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
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.
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!
