The freezing temperatures kept most sane folks away so we had the canyon pretty much to ourselves. Winter tides and weather are formidable foes especially in the Lower Laguna Madre system. Bigtooth . 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. Some of you know my writing from here OR publications like Drake Magazine, Lone Star Outdoor News and others. The gate to the canyon closes daily at 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time. [["NAME","B01001_001E","state","school district (elementary)"], ["Clarkdale-Jerome Elementary District, Arizona","4041","04","00004"], ["Salome Consolidated . Bucket list McKittrick in Fall- accomplished. Photo by Gary Garrett Many species extended their ranges southward during the Wisconsin glacial period (75,000 - 11,000 years ago). So why is Texas a nearly trout-free space? . Guadalupe Mountains National Park epitomizes the diversity of this region: it has mountains, forests, deserts, and canyons, all intricately and seamlessly blended together! To hike to Pratt Cabin, it is a 2.4-mile hike one-way. You also have the option to continue on to the Hunter Line Shack and it takes about 4 to 5 minutes to walk here from the Grotto. 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). I knew I had to go back and explore Guadalupes canyons more, and I was equally impressed. Wading in pristine mountain streams and casting flies hand-tied out of animal hair towards wild and elusive fish are so enticing that movies such as A River Runs Through It practically make themselves. Although less than ideal, the historical accounts do present a likely and compelling scenario for the natural occurrence of this species in the state (http://www.fishesoftexas.org/specimen/FoTX%20unvouchered1). Forrest Wilder writes about politics and the outdoors. Nice and easy hike surrounded by trees. Therefore, Texas fly fisherman are relegated to traveling out of the great state of Texas if they wish to pursue non-stocked trout populations. McKittrick Canyon is a definite must see. Another part that was cool, both figuratively and temperature wise, was hiking in the shadows of the canyon. McKittrick Canyon is designated as day-use only, with daily visiting hours from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time. . A: Welcome to Texas, Mr. Cleland. We parked at the Visitor Center (mainly just restrooms and some outdoor displays) and took the nearby trailhead up the canyon. . Daniel Vaughn is the countrys first barbecue editor, and he has eaten more barbecue than you have. Voicemail messages are responded to within five business days. It is short around a mile, but is interesting the entire time it was our favorite hike! Great day! 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. 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. The Saturday Reruns are falling fast now. The backdrop of this frontier cabin is just as impressive as the Pratt Cabin! Email subscriber privacy policy We hiked to Pratt Cabin with is 2.4 miles and stopped for a snack. 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. 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. 79847. The Grotto is a small cave with formations that resemble stalactites and stalagmites, with a little bit of imagination. At the top of the trail you can look down at the mouth of McKittrick Canyon and read about Permian Reef geology. One walk through Mckittrick Canyon in the Guadalupe Mountains National Park and you to will be convinced. The advantage of the McKittrick Canyon Trail is that its great for all ages and ability levels. 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. McKittrick Canyon Trail Guadalupe Mountains National Park Length: 21.1 mi Est. that is cool. Three trails start right at this point. Read all of our articles about the United States in our United States Travel Guide. We just hiked to the Pratt Cabin and sat in the rocking chairs and had a snack. How to Hike the Permian Reef Trail | Guadalupe Mountains National Park, 16 Great Things to Do in Guadalupe Mountains National Park, How to Hike to Guadalupe Peak, the "Top of Texas", How to Hike the Devil's Hall Trail | Guadalupe Mountains National Park. For planning purposes, theres a few things you should know about accessing Guadalupe Mountains National Park, and the McKittrick Canyon 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.. 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. To get here, look for signage directing off to the left of the main trail indicating the Grotto. As you watch dragonflies near the water, you may be surprised to know that some are found only here and nowhere else. Bring plenty of water. So we headed to next choice which was McKittrick Canyon. the canyon becomes spectacular with color change! The Guadalupe River Chapter of Trout Unlimited (GRTU), a conservation organization dedicated to protecting trout populations across the country, is spearheading an effort to look into reintroducing the fish into its native Texas waters, starting with McKittrick Creek, home to the aforementioned viable population of introduced Rainbow Trout. Difficulty:moderate. When we rejoined at the trailhead, Tim had a huge smile on his face. In its entirety, McKittrick Canyon Trail runs a total of approximately 11.1 miles from the trailhead at the McKittrick Canyon Visitor's Center (31.977596, -104.752145) to the point where it intersects Tejas Trail (31.977596, -104.752145), which is an additional 8 mile hike to park headquarters at Pine Springs Visitor's Center. However, they lock you in at 6:00 and it is a federal felony if you get stuck per the McKittrick VC. Texas Farm and Ranch Land Conservation Program. Find out what we carry in our day packs and what we wear on the trails. We paid our entrance fee at the visitor center and then drove to the canyon. . The trees include among others Big Tooth maple, Texas Madrone, Little Leaf Walnut, Honey Mesquite,, and Mexican Buckeye. Ive very recently moved to your great state, specifically Georgetown. Always wanted to visit McKittrick Canyon for the Fall colors, and this trip did not disappoint. Unfortunately, the Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout is now rare throughout its native range (Western Native Trout Status Report). As noted, the hike is really family friendly and very easy all the way past Pratt Cabin to the Grotto and Hunter Line Shack. 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. As long as you are not in a large group, the restaurant is very good as well. Hike McKittrick Canyon Nature Loop Trail in the fall to see the enhanced fall colors. I did not know trout could be native to Texas, that is so cool. The hike is lot more difficult beyond the Grotto. Relatively easy but lots of rocks can be hard on the soles. . Just do it! The surface of the trail is gravel and easy to walk. McKittrick Canyon Trailhead Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas. As for the hike itself, it was very flat and easy. 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 views from the trail and the detours to the cabin and Grotto are just OKnothing all that spectacularwhich had me wondering why was this hike so popular? the Texanist, is a staff writer. Hike unlike anything around. I met yesterday with the Board of Guadalupe River Trout Unlimited and have their support for the project. 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. See what else this Mountain Range is Home to at, *And since were on the topic of checking off National Parks, keep track of all the National Park gems youve been to, and still plan to visit, with, Best Small Towns in Texas: Road Tripping Through West Texas, The Only Hiking Checklist You Will Ever Need: The 10 Essentials Plus, Complete Guide to the Humphreys Peak Hike: Highest Point in Arizona, The Lost Mine Trail at Big Bend: Hiking to the Top of a National Park. McKittrick Canyon in the Guadalupe Mountains National Park has a self-sustaining population of rainbow trout, but fishing is not allowed there. 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. For mountain hiking that traverses desert floors to forested peaks, look no further than, The McKittrick Canyon Trail is located in Guadalupe Mountains National Park. The meeting between Pierce and the rich soil of the coastal plains of Texas might have been destiny. Where to Try and Catch Texass Most Underappreciated Fish, Texass Big Ranches Are Still Selling for Big Bucks. 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. Which is why, says Steve Magnelia, Parks and Wildlife stocks lakes and neighborhood ponds with rainbow trout every winter. And since one cant fish McKittrick Creek, it cant be considered an actual fishery. Catalogued, preserved specimens of Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout from locations in Texas would have provided conclusive evidence, but it appears there are none. Se puede acampar? A new wonder world of water outside the door. I drove into the park and camped overnight at the Pine Springs Campground before I grabbed my permit. We usually head out to Lost Maples to get a glimpse of Fall foliage but this year we made the trek to McKittrick Canyon. 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. You can get by with a good pair of walking shoes or running shoes for this hike if you only plan to go to Pratt Cabin or the Grotto. 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! You have the option to go farther or turn around and hike back to the parking lot. There are no restrooms or running water here. and the BEST SELLER Clint the largest on the market at $149.+ TX&SH Made right here in Texas, the good old USA, by me. These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. 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.