McKittrick Canyon
McKittrick Canyon
4.5
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Scenic canyon with unique animal and plant life.
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4.5
119 reviews
Excellent
71
Very good
31
Average
16
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1
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0
Jeremiah Z
Roseville, MN3,057 contributions
Nov 2021
We hiked the McKittrick Canyon Trail all the way to the Notch (10 mi. RT) midweek in early November. 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. 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. Back at the trailhead, the lot was still only about half full just after lunchtime.
As noted, the hike is really family friendly and very easy all the way past Pratt Cabin to the Grotto and Hunter Line Shack. If you wanted to just hike to the Grotto and Hunter Line Shack, it would only be about 7 mi. RT, and I think most families could do this. Beyond the Grotto, the hike gets much steeper to the Notch, though we didn't think the elevation gain was what made this section hard, it was the overgrown desert shrubs and vegetation which at times gave us cuts on our arms and legs. But the views from the Notch are incredible, and worth the pain to get there. Make sure to go past the Notch another 300 yards or so for even more sweeping views.
We were a bit early this year to see full fall colors, but there definitely were some, especially between Pratt Cabin and the Grotto. All in all, this is the one hike you don't want to miss if you're visiting Guadalupe Mountains NP (sorry Guadalupe Peak!).
As noted, the hike is really family friendly and very easy all the way past Pratt Cabin to the Grotto and Hunter Line Shack. If you wanted to just hike to the Grotto and Hunter Line Shack, it would only be about 7 mi. RT, and I think most families could do this. Beyond the Grotto, the hike gets much steeper to the Notch, though we didn't think the elevation gain was what made this section hard, it was the overgrown desert shrubs and vegetation which at times gave us cuts on our arms and legs. But the views from the Notch are incredible, and worth the pain to get there. Make sure to go past the Notch another 300 yards or so for even more sweeping views.
We were a bit early this year to see full fall colors, but there definitely were some, especially between Pratt Cabin and the Grotto. All in all, this is the one hike you don't want to miss if you're visiting Guadalupe Mountains NP (sorry Guadalupe Peak!).
Written December 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SnowyShasta
Portland, OR2,314 contributions
Oct 2020
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. We parked at the Visitor Center (mainly just restrooms and some outdoor displays) and took the nearby trailhead up the canyon. The trial stays near the mostly dry creek, winding back and forth across it several times. 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. We even saw two deer near the cabin.
Written November 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Louis F
Altus, OK1,182 contributions
Nov 2022
Really awesome hike that is very popular in the National Park. The gates do close at 5 and you need to make sure you are out before then. 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.
Written November 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Debbie F
Concord, NH209 contributions
Jul 2022
We almost missed this hike. It's a few miles away from the main part of Guadeloupe National Park. So glad that we drove out to take a peek. We had done Guadeloupe peak the day before and were pretty tired, so we had only planned to wander in for a few minutes. My husband went as far as Pratt cabin, sat in a rocking chair there, and promptly fell asleep. I walked the extra half hour out to the Grotto. Whether you stop at the cabin or at the grotto, it's all beautiful. The walk is flat and easy. Bring plenty of water. Highly recommend!
Written August 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Holly S
Rio Medina, TX7 contributions
Nov 2022
As Texans, we don't often get to enjoy a kaleidoscope of Fall colors. We usually head out to Lost Maples to get a glimpse of Fall foliage but this year we made the trek to McKittrick Canyon. It was well worth the drive. We had excellent weather and the colors were absolutely gorgeous. We were surprised there were not more hikers but we did go in the middle of the week. McKittrick Canyon is a definite must see.
Written November 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LittleAppleRed
Kansas408 contributions
Mar 2021 • Family
Tried to go to Devil’s 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). So we headed to next choice which was McKittrick Canyon. Parking was way less busy, there were restrooms and some interpretive signs (that VC is not open right now). Trail very pretty and peaceful. Gravelly walk for sure! Bring water. Mixed shade and sun. We just hiked to the Pratt Cabin and sat in the rocking chairs and had a snack. Fairly easy 4.8mi RT hike (but it is mostly walking on gravel and river rocks, vs packed trail).
Written March 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TetonCLT
Fort Worth, TX86 contributions
Oct 2020
Always wanted to visit McKittrick Canyon for the Fall colors, and this trip did not disappoint. It was spectacular! The canyon hike is almost as long as the summit hike, but less altitude gain. The surrounding mountains are so beautiful, great vistas. This needs to be renamed Kodachrome Canyon! Loved it, can’t wait to return next fall.
Written October 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TrailBlazer35908
Dallas, TX3 contributions
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. This 3,000 ft. deep canyon hides a riparian oasis below its big walls supporting some wildlife found in no other place on earth. Wallace Pratt donated 5,632 acres of his beloved canyon to the National Park Service in 1957 opening up the way for the creation of Guadalupe Mountains National Park.
Without a doubt, McKittrick Canyon is the prettiest spot in Texas, especially during the fall when maple, walnut, ash, and oak trees change into their fall colors. Access is only by foot and will take about a 2 mile hike to reach the main body of the canyon. Bring plenty of water in the warmer months.
Without a doubt, McKittrick Canyon is the prettiest spot in Texas, especially during the fall when maple, walnut, ash, and oak trees change into their fall colors. Access is only by foot and will take about a 2 mile hike to reach the main body of the canyon. Bring plenty of water in the warmer months.
Written May 1, 2005
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chloe T
Mobile, AL121 contributions
Mar 2017 • Solo
I felt like this hike allowed a good overview of Guadalupe Mountains National Park. It took me, at 62 and in pretty good shape, most of the afternoon. The temperatures changed a lot during the hike, so I was glad that I had layered clothing and had taken water and a snack. There were beautiful views all along the way, and pretty places to stop and rest. 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. I liked the McKittreck Canyon hike enough to return the next day and go on another hike. This park is about an hour away from anything, so if you are going to visit, look at a map and plan your day. 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 trail was very good and well marked. As a solo traveler I felt safe. I enjoyed the stops and the views along the way.
Written March 16, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Davis K
Phoenix, AZ2,028 contributions
May 2013 • Couples
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. The trail provides incredible diversity in plant life due to the presence of a small stream. Because of the availability of water, the desert plants are some of the healthiest we have encountered outside a botanical garden. One Yucca we photographed is easily 40 feet tall.
An especially nice feature of this trail is that there is so much to see on the way. The landscape changes from desert to woodland. There is a the side trip to Pratt's cabin which is a marvel of stone architecture. The stone roof was especially unique. We sat near a small series of small rapids listening to the water and song birds. Next is the grotto, a shallow cavern of limestone stalagmites and stalactites that are still growing and finally the Hunter Ranch line cabin that signals the end of the trail. On our walk we encountered only five other people. If you can't find something to like on this hike, you're not looking. Detailed information and a map can be found on the National Parks website. It was a relaxing way to spend the afternoon.
An especially nice feature of this trail is that there is so much to see on the way. The landscape changes from desert to woodland. There is a the side trip to Pratt's cabin which is a marvel of stone architecture. The stone roof was especially unique. We sat near a small series of small rapids listening to the water and song birds. Next is the grotto, a shallow cavern of limestone stalagmites and stalactites that are still growing and finally the Hunter Ranch line cabin that signals the end of the trail. On our walk we encountered only five other people. If you can't find something to like on this hike, you're not looking. Detailed information and a map can be found on the National Parks website. It was a relaxing way to spend the afternoon.
Written June 2, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It was open when we visited in mid-October. 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.
Written November 25, 2020
For the first 2 hours, you are in the canyon, a valley, very flat. Then the trail moves upward into the mountain range and the view gets great. Just do it!
Written February 16, 2017
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