McKittrick Canyon Trail is a popular hike in Guadalupe Mountains National Park. As the name suggests, it is located in the McKittrick Canyon Area of the park whose gates are open between 8 am and 5 pm MOUNTAIN time. Mountain is capitalized because there is a chance your watch is wrong!
With limited hours and hot temperatures in the summer, I recommend hiking the McKittrick Canyon Trail in the spring or fall since early starts are not possible.
With two historic cabins, a grotto, the notch, and ridge, the challenging 21.3 out-and-back trail affords hikers many options. During my visit, I hiked only 7 miles which highlights the Pratt Cabin, the grotto, and the Hunter Line Shack.
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Overview of McKittrick Canyon Trail
These seven miles follow a rocky, though well maintained and flat trail through cacti, beneath a few shade trees popular among the birders, and into the canyon. It is a very pleasant hike with minimal elevation gain. With a smattering of fossils, geologists will also like the trail.
Continuing to the notch (10.1 miles roundtrip) or completing the entire trail, however, is strenuous. The trail gains substantial elevation as it climbs out of the canyon to the ridge providing magnificent views. The narrow path follows several switchbacks with steep drop offs. Beware if you are afraid of heights. And plan accordingly as the hike can take 10 hours.
Pratt Cabin
I am afraid of ledges and had hiked Guadalupe Peak the previous day, so I was very content to take it easy while exploring two historic sites and a cool cave.
Pratt Cabin is the first highlight on the trail, and it is a good option for anyone looking for an easy 5 mile, out-and-back hike. The first mile passes through southwestern terrain as it crosses a wash. The next mile enters the shade of the forest.
You will find the gates to Pratt Cabin just over two miles into the hike on the right. Follow the “driveway” to the stone cabin and outbuilding situated at the confluence of North and South McKittrick Creek.
The cabin, constructed in 1931, was part of a 5,000 acre ranch owned by geologist, Wallace Pratt. He fell in love with the area after a business trip in the 1920’s, purchased the acreage with some partners, and soon bought them out.
The cabin and 5,000 acre ranch was donated to the National Park Service in 1963 and greatly contributed to the creation of Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Today the cabin is only open when a ranger or volunteer is available, but there are some picnic tables in the shade which hikers may enjoy.
The Grotto and Hunter Line Shack
Upon returning to McKittrick Canyon Trail from the cabin, continue another mile or so further to a fork in the path. You will see a sign that points to the grotto. Descend to left, keeping an eye out for deer in the afar meadow. Soon you will find another picnic area next to the grotto, an open-faced cave with stalactites and stalagmites.
Slightly past the grotto is the Hunter Line Shack. The shack was part of the Guadalupe Ranch’s 70,000 acres owned by the Hunter family in the mid-1930’s.
Hiking to Hunter Line Shack is particularly beautiful in autumn when the leaves turn gold and brilliant orange sometime between mid-October and mid-November.
Overall, the McKittrick Canyon Trail to Hunter Line Shack offers hikers quiet a variety for little effort. As a result, it is an excellent choice when visiting Guadalupe Mountains National Park. As always, leave no trace, pack your ten essentials, and while the trail is well marked, download the map on AllTrails. ETB
Beautiful hike! I can imagine in the fall it is stunning 🙂