TX 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. With just a few trees here and there, most of this trail is exposed to the sun. There is a large parking lot here as well as a ranger station and restrooms. McKittrick Canyon from a viewpoint near the Notch. WHITE SANDS NATIONAL PARK: If your visit to Guadalupe Mountains National Park is part of a bigger road, White Sands National Park is a great place to add on to your itinerary. Read that paper for background. These beauties, who, with other species, likely expanded their range southward from their original more northern home during the Wisconsin glacial period, some 11,000 to 75,000 years ago, were once found not only in their namesake Rio Grande but also in the Devils River and Limpia Creek, in the Davis Mountains, as well as San Felipe Springs in Del Rio. But before you get your dauber down and are overcome with woeful regret about your move to Texas, you should know that the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has found a pretty good workaround for Texass troutlessness. Parking A brief period of military camels in Texas became lost to even most history books. Somehow, though manmade, this cabin blends seamlessly into its environment, and is breathtaking in its humbleness. I like trout fishing! 31m Moderate 4.5 (129) Please practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace: plan ahead, stay on the trail, pack out what you bring to the hiking trail, properly dispose of waste, leave areas as you found them, minimize campfire impacts, be considerate of other hikers, and do not approach or feed wildlife. We hiked the McKittrick Canyon Trail all the way to the Notch (10 mi. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. The McKittrick Canyon Trail starts at the McKittrick Canyon Contact Station where there are restrooms and a water cooler. At a glance. Bring water. Checked out the historic cabin, then walked on to the Grotto where there were picnic tables to eat on. 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. For the entire first half of the hike, I had the trail to myself, other than passing two backpackers on the trail. Those familiar with nature know that wildlife tend to care little for human boundaries. . 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. This 3,000 ft. deep canyon hides a riparian oasis below its big walls supporting some wildlife found in no other place on earth. 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. For aquatic organisms in particular, what is now the Chihuahuan Desert was a route for dispersal during this time. There were beautiful views all along the way, and pretty places to stop and rest. McKittrick Canyon is designated as day-use only, with daily visiting hours from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time. It may not be the Colorado Rocky Mountains, but the mountains are plenty big for Texas. Dog Friendly: Nope! Introduced Rainbow Trout in particular have proven very troublesome for different native Cutthroat species all over the country, as their high degree of genetic similarity allows them to interbreed with Cutthroats. From there it is only 4.8 miles round trip to Pratt Lodge and 6.8 miles round trip to the Grotto. WHITE is the 2022 default color, but you can order color mats with a few extra days of patience. The water harbors Texas's only self-sustaining population of rainbow trout. Distance:0.9 miles (1.4 km) round-trip, loop I had no cellular service on this trail. Check out the 100 mile backpacking trek that connects the Caverns with Guadalupe Mountains National Park! 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). After this initial departure, as the trail continues on and the resident peaks of Guadalupe begin to converge around the trail, it becomes more apparent that a rare and mesmerizing environment exists here. These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. 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! All trailhead areas have accessible parking available. Color and intensity can change quickly, so make plans now to visit the national park soon. Be sure to tell him where youre from. Towering ponderosas began to dot the landscape. And here's a copy of another post on that thread with a link to an interesting article about the possibility of trout being native to Texas: McKittrick Creek is a small creek in McKittrick Canyon, a gorgeous place in the middle of the Guadalupe Mountains National Park, elevation somewhere around 7000 feet (it's 7700 feet on McKittrick Ridge above the creek). 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. As the park time had only recently change, we did happen on 5 unsuspecting deer in the creek bottom. The McKittrick Canyon Nature Trail is a short trail with dramatic views. When I did this, I started relatively early in the morning (about 8 am) and was the first person to the Notch. We all had a great time at the entrance sign. We visited McKittrick Canyon in mid-October, and were there just as the fall color changes were starting; it would probably have been even more impressive a week or two later. A Look at Mckittrick's Naturalized Rainbow Trout - 2 Skiff Fly Line Management - THREE STYLES TO CHOOSE FROM! Its a beautifully restored hotel with all modern conveniences. The freezing temperatures kept most sane folks away so we had the canyon pretty much to ourselves. 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. the Texanist, is a staff writer. The trail is well marked and easy to follow. Find out what we carry in our day packs and what we wear on the trails. *Recommended Day Hike Length: 6.8 miles roundtrip. 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. For aquatic organisms in particular, what is now the Chihuahuan Desert was a route for dispersal during this time. 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. 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! 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. Im looking forward to learning much about the incredible state of Texas! Thankfully when we got to the parking, there were a couple of spaces left. The eggs require continuous oxygenation. I wont make any recommendations on this page that I havent tested or personally used! 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. The success of this project may allow similar efforts to be done all over the proposed native range in West Texas. I also hiked the Devils Hall, but do not think I could have done both in one day, but I am not an experienced hiker. The gate to the canyon closes daily at 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time. Any Texas or southwestern U.S. road trip wouldn't be complete without experiencing all the outdoor adventures in Guadalupe Mountains National Park! The McKittrick Canyon Trail is located in Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Trout numbers increased from 10,000 in 1966 to more than 260,000 in 2004. I have never been to the areas you speak of, but it would be great to restore the fish to their native waters. The six hiked into McKittrick Canyon with electrofishing equipment and collected 26 trout that may possess genetic remnants of Texas' only native trout population Pat Hutson, trout program leader, said historical records of the region . Follow the McKittrick Canyon Trail as it drops down into the canyon, crisscrossing a wash until it reaches a stream gurgling over limestone boulders. One of the most fascinating examples of flora and fauna appears, the striking Texas madrone, with its trademark orange bark. If you are new to hiking or are curious about what you should bring on a hike, check out our Hiking Gear Guide. In fact, hiking on towards the McKittrick Ridge campground is the steepest portion of not only the entire trail, but the steepest incline in the entire park! ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. " cade michael OpenMapTiles OSM 11.0 Miles Point to Point . 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! As a solo traveler I felt safe. 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. The native range of the Rio Grande Cutthroat suspiciously cuts off right at the Texas border. We almost missed this hike. 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.. This short spur trail will take you to the Grotto formation, carved into a cliff wall along the right side of the spur trail. Skiff Fly Line Management THREE STYLES TO CHOOSE FROM! The trail itself is only moderately difficult, and the park's staff recommends allowing three to five hours to hike the canyon. In the summer of 1854, a destitute stowaway on a Texas-bound schooner was discovered and forced to work for his passage. An Oregon transplant is hoping he can find a few places to cast a line in his adopted state. 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. I did not know trout could be native to Texas, that is so cool. As we entered the park Saturday about 10:30 a.m., we were advised by a ranger that the park was almost full and we might not have a place to park. The Permian Reef Trail heads off to the right and the McKittrick Nature Trail heads off to the left. 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. 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. *Interested in Visiting BOTH National Parks in Texas on the Same Road Trip? If the cabin is open, you can take a look inside. Our group hit the trail. It is apparent here that McKittrick Canyon hosts a rich environment, bordered by increasingly striking mountain peaks on the horizon. Title, 400 Pine Canyon Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is an incredible place to visit for anyone interested in outdoor activities or simply admiring the park's breathtaking scenery. The restrooms have toilets and sinks (they are not vault toilets). As noted, the hike is really family friendly and very easy all the way past Pratt Cabin to the Grotto and Hunter Line Shack. Unresolved: Release in which this issue/RFE will be addressed. The Lower Laguna Madre awaits. If this is part of a bigger road trip to Texas and New Mexico, here is more information to help you plan your trip. . The Chihuahuan desert contrasts with steep canyon walls, century plants, and prickly pear cacti. Essentially, with historical anecdotal evidence of Rio Grande cutthroat trout to the south of Guadalupe Mountains National Park, and existing populations to the north in New Mexico, a map with the layover showing cutthroat populations stopping (in a straight line) at the Texas-New Mexico border hardly seems like it could be scientifically accurate. Voicemail messages are responded to within five business days. However, they lock you in at 6:00 and it is a federal felony if you get stuck per the McKittrick VC. McKittrick Canyon surprised me, and it continues to be one of the most unique spots I have hiked in the state of Texas! Relevance Also, some claim it holds the title of the most beautiful natural place in Texas. Hike unlike anything around. *Planning to tag on another nearby National Park? So, is the McKittrick Canyon Trail worth it? Hiking the McKittrick canyon trail to the 90 years old Pratt cabin. Although rainbows have been known to tolerate higher temperatures, they do best in areas where the water remains below 70F. 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. From the trailhead, you enter McKittrick Canyon. The young man would go on to amass a fortune in land and cattle, not far from where he first disembarked. You will also get ahead of the crowds and hike in the cooler part of the day. Visitors must be out of the area before the gate closure time. Find Out How You Can Explore the Best of Both Worlds at Once! 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. One Yucca we photographed is easily 40 feet tall. I want to hear more! Knapp (1953. Texas Journal of Science 2:117-138.) 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). For those that love hiking in rugged secluded-ness, Texass OTHER National Park should definitely be on your radar! Guadalupe Mountains National Park epitomizes the diversity of this region: it has mountains, forests, deserts, and canyons, all intricately and seamlessly blended together! It will take most people between 6 to 8 hours to do this hike. Mountains in Texas: Are They Fact or Fiction? For a hike this long, pack a picnic lunch. See what else this Mountain Range is Home to at neighboring Carlsbad Caverns National Park! As we already know, completely washing fish out of any location is highly improbable. 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. I am a full time teacher, wife, cheese-aholic, grammar nerd, and active traveler! Find out what we carry in our day packs and what we wear on the trails. There is a self pay box at the trailhead, as well as a registry that all hikers should fill out for safety purposes. VISIT THE US NATIONAL PARKS: Looking for your next big adventure? Great flora and fauna with Water, On our transition day from Big Bend to Carlsbad, NM we drove El Camino del Rio but I also allowed for enough time to stretch our legs in McKittrick Canyon. South Padre Island and the Lower Laguna Madre fly fishing report. This was the first hike recommended to me by the park rangers and if you only have one day, I think this or Devils Hall would be a good choice. Remember that as Daylight Saving has ended, the gate to McKittrick Canyon is now open daily from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. MST. I felt like this hike allowed a good overview of Guadalupe Mountains National Park. I meet Tuesday with TPWD's Western Region Inland Fisheries Director, their Habitat Restoration Chief, and the fisheries biologist who wrote the original article about Rio Grande Cutthroats in Texas to map out our initial field trip. 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 Here, plants and animals tolerate true desert conditions. Bulletin of the U.S. In the spring, the canyon bursts into life with an array of blooms. One of those unique things was water. CARLSBAD CAVERNS NATIONAL PARK: Carlsbad Caverns sits right beside Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Hike The McKittrick Canyon Trails. We were surprised there were not more hikers but we did go in the middle of the week. The Texanist, who is admittedly biased, suspects that the more you learn, the more youll love it here in your new home. Other imposing residents include elk and black bear, though they are less likely to be spotted. Two asterisks, actually. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud. 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. And finally, I liked the Lost Peak Trail more than the McKittrick Canyon Trail, but this one is in Dog Canyon, a remote area of the park (but thats one of the reasons I liked it moreI liked the solitude and low crowds in Dog Canyon). We parked at the Visitor Center (mainly just restrooms and some outdoor displays) and took the nearby trailhead up the canyon. Sort By: 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. We paid our entrance fee at the visitor center and then drove to the canyon. The surface of the trail is gravel and easy to walk. I liked the McKittreck Canyon hike enough to return the next day and go on another hike. hundreds of fishing spots around the state, How Florence ButtNot Her SonLaunched the H-E-B Empire, More Colorful Texas Sayings Than You Can Shake a Stick At, The Bronc-busting, Cow-punching, Death-defying Legend of Boots ONeal, At Texas Swingers Clubs, the Lifestyle Is Booming. This allowed us to make good time just not enough to get to Pratt Cabin. So we headed to next choice which was McKittrick Canyon. GET SNEAK PEAKS | BEHIND THE SCENES | EXCLUSIVE CONTENT! However, if you plan to hike to the Notch, I recommend wearing hiking shoes. Jimmy Carters Peanut-and-Egg Taco Made Quite the Impression on San Antonians, The Top 50 Texas BBQ Joints: 2021 Edition. . As a stopping point on your way to somewhere else, Van Horn and the El Capitan will take you back in time, say 50 years. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. Traveling clockwise, this fascinating, short trail passes an intermittent seep that lies hidden in junipers, then wanders up a southwest slope along an arroyo. From the trail junction, it only takes about 2 minutes to walk to Pratt Cabin. However, the trout were not washed out. We have a winner! Ive very recently moved to your great state, specifically Georgetown. And You Thought Feral Hogs Were Bad. We even saw two deer near the cabin. . Today the only member of the family Salmonidae (trout, salmon and their relatives) that occurs in Texas is the non-native Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss. This is the distance to the Grotto, a reasonable turn around spot for those looking for a doable day hike that can be achieved in under 8 hours. Beyond the Notch, the trail continues is climb up to the McKittrick Ridge Backcountry Campground. From the Grotto, retrace your steps back to the McKittrick Canyon Trail and turn left to continue to the Notch. The deep canyon offers breathtaking views and provides visitors with many hiking opportunities suitable for every level. Today, there is a growing belief that they are actually native to Texas. A: Welcome to Texas, Mr. Cleland. Beyond Pratt Cabin, the trail narrows, the gravel disappears, and now you are walking on a dirt singletrack trail. favorite durable, versatile, hiking pants from Columbia. Im Kristen, the author and active traveler behind Yonderlust Ramblings! The Top 5 Best Canyons in Texas Location of the Top 5 Best Canyons in Texas #1: Santa Elena Canyon #2: McKittrick Canyon #3: Palo Duro Canyon #4: Caprock Canyon #5: Seminole Canyon Gear Recommendations for the Best Texas Canyons The Top 5 Best Canyons in Texas Texas Farm and Ranch Land Conservation Program. Now, you are deeper in the canyon and there are a lot more trees and shade here. Catalogued, preserved specimens of Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout from locations in Texas would have provided conclusive evidence, but it appears there are none. Best Things to Do in Guadalupe Mountains National Park. U.S.D.A. The landscape isnt the only showstopper here in McKittrick Canyon. For mountain hiking that traverses desert floors to forested peaks, look no further than the highest point in Texas at Guadalupe Peak! It is the wider of the three trails and covered with bright white gravel. The. McKittrick Canyon is a scenic canyon within the Guadalupe Mountains of West Texas and Eddy County, New Mexico. Location of the McKittrick Canyon Trail . As we drove up 54 and merged with 62, the mountain range loomed large. 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. In this area of the park, the Permian Reef Trail is the best hike to do, in our opinion. To get to the trailhead, walk through the building to the other side. Loved it, cant wait to return next fall. Read all of our articles about the United States in our United States Travel Guide. Tags: GRTU, guadalupe mountains, National Parks Service, New Mexico, rio grande cutthroat, science, TPWD, TU, Category: Causes, Event Podcasting, Events, On The Road. Past the Pratt Cabin, the flora and fauna of McKittrick Canyon really begins to shine, and quickly becomes the star of this hike! Fish Commission, Article 3:57-126) listed "Salmo mykiss spilurus" as in Texas at "Limpia, Devil River, San Felipe Springs, and headwaters of the Canadian River, Texas, and Rio Bonito, New Mexico.". You can also learn more about the national parks (and get the full list) in our Guide to the US National Parks. Be sure to bring lots of water, a snack (or two), wear decent shoes and use sunscreen. Bryce Canyon Utah_x000D_ 3734N 11211W / 37.57N 112.18W February 25, 1928 35,835.08 acres . 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. Email subscriber privacy policy The McKittrick Canyon Trail is located in Guadalupe Mountains National Park. This is a popular trail for camping, hiking, and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Discover McKittrick Canyon in Culberson County, Texas: Steep canyon walls hide a forested oasis in the West Texas desert. Your email address will not be published. In this tiny part of west Texas, the foliage (brilliant reds, subtle yellows, and deep browns) contrasts dramatically with the flavor of the arid Chihuahuan desert that includes century plants, prickly pear cacti, blacktail rattlers, steep canyon walls and crystal clear blue skies. This unassuming brook is home to the only. As the trail switchbacks up the McKittrick Ridge, it can be quite steep at times, with large boulders to climb up and in some cases, long series of steep, somewhat uneven steps. McKittrick Creek is a small creek in McKittrick Canyon, a gorgeous place in the middle of the Guadalupe Mountains National Park, elevation somewhere around 7000 feet (it's 7700 feet on McKittrick Ridge above the creek). Any Texas or southwestern U.S. road trip wouldnt be complete without experiencing, In fact, Guadalupe Mountains National Park is part of the same mountain chain that houses the other worldly depths of Carlsbad Caverns! I teach others how to develop a mindset for active travel! So, as far as. There will be a few more places where you cross the wash. It is short around a mile, but is interesting the entire time it was our favorite hike! Se puede acampar? Great day! Then I hiked into the Canyon and climbed up to McKittrick Ridge for. We (two couples ages 45-60) hiked the McKittrick Canyon trail to the Grotto (approx. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. There are no restrooms or running water here. Learn how to plan your visit in our article Best Things to Do in Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Hike the McKittrick Trail to Pratt Cabin, a distance of 4.8 miles, crossing the stream twice. Pets are only allowed in areas that are accessible by vehicle, such as established campgrounds and parking areas. and cookie statement. It is named for Captain Felix McKittrick, who acquired the land for ranching in 1869. I knew I had to go back and explore Guadalupes canyons more, and I was equally impressed. Quick Facts on the McKittrick Canyon Trail, Overnight Backpacking Length: 14.8 miles roundtrip. 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. Hiking or trekking poles are highly recommended. Estimated Time to Hike to the Grotto/Hunter Line Cabin Roundtrip: 4 hours. 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. NPS Photo Traveling clockwise, this fascinating, short trail passes an intermittent seep that lies hidden in junipers, then wanders up a southwest slope along an arroyo. In Pine Springs, you can also hike to the highest point in Texas by standing on Guadalupe Peak. The Grotto is a small cave with formations that resemble stalactites and stalagmites, with a little bit of imagination. 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. An editor's note following the article stated that the presence of trout in Texas had been firmly established by "ample testimony." Dogs are not allowed on trails in Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Difficulty: A steady, sometimes steep climb to Lost Peak, then tracking the canyon rim Trail conditions: You guys have to make the hike to the Notch in early November when the leafs change color! Voicemail messages are responded to within five business days. Have a question for the Texanist? So as not to hijack another thread on this Forum, I thought I'd move this over to a new thread. He backpacked in and got some beautiful photos of the trout in McKittrick Creek. . 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. We had excellent weather and the colors were absolutely gorgeous. Imagine, however, if it turned out that none of that was true. Park entry fee required for all adult visitors. The northern entrance, Dog Canyon, is near the New Mexico and Texas borders. Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses. The studies are extensive, including analysis of fish surveys, water temperature and stream flow, and genetic studies. Ive heard its beautiful. 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.