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1. McKittrick Canyon
Wander through the stunning walls of this diverse canyon! You’ll find plenty of adventure here with stream crossings, wildlife, stunning fall colors, and a historic cabin.
What You Need to Know
The trail through McKittrick Canyon in total is about 15 miles roundtrip, but it’s easy to make this into a shorter hike! This canyon oasis includes some of the best scenery in Texas, so the further you can go, the better.
Many people hike to the Pratt Cabin (4.8 miles roundtrip) or the Grotto (6.8 miles roundtrip). Either of these destinations will bring you into the heart of the canyon on a fairly flat and enjoyable trail. The Pratt Cabin has a beautiful front porch with comfy chairs to sit on and is often staffed so you can take a look inside.
A self-pay park entrance fee is required at this trailhead. Also, the entrance gate to McKittrick Canyon is locked each evening at either 6:00 p.m. (summer) or 4:30 p.m. (winter) so make sure you’re out by then!
Pets are not permitted on this trail.
Getting Here
From the Pine Springs Visitor Center, drive east on Highway 62 for 7.4 miles. Turn left onto McKittrick Road {look for the park service signs} and follow this road for 4 miles until you reach the parking area for the canyon trailhead.
2. Pinery Nature Trail
Enjoy an exciting story about express riders, a mail coach, and Native Americans as you explore this stop along the Butterfield Overland Mail Route! The ruins of the Old Pinery Station still stand as a reminder of what life was like out here in the Texas desert.
What You Need to Know
The Pinery Nature Trail is 0.75 miles roundtrip and paved. You’ll find interpretive panels along the way, but those mostly talk about the native vegetation. To better appreciate this stop, take a minute to learn more about the Old Pinery Station before you go.
Please don’t climb on any of the ruins — they are incredibly fragile and historical.
Getting Here
This trail begins at the Pine Springs Visitor Center.
3. Frijole Ranch
Get a taste of life on the frontier as you tour this rustic ranch house! Inhabited and beloved by several families since 1876, the ranch, schoolhouse, spring house, barn, and orchard are yours to explore.
What You Need to Know
Though the grounds are also open, the park volunteers run the house, and it is generally only open from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Because of all the water in this area, wildlife is abundant! Javelina, deer, and elk are frequent visitors, so a stop during the morning or evening hours may prove fruitful.
Getting Here
From the Pine Springs Visitor Center, drive 1.4 miles east on Highway 62. Turn left onto the Frijole Ranch Road and continue for 0.7 miles to reach the ranch parking area.
4. Devil’s Hall Trail
Stand between the cliffs of this strikingly narrow canyon! You’ll want to bring your sense of adventure for this hike — get ready to scramble for these views.
What You Need to Know
The Devil’s Hall Trail is 4.2 miles roundtrip with an elevation gain of about 500 feet, and pets are not permitted. Some trail guides for this hike claim that it’s an easy hike, and it’s true that it is one of the easier trails in the park, but don’t expect a nice, flat dirt path. I would give it a moderately difficult rating.
The first mile up the canyon is on a traditional trail, but the second mile is through a wash full of boulders. You’ll have to follow the cairns in the wash up to Devil’s Hall, stepping up and over large rocks along the way. If you are unsteady on your feet or have a previous injury (especially knee or ankle-related problems), be aware that you will be taking a lot of giant steps up and down uneven surfaces.
At the end of the wash, you’ll reach a natural staircase that requires a little scrambling. The stairs lead right into the Devil’s Hall, where the trail terminates.
Get ready for an adventure, and don’t let this description scare you off….it’s an exhilarating trail!
Getting Here
Drive along the road that leads to the Pine Springs Visitor Center, but instead of turning into the visitor center, follow signs for the campground and trailhead. Continue for 0.6 miles to the end of the road to reach the Pine Springs Trailhead, where the trail begins. Park in a space without a number, as this parking lot also doubles as a campground for RVs.
5. Smith Spring
Discover an oasis in the middle of the dry Texas desert! Water is a crucial resource in this environment, and this natural spring provides a thriving habitat for creatures big and small.
What You Need to Know
The trail to Smith Spring is a 2.3-mile roundtrip loop with about 400 feet of elevation gain. You’ll start at the Frijole Ranch, pass by Manzanita Spring, and then head up a wash to find Smith Spring tucked into a small canyon.
Many types of wildlife frequent this area, so spend a few quiet moments at the spring to look around. To complete the loop, the trail continues across a bridge and around the hillside.
Pets are not permitted on this trail.
Getting Here
The trail begins at Frijole Ranch. From the Pine Springs Visitor Center, drive 1.4 miles east on Highway 62. Turn left onto the Frijole Ranch Road and continue for 0.7 miles to reach the ranch parking area.
Are you looking for an epic hike? Conquer the challenging trail to the top of Guadalupe Peak, the highest mountain in Texas!
Have a fantastic time in Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Happy trails!
Hello Ash,
I am confused about the timed entry system at Carlsbad Caverns NP.
We are planning on doing 2 days in the park.
The 1st day we want to do the self-guided Cavern Tour to the Big Room.
The 2nd day we want to do the ranger-guided Kings Palace Tour.
I see there are three timed entry reservations for Carlsbad on recreation.gov.
The website says: :”Reservations are required to enter the cavern. This system reserves the entry time only. All park visitors must purchase an entry ticket or present a valid National Park pass upon arrival (we do have the senior pass). Pass holders must still reserve an entry time on the system.”
There seems to be a park entrance reservation and a cavern entrance reservation?
Your help would be appreciated on what we need to do in advance. Thx
Everyone needs to reserve the cavern entrance in advance – the timed entry. When you get there and check in, you’ll then need to pay your entrance fee or show them your annual pass :)
hi Ash,
Can you send me the pdf for saguaro and guadalupe? I’ve bought several of your pdfs and love them!
Thank you
Cheri
Yes, please contact me!
Ash,
Are there any recommended places to stay &/or eat near Guadalupe? We need accommodations due to our age.
Thanks!!
You’ll likely need to drive into Carlsbad for that!
We just did this trip last week and stayed at Sleep Inn & Suites in Carlsbad off Hwy 62 it was great! Close to Carlsbad Nat Park too, no hotels around so you’ll have to stay in Carlsbad. We did the Caves first (early) then headed to Guadalupe. Not much to see here but if you’re hiking Guadalupe Peak or Devils Hall or want to drive to Salt Basin then you’re in luck. Also note worthy The Ranger working the Pine Springs visitor entrance will try to steer you away from parking there… Don’t listen to him just go on in the loop and he will find a spot. Also, the bookstore/visitor center where you get your stamps etc is very tiny and have limited souvenirs.
Thank you for the great info! My son and I are heading to Carlsbad Cavern and Guadalupe Mtns this winter. Did you feel safe staying in Carlsbad? I have heard mixed reviews about the safety of the area.
Thank you!
I’ve never felt unsafe while staying there!