McKittrick Canyon Trail
The canyon is one of the only year-round water sources in the area.
Plan Around McKittrick Canyon Trail
A good stop is not just something to read about. Once it belongs on the day, move into a saved trip and build the route around it.
Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.
McKittrick Canyon Trail Details
This trail starts at the McKittrick Canyon visitor center, seven miles north of the Pine Springs Visitor Center on Highway 180/62. The visitor is roughly three and a half miles off the highway. The hike starts in open desert, before entering the lush woodlands of the canyon. The canyon is one of the only year-round water sources in the area, and along the way you'll be able to witness the shift from desert ecosystem to transitional ecosystem to a full-on woodland riparian ecosystem. Deep in the canyon, there are a surprising number of trees, like oak, maple and Texas Madrone. Pratt Cabin, the original vacation home built by Wallace Pratt before the land became a national park, is located 4.8 miles (one way) down the canyon. Two miles beyond Pratt Cabin, you'll come to the Grotto, a lush spring-fed woodland that is perfect for a picnic lunch or just a rest break. If you're looking for a bit more challenge, continue on another mile and a half to The Notch, a viewpoint on the ridge of the canyon. This part of the hike involves an additional 800 feet of elevation gain, but you'll be rewarded by spectacular views of the canyon. The hike from McKittrick Visitor Center to the Pratt Cabin takes two to three hours; the hike to the grotto takes four to six; add an addition hour or two if you plan to hike all the way to the notch. The entire hike climbs just under 3,000 feet in elevation. McKittrick Canyon is day-use only; gates open at 8:00 am and close at 4:30 pm in the winter, and at 6:00 pm in the summer. Park at the McKittrick Canyon Visitor Center and begin from the trailhead next to the visitor center.
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
12.6 miles
Estimated time
2-6 hours
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around McKittrick Canyon Trail
Compare nearby parks around McKittrick Canyon Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around McKittrick Canyon Trail
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond McKittrick Canyon Trail while the map context is still fresh.
0.0 mi away
Permian Reef Trail
This strenuous trail is perfect for those interested in history and geology.
0.1 mi away
McKittrick Canyon Nature Trail
This trail travels through the desert and riparian ecosystems, with several interpretive stops
0.2 mi away
McKittrick Canyon
McKittrick Canyon is one of the only year-round water sources in the park.
0.2 mi away
McKittrick Canyon
This steep canyon is located within the Guadalupe Mountain Range and the Chihuahuan Desert, although parts of it also extend into the Lincoln Forest National Park.
1.7 mi away
Pratt Cabin
The Pratt Cabin gets its name from William Pratt, the geologist and founding conservationist who had it built in the early 1900s.
