Is it true that the Guadalupe River is the only river in Texas that is cold enough to support 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. It is best suited for those wanting to make the trek a multi day, overnight, backpacking and camping trip. Hike The McKittrick Canyon Trails. Enter the Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout, a rare species found in New Mexico and Southern Colorado. 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. As a solo traveler I felt safe. We (two couples ages 45-60) hiked the McKittrick Canyon trail to the Grotto (approx. 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! It's cable reimagined No DVR. Just do it! However, this particular post will not cover hiking past the Grotto and Hunter Line Cabin. A final feasibility study is expected to be finished sometime in 2018. For those looking to explore another unique ecosystem in the Guadalupe Mountains, namely its stunning canyons, look no further than the McKittrick Canyon Trail, and the surprises that are in store for those who take on a McKittrick Canyon day hike! From the Grotto, retrace your steps back to the McKittrick Canyon Trail and turn left to continue to the Notch. The final 0.25 miles up to the Notch is the most difficult. Manage My Subscriptions, archive We started off at the bottom all buttoned up in our winter coats, shivering in the cold. Baughman (1950. The trail gets noticeably steeper and much rockier. I like trout fishing! We have a winner! I knew I had to go back and explore Guadalupes canyons more, and I was equally impressed. Find out what we carry in our day packs and what we wear on the trails. We had done Guadeloupe peak the day before and were pretty tired, so we had only planned to wander in for a few minutes. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. It is apparent here that McKittrick Canyon hosts a rich environment, bordered by increasingly striking mountain peaks on the horizon. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Bring at least 3 liters of water per person in the summer if you plan to hike to the Notch. The young man would go on to amass a fortune in land and cattle, not far from where he first disembarked. Difficulty: A steady, sometimes steep climb to Lost Peak, then tracking the canyon rim Trail conditions: Off to the right, Wilderness Ridge looms over the canyon. 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! We met the National Park Services Fred Armstrong and Jeremy Markuson at the southern headquarters and were given their orientation on the history of the rainbow trout in the canyon and scientists exchanged their ideas on information they have and would like to have on the canyon creek. Different Types of Hiking: Which Type Are You? One walk through Mckittrick Canyon in the Guadalupe Mountains National Park and you to will be convinced. 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. Asterisk number one: There is one place in Texas where trout do thrive, but it is a creek, not a river. 1997 1036 5515 6000 35.291260000000001-106.4879. The trail was very good and well marked. 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. The McKittrick Canyon Trail is located in Guadalupe Mountains National Park. If you fill out the first name, last name, or agree to terms fields, you will NOT be added to the newsletter list. McKittrick Canyon from a viewpoint near the Notch. I did not know trout could be native to Texas, that is so cool. It will take most people between 6 to 8 hours to do this hike. By starting early, you can get one of the parking spaces in the trailhead parking lot. McKittrick Creek, Guadalupe Mountains. Make sure to go past the Notch another 300 yards or so for even more sweeping views. Bucket list McKittrick in Fall- accomplished. Date Released Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud. 4.9 Stars on Google with over 100 reviews We offer Full Service Moving and/or Labor Only Fully Licensed & Insured ODOT#254487 USDOT#3429439 MC#256401 Schedule your next Move or Free Walk Through. Once home to the Mescalero Apaches, McKittrick Canyon is an alluring wonderland of lush and abundant flora and fauna. Tim saw just 2 other people on his hike, and that was right before he got back to the trailhead. Written by and Photos Courtesy of: Matthew Jacobs. Start the hike early, ideally by 8 am (but even better is early). These trout, stocked by some unknown landowner around a century ago, have thrived in this environment ever since their introduction, further supporting the idea that a native trout once occupied these waters, and proving without a doubt its possibility. that is cool. . We paid our entrance fee at the visitor center and then drove to the canyon. The one trail exception is the short Pinery Nature Trail located at the Visitor Center. I enjoyed the stops and the views along the way. We realized that we would not be able to get to the Notch due to time constraints and turned back. Cool! We even saw two deer near the cabin. There were beautiful views all along the way, and pretty places to stop and rest. The trail feels more sheltered and its a little easier to walk, now that you arent hiking on loose gravel. Part of the Guadalupe mountains national park in Texas. All trailhead areas have accessible parking available. McKittrick Canyon Trail Guadalupe Mountains National Park Length: 21.1 mi Est. This cabin has similarities to the Pratt Cabin, though they were built separately. There are even tales of some stocked trout surviving well into spring and even through the summer on that stretch of the Guadalupe, which is likely the origin of the story that brought you to the Texanist in the first place. McKittrick Canyon Trout Captured For Study . Voicemail messages are responded to within five business days. The trail provides incredible diversity in plant life due to the presence of a small stream. Most people begin their journey at the McKittrick Canyon Trailhead. The surface of the trail is gravel and easy to walk. It was most likely a mixture of many factors: overfishing, the effects of agriculture and development on the environment, and competition from other introduced fish species. Monograph of the native trouts of the genus Salmo of western North America. Julie Last updated: May 5, 2022 United States 4 Comments. (The Texanist prefers to do his swimming in water with a temperature just above the 70-degree mark, cool but not too cold. Im looking forward to learning much about the incredible state of Texas! Winter tides and weather are formidable foes especially in the Lower Laguna Madre system. If you missed the initial premise of this expedition, it was a joint effort pooling the skills of various organizations that included; Trout Unlimited (TU), Texas Parks And Wildlife, National Parks Service, New Mexico Parks and the Guadalupe River Chapter of Trout Unlimited (GRTU). There is a self pay box at the trailhead, as well as a registry that all hikers should fill out for safety purposes. A WIDE PRICE RANGE: The original Rounder at $129. If you have any questions about hiking the McKittrick Canyon Trail to the Notch, let us know in the comment section below. The elevation gain to the Grotto is minimal, at just around 300 feet elevation gain. Mckittrick Canyon. Again, welcome to the greatest state in the union. Read all of our articles about the United States in our United States Travel Guide. It may be a park you have never heard of but it has the best trails you ever want to visit. Even though the trail is ranked as easy to moderate, that depends on a few personal variables. Towering ponderosas began to dot the landscape. Fall brings more changes than I can imagine. "The Notch" is 9.8 miles round trip from the McKittrick Trailhead. . Therefore, Texas fly fisherman are relegated to traveling out of the great state of Texas if they wish to pursue non-stocked trout populations. So we headed to next choice which was McKittrick Canyon. Relatively easy but lots of rocks can be hard on the soles. . After traversing several stream crossings, the first landmark hikers will encounter off to the right of the trail is the Pratt Cabin, 2.3 miles into the McKittrick Canyon hike. All this brain power was focused on the potential of supplanting a non-native population of rainbow trout with nearby Rio Grande cutthroat trout. 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. VISIT THE US NATIONAL PARKS: Looking for your next big adventure? This unassuming brook is home to the only. Explore this 21.1-mile out-and-back trail near Salt Flat, Texas. Distance: 4.75 miles out-and-back Difficulty: Easy Total Ascent: 525 feet Starting Elevation: 5,000 feet Elevation at Pratt Cabin: 5,220 feet Time: 1.5 to 3 hours, Distance: 7.25 miles out-and-back Difficulty: Easy to moderate Total Ascent: 820 feet Starting Elevation: 5,000 feet Elevation at the Grotto: 5,350 feet Time: 2 to 4 hours, Distance: 9.8 miles Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous Total Ascent: 1,675 feet Starting Elevation: 5,000 feet Highest Elevation (the Notch): 6,100 feet Time: 4 to 6 hours, McKittrick Canyon Trail elevation profile. Discover McKittrick Canyon in Culberson County, Texas: Steep canyon walls hide a forested oasis in the West Texas desert. The exact reason for the fishs demise in the state is not known with certainty. Our website uses cookies. 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. However, they lock you in at 6:00 and it is a federal felony if you get stuck per the McKittrick VC. Additional land was purchased from J.C. Hunter, and in 1972, Guadalupe Mountains National Park was created by an act of congress. Bigtooth . The entrance gate on U.S.Highway 62/180 is locked each evening. Check out the 100 mile backpacking trek that connects the Caverns with Guadalupe Mountains National Park! 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. It is worth noting that while not on the main trail, the short spur trail that leads to the Grotto also leads just past the Grotto formation to a historic cabin, the Hunter Line Cabin, that will push your total roundtrip just slightly closer to an even 7 miles roundtrip. This needs to be renamed Kodachrome Canyon! There are several other trails that branch off from the main McKittrick Canyon Trail, like the McKittrick Canyon Nature Trail, so be sure to follow signs to stay on the main path. He backpacked in and got some beautiful photos of the trout in McKittrick Creek. Uniquely lush and vibrant trees, including juniper, pine, and ash, begin to emerge and line the trail, surprisingly verdant.