Secret Hikes: Guadalupe Mountains National Park

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I did a similar trip to this one in 1997; beginning at Pine Springs. Spent the first night at Mescalero, and the second at McKittrick Ridge. It required a car shuttle. I agree with others that this is much easier reversing the route, owing to the more gradual ascent up the Tejas trail relative to the trail up McKittrick Ridge. It's been over 15 years now, and I want to repeat this trip soooo bad!

My son and I just hiked from McKittrick Campground up to McKittrick Ridge. We stayed the night on the ridge at one of the backcountry sites and then hiked back down the next day. The hike up is very strenuous and I'm comparing it to hikes we have done in Glacier NP, Yosemite NP, Rocky Mtn. NP, and Big Bend NP. Also, the wind on the ridge was very strong at 60 mph gusts. However, the fall foliage was beautiful. We plan on returning to do Pine Top soon. I would not do this hike in the summer.

Hike in to McKittrick Ridge from Dog Canyon and come out at Pine Springs through one of two routes. Nick is correct about the hike from McKittrick Canyon up to McKittrick Ridge. Straight up switchbacks... very steep and very strenuous carrying gear plus water.
Dog Canyon is a longer drive on the secluded north side of the park but it is a great campground by itself. Great views all around camping among the parks famous big toothed maples. Guadalupe is a great park for scenery and solitude.

Carry plenty of water! One gallon per person per day will leave you some for cooking in the fall or spring. I just finished the 19 mile loop with my son starting at McKittrick. We did it in two days, but I wish we had taken 3 so we could have enjoyed it more. It's very strenuous and I don't recommend it in the summer months.

Did this hike in reverse, Pine Springs to Pine Top, to McKittrick Ridge, and down in 1999. A ranger saved our lives the night before when she told us THERE IS NO WATER ON THE TRAIL! Had to carry over 3 gallons of water in addition to less than light weight gear. Kicked my Butt, but is still one of the most memorable backpack trips I have ever made (and that includes the AT, Continental Divide, and Colorado trails). Would recommend this trip to anyone who enjoys the southwest and solitude (didn't see another soul the three days of the trip).

Given the amount of water you have to tote, you would have to be a real glutton for punishment to go up to McKittrick Ridge from the canyon. Just getting to the Notch is tough, and it doesn't ease out above it. Reverse the trip and come down from McKittrick Ridge. Your knees will still hate you, but the rest of your crate will be happy.

Just finished an 18 month work assignment in SE New Mexico. During that time I hiked just about every trail in Guadalupe Mountains. Dog Canyon campground is out of the high traffic area and about the best stargazing I've ever seen. If you hike McKittrick you have to go at least to the notch - great views of the upper canyon.

I lived in El Paso for a few years and I drove just about every weekend to Guadalupe Mountains. It's well worth the couple hour car ride to get there! McKittrick is my all-time favorite hike. Visit it throughout the year to see the vegetation change with the seasons. It's most popular in the fall, so be prepared for lots of people within a couple of miles of the trailhead (thins out the deeper you go into the canyon).