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There is a road called New Mexico 137 that runs from Carlsbad to Dog Canyon. It is 60 miles each way. The road is paved and in good condition. There is a side trip of 7.5 miles each way to Sitting Bulls Falls (recommended). The road goes through a number of different environments, vegetation, ground cover, and scenic viewpoints. It is a terrific drive. Most of the drive is in New Mexico but Dog Canyon is in the north side of the national park and in Texas. It is the end of the road. There are a number of hiking options, a campground, and a large picnic area. The day we were there there were not any of other people except for the local ranger. The ranger is helpful, friendly, and can answer all of your questions. The canyon is a beautiful place and a great part of our exceptional national park system. Please indicate below if you find this review helpful.…
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Date of experience: December 2020
3 Helpful votes
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The campground is pretty but primitive-no water, no electricity and walk to campsite. We would have camped there had it not been cold and very far from everything. We needed a base camp as we went on day trips to Carlsbad and other places.
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Date of experience: November 2019
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Long one way drive. Nothing there when you get there. We saw the sign that said El Paso gap and thought it was a mountain pass to El Paso but it's not. At least not without 4 wheel drive. Only saw a gravel rough road. Don't know if it is passable or not. Unless you just want a pretty drive don't bother …
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Date of experience: March 2017
1 Helpful vote
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+1
I visited in November 2016 and did the Marcus loop (14 miles) over a three day period with my kids (9 & 12). First, you have to accept the Guadalupe Mountains and park for what they are--there is no water in the back country and the trails are steep, rocky, and tough. I knew that coming in having visited the south end of the park twice. We followed the Bush Mountain trail out of Dog Canyon campground to the Marcus campsites--the trail essentially goes up and over and the Marcus campsites are at the same elevation as Dog Canyon campground. Beautiful views and a wonderful hike. The Marcus campsites are easy to find and excellent sites. The next day we followed the Marcus trail to the Tejas trail and camped at the Mescalero campsites. Marcus trail starts out flat and then goes up pretty quick. It is diverse hike going through a treeless valley, ascending into the dense pines, and crossing a few dry creek beds. There are two superb Mescalero campsites and a couple of more that look like they have not been used much. The third day we hiked about 4 miles down to Dog Canyon campground. We saw some truly beautiful views in every direction from this trail but lots of vegetation is gone after a fire in May 2016.…
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Date of experience: November 2016
1 Helpful vote
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