Guadalupe Mountains National Park – McKittrick Canyon - Member Hike

Hike Name:	Guadalupe Mountains National Park – McKittrick Canyon
Country:	United States
State:	Texas
Nearby Town:	Carlsbad, New Mexico
Rating:
Directions:	From Carlsbad, New Mexico, take US-62 West for approximately 45 miles and the entrance will be on the right.
Total Hike Distance:	12.50 miles
Hike Difficulty:	Difficult
Permit Required:	No
Hike Type:	In & Out, Backtrack Hike
Hike Starts/Ends:	McKittrick Canyon Contact Station and Trailhead
Trails Used:	McKittrick Canyon Trail
Backcountry Campsites:	Yes
Backcountry Water Sources:	Streams
Management:	National Park Service
Contact Information:	By Mail: Guadalupe Mountains National Park 400 Pine Canyon Drive Salt Flat, Texas 79847-9400 Phone - Pine Springs Visitor Center: (915) 828-3251 Phone - Dog Canyon Ranger Station: (575) 981-2418 Fax: (915) 828-3269 https://www.nps.gov/gumo/index.htm
Best Season:	Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
Users:	Hikers
Road Conditions:	Primary Paved Roads
Hike Summary:	This particular hike follows the hike described in this park document, with the exception it continues beyond the Notch for approximately another one and a quarter miles: https://www.nps.gov/gumo/planyourvisit/upload/mckcanyon.pdf The landscape beyond the Notch changes dramatically, but is equally stunning and scenic, and definitely worth the extra mileage. At times it feels almost prehistoric, and at any moment you might not be surprised to see a Pterodactyl.