| Dog Canyon Dog Canyon is one of the more remote areas of the
park and is on its very northern edge. The canyon is a quiet, forested
cleft in the rock at an elevation of 6,300 feet. Several trails
explore the canyon, from the short and nearly level Indian Meadow
Nature Trail, to the moderate Marcus Overlook, which stops just before
a too-steep descent into West Dog Canyon. Lost Peak is a little
tougher and longer, a half-day hike up the mountain. McKittrick
Canyon McKittrick Canyon is the centerpiece of Guadalupe
Mountain National Park. It’s been called the “most beautiful spot in
Texas,” and the canyon is startlingly diverse, and startlingly out of
place. In the middle of the Chihuahuan desert, this is an oasis of
East U.S. style foliage, and the fall colors are glorious. The scrub
desert with its yuccas and cacti also shoves into the canyon, which
makes for an odd and fascinating hybrid between the two. The canyon
is meant to be explored by foot, and how deeply you want to explore
depends on you. McKittrick Canyon Nature Trail is very brief, if
moderate, but gives the hiker a pretty good view of the canyon. Pratt
Cabin and the Grotto are two hikes that delve deeper. The more
dedicated can hike the McKittrick Ridge or up to the Permian Reef.
Williams Ranch The historic Williams Ranch is only
accessible by a four-wheel drive road. The peak of El Capitan can be
seen, and seen very well, during the drive, and once you reach the
ranch, you can take the El Capitan trail and explore Bone Canyon,
which is formed from the oldest rock in the Guadalupe
Mountains. Frijole Ranch Frijole Ranch, in contrast, is
easily accessible, and serves as a history museum. The Smith Spring
Trail and Manzanita Spring Trail begin here. |
