When you think of fabulous fall foliage displays, West Texas is probably the last place that comes to mind. Well, it’s time to think again and add McKittrick Canyon to your fall bucket list.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park is one of the least visited parks in the national park system.
Its remote location, 100 miles southwest of Carlsbad, New Mexico, and 150 miles east of El Paso, Texas, is a big reason. Although not easy to get to, don’t let the location deter you, especially in late October and November.
Most people who visit the park aim to climb Guadalupe Peak and claim bragging rights for trekking to Texas’s highest spot (8,751’). But the canyons are not to be missed – specifically McKittrick Canyon.
McKittrick Canyon shelters stands of the famous lost Bigtooth Maples.
The trees are called “lost” since they exist only in a few places in Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. Each pocket of trees is scattered hundreds of miles apart. All populations are relicts of the last Ice Age, over 10,000 years ago. The places they have found refuge and survived are always canyons with year-round streams.
An extremely scenic hike, the McKittrick Canyon Trail winds up the canyon containing a spring-fed stream – one of the few reliable water sources in the park. The best color lies about 2.5 miles down the canyon trail. Encounter brilliant color from there on to the Grotto picnic area at mile 4.
You’ll be in awe of the fantastic Bigtooth Maples.
The display of fiery crimson, gold, and orange against the deep, sheer-sided canyons walls is stunning. Adding to the dramatic scene are the Texas madrones, walnut, ash, and grey oaks. Along with some desert sumac shrubs, they add blasts of bright red, burgundy, citrus yellow, and burnt orange.
Continue past the grottos and make the strenuous climb up McKittrick Ridge for spectacular canyon views of the fall color below. Not up for it? Enjoy lunch or a snack at the Grotto before returning to the Visitor’s Center.
The park is home to the world’s most extensive Permian fossil reef, and the four highest Texas peaks. With an incredibly diverse collection of flora and fauna and an extensive trail system, the Guadalupe Mountains National Park deserves a spot on every adventurer’s bucket list.
As always, thanks for reading! XOXO
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