
McKittrick Canyon Nature Trail
This trail travels through the desert and riparian ecosystems, with several interpretive stops
Plan Around McKittrick Canyon Nature Trail
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McKittrick Canyon Nature Trail Details
This easy 0.9-mile interpretive loop starts and ends at the McKittrick Canyon Visitor Center, several miles northeast of Pine Springs off of Highway 180/62. The trail travels through the desert and riparian ecosystems, with several interpretive stops giving information on common desert plants and wildlife, the geology of this ancient Permian reef, and the local history of wildland fires. The trail gains around 200 feet, and takes less than an hour. Park at the McKittrick Canyon Visitor Center and begin from the trailhead next to the visitor center. McKittrick Canyon is open for day use only, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Difficulty
Low
Distance
0.9 miles
Estimated time
30 mins
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around McKittrick Canyon Nature Trail
Compare nearby parks around McKittrick Canyon Nature Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around McKittrick Canyon Nature Trail
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond McKittrick Canyon Nature Trail while the map context is still fresh.
0.1 mi away
McKittrick Canyon Trail
The canyon is one of the only year-round water sources in the area.
0.1 mi away
Permian Reef Trail
This strenuous trail is perfect for those interested in history and geology.
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.