desert

February Hikes with Mike - 5 and 6

In February, I hiked twice. I graced Lincoln National Forest and Caprock Canyons State Park with my presence and had nice little hikes in each. Check it out.

Hike 5 - Lincoln National Forest, New Mexico

Trail: Switchback (just outside of Cloudcroft, NM)

Date: Sunday, Feb 16

Distance: 5.01 miles

Distance From Home: 548 miles

Weather: Mild and Sunny

Trail Notes: Snow in shady areas of trail, mud in the sun

I was in New Mexico for work again, so I decided to take advantage of my surroundings and get a good hike in on a familiar trail. My aunt and I visited this trail last September, but it was completely different this time around. Same great trees and mild incline, but with sparkly bright snow. The snow was not deep enough to require anything more than my hiking boots, but it was prominent enough to fill my heart with joy. I miss regular snow, but apparently only when it’s nice to look at and not deep enough to require snow boots. The trail has a mile slope as it switchbacks along the hillside. It’s at about 8,000 feet, give or take, and follows the highway out of Cloudcroft. There are sweeping views of trees and mountains, but it also feels like a hallway through some big trees. It’s a nice little trail to do if you don’t have all day and want to enjoy some fresh pine scent. It’s not secluded feeling; there is road noise on occasion.


Hike 6 - Caprock Canyons State Park

Trail: North Prong Spur, Upper North Prong

Date: Saturday, February 29

Distance: 7 miles

Distance From Home: 290 miles

Weather: Partly sunny, warm, windy

Trail Notes: The climb to Fern Cave was not exactly what I remembered, but still manageable

We planned a family weekend of camping, hiking, and most importantly campfires. My aunt and uncle hauled their camper out and set up a few days before the weekend, and Eric, Chewy, and I made our way out Friday afternoon. It was windy and sunny, mild, and seemingly perfect for the end of February. We planned to hike Saturday, I wanted to show my aunt Fern Cave and just enjoy the day we all had together. We started out, a little late because a wee bit too much was consumed the night before. The sun stayed behind some clouds most of the day, which was actually a relief for temps. We were doing alright, a little windy but alright, then we hit the final push to get to Fern Cave. It was a little more intense than everyone was used to, but we made it up and then down in only to find they were all brown! I had only been in the fall, so I wasn’t sure if they went brown in the winter and came back to life in the spring? I didn’t know what to expect. Either way, we enjoyed the cool temps but had to get out because some people were monopolizing it with their lunch making (making it stink like fuel) and dogs off leash everywhere. We meandered out and back to the main trail and eventually back to my car. The dog was TIRED, we were mostly spent, and it was definitely time for a cocktail and some dinner.

No matter how many times I visit Caprock Canyons, I always enjoy the trails. It’s one of my go-to locations in Texas and I already can’t wait to get back for another weekend.

#HIKE2 - Ocotillo Hills Nature Trail

HIKE 2 - Ocotillo Hills Nature Trail, Carlsbad, NM

Trail: Occotillo Hills Nature Trail

Date: Sunday, 01/12/2020

Distance: 2.06 miles

Distance From Home: 445 miles

Weather: Warm, sunny, slight wind

Trail Notes: it’s one mile, so two there and back, and either all uphill or all downhill


I’m in New Mexico for work, and I had reached a point where I needed a break on a Sunday afternoon. I drove the half hour to Carlsbad, but didn’t have a lot of time so just did a local nature trail. Turns out, this one was perfect for the hour I had to hike! It was 1 mile from trailhead to trailhead; I parked at the lower level at New Mexico State Carlsbad.

The trail meanders through the hills along side of the Living Desert State Park and Zoo. Once about halfway up, you can really see the city below. Once about three quarters of the way up, you get a full view and it’s quite spectacular for a little local nature trail. As the trail name suggests, it is lined with ocotillo and other desert plants. Pair those plants with a blue sky and you have the perfect hike.

This trail has no shade, but is great on days with mild temps and sunshine. Once summer hits, it may be a little warm, though I don’t know the area climate that well. If this trail were in my backyard, I’d use it to train for mountain running by doing many miles.

I hope you find a nice local trail wherever you are and take advantage of your surroundings. Happy hiking!

#HIKE1 - Guadalupe Mountains Nat. Park

HIKE 1 - Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Trail: McKittrick Canyon Trail

Date: Saturday, 01/11/2020

Distance: 2.05 miles

Distance From Home: 493 miles

Weather: Cold (below freezing), windy, but sunny

Trail Notes: The trail meanders through the canyon, with very little gain in the first mile anyway. Great views and tons of cool desert plant life


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I’m in New Mexico for work, and I’m only an hour and a half from Guadalupe Mountains National Park. I finally had a break in the project, and I needed to reduce my stress with a hike, so I took a Saturday morning and headed to the park.

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I woke up early on and drove down to the park for sunrise. I forgot it was a full moon, so that was just icing on the cake for the early morning drive. I arrived at the Pine Springs visitor’s center at about 6:45 local time. The sun was due up about 7:00 so I started the Piney Nature Walk. As the sun peeked over the distant ridge, I made my way back to the car. I have been sick since arriving in New Mexico, so I was congested and not feeling like an all-day hike so I went back up to McKittrick Canyon. The gate was open, so I made my way to the trailhead. I figured I’d walk a little and then turn around. I was the only one there and the sun was beaming down. The wind was less severe in the canyon and I was having a much more enjoyable experience. I had a puffy, a hoodie, and a t-shirt for layers and I was nice and cozy.

After my hike, I went back to the Pine Springs visitor’s center to look inside and buy my magnet. I walked through and learned about the geology and wildlife. I’m excited to mark it off my list, but even more excited to plan a return visit with camping!

Have you been to Guadalupe Mountains National Park? What are your favorite trails and campsites? Leave a comment and let me know! Happy trails my friends!



2019 #hike8 #hike9 #hike10 & #hike11 - March Recap

Because I was drowning in work and also lazy AF, I decided to piece the March 2019 hikes together. I hope to hike some more out in West Texas - maybe Big Bend, hopefully Guadalupe Mountains, and a definitely a few state parks. If you want to hike together, hit me up!


Hike 8 - Clear Creek Heritage Nature Center - Denton, TX

  • 3.35 miles, solo hike, enjoyed

  • Flooded trails and very few people

  • Clear, beautiful weather - cool and sunny

  • Met some great people and had great chats about local hikes


Hike 9 - Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge - Fort Worth, TX

  • 4.35 miles, group hike, enjoyed

  • Nice hike with my other half and aunt

  • Beautiful sunny day, not too crowded

  • Spring was starting


Hike 10 - Big Bend National Park: Lost Mine Trail - Big Bend National Park, TX

  • 4.96 miles, solo hike, thoroughly enjoyed

  • Excellent views, great terrain variety, wonderful elevation gain

  • Beautiful trail plants

  • Crowded as the morning changed to afternoon

  • Get there early to avoid the sun, also!


Hike 11 - Big Bend National Park: Chimney Trail - Big Bend National Park, TX

  • 4.82 miles, solo hike, great canyon views

  • Gorgeous desert wildflowers and plant life

  • Wonderful, expansive views

  • Very sunny, wear sunscreen! It’s very exposed, avoid if too hot.

  • Not buys at all.