McKittrick Canyon to McKittrick Ridge in Guadalupe Mountains National Park, TX

Hike McKittrick Canyon to McKittrick Ridge Guadalupe Mountains National Park, TX

Class 1 14.2 miles 3000 gain 5-7 hrs Out + Back Mar 7, 2018
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

McKittrick Canyon to McKittrick Ridge GPX Track

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I first visiting the Pratt Cabin along the McKittrick Canyon Trail a few years ago, and I remember it being pretty boring. Though, I did know the trail continued for a long time after this, and I wanted to return. This time around, my opinion of the heavily-traveled trail to Pratt Cabin didn't change. Immediately after leaving the historic site, though, the trail narrows out and you get much more incredible views of the surrounding Guadalupe Mountain cliff faces. A short little side-trail leads to The Grotto, a shallow cave with stalactites, and slightly farther is the historic Hunter Line Cabin, which has a ridiculously cool mountain backdrop. There is a sign letting you know that any farther past the cabin and into the canyon beyond is closed off due to the canyon being a natural area.

Once you're done at the Hunter Line Cabin, head back to the main McKittrick Canyon Trail as it begins to get more difficult. You'll head up the side of a mountain toward McKittrick Ridge, paralleling what seems to be a gorgeous slot canyon only viewable from above (my previous mentioned "do not enter" canyon). You pass "The Notch", which is just a nice viewpoint, but the trail continues to be really pretty, and I recommend going farther. Once getting to McKittrick Ridge, the trail stops being fun and lots of the views are blocked by trees. I decided to turn around at the McKittrick Ridge Backcountry Campground, once I noticed the canyon I was paralleling stopped being as majestic as it had been.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
McKittrick Ridge
7716 ft
236 rise

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Starting out on the McKittrick Canyon Trail from the McKittrick Canyon visitor center.
Starting out on the McKittrick Canyon Trail from the McKittrick Canyon visitor center.
There are a few streambed crossings.
There are a few streambed crossings.
Image 2 from gallery
Streambed crossing along McKittrick Canyon.
Streambed crossing along McKittrick Canyon.
Looking back down McKittrick Canyon.
Looking back down McKittrick Canyon.
Image 5 from gallery
Image 6 from gallery
Right goes to Pratt Cabin, left continues up the McKittrick Canyon Trail.
Right goes to Pratt Cabin, left continues up the McKittrick Canyon Trail.
Pratt Cabin off of McKittrick Canyon.
Pratt Cabin off of McKittrick Canyon.
McKittrick Canyon, after leaving Pratt Cabin.
McKittrick Canyon, after leaving Pratt Cabin.
Dramatic Guadalupe Mountain cliff faces.
Dramatic Guadalupe Mountain cliff faces.
Image 11 from gallery
Image 12 from gallery
The Grotto, a short trail off of the McKittrick Canyon Trail.
The Grotto, a short trail off of the McKittrick Canyon Trail.
The Grotto.
The Grotto.
Hunter Line Cabin, the mountain McKittrick Canyon Trail follows is in the background.
Hunter Line Cabin, the mountain McKittrick Canyon Trail follows is in the background.
Continuing along the McKittrick Canyon Trail.
Continuing along the McKittrick Canyon Trail.
McKittrick Canyon Trail parallels the canyon on the left. Unfortunately, you're not allowed in that canyon. Natural area or something. Because signs said so. :(
McKittrick Canyon Trail parallels the canyon on the left. Unfortunately, you're not allowed in that canyon. Natural area or something. Because signs said so. :(
Image 18 from gallery
At The Notch, a pretty lookout.
At The Notch, a pretty lookout.
Lookout from The Notch. But keep going.
Lookout from The Notch. But keep going.
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Image 22 from gallery
Image 23 from gallery
Looking down into a slotty section of the canyon along the McKittrick Canyon Trail.
Looking down into a slotty section of the canyon along the McKittrick Canyon Trail.
Image 25 from gallery
McKittrick Ridge ahead.
McKittrick Ridge ahead.
Cross a short, but pretty, ridge (bottom right). McKittrick Ridge ahead.
Cross a short, but pretty, ridge (bottom right). McKittrick Ridge ahead.
Looking back toward the ridge.
Looking back toward the ridge.
Approaching McKittrick Ridge, looking back toward the pretty little ridge (left).
Approaching McKittrick Ridge, looking back toward the pretty little ridge (left).
McKittrick Ridge.
McKittrick Ridge.
Image 31 from gallery
McKittrick Ridge Campground, my turn around point.
McKittrick Ridge Campground, my turn around point.
First hike up McKittrick Canyon in May 2014: Just a pretty tree
First hike up McKittrick Canyon in May 2014: Just a pretty tree
First hike up McKittrick Canyon in May 2014: Definitely looks a lot different when the canyon is lush and in bloom.
First hike up McKittrick Canyon in May 2014: Definitely looks a lot different when the canyon is lush and in bloom.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!