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He also reported taking this species from the "Rio Benito" at Fort Stanton, New Mexico, and from other mountain streams in New Mexico. Im not saying Texas is big, but . McKittrick Canyon is a day use area. I am a full time teacher, wife, cheese-aholic, grammar nerd, and active traveler! Best Things to Do in Guadalupe Mountains National Park. For all these reasons, our entire group loved this. The success of this project may allow similar efforts to be done all over the proposed native range in West Texas. Yes, we liked this one too (even more than the McKittrick Canyon Trail). The meeting between Pierce and the rich soil of the coastal plains of Texas might have been destiny. The current state record, FYI, pulled from the Nueces River in 2010, stands at 8.92 pounds and 26.5 inches in length. Specifically, McKittrick Creek, which runs through the Guadalupe Mountains (no relation to the Guadalupe River), near the TexasNew Mexico border. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. 1997 1036 5515 6000 35.291260000000001-106.4879. Leave them blank to get signed up. Going in, there wasnt going to be a lot of technical information, like oxygen content, food sources, numbers of fish and such but that will be provided later from the data on file with the National Park Service. If you are new to hiking or are curious about what you should bring on a hike, check out our Hiking Gear Guide. Mick, that is outstanding. Here is a link to a gentlemens story on the TKF. But your reward, once you get to the Notch, are awesome views of McKittrick Canyon in both directions. Dont miss our article Best Things to Do in Big Bend for great things to do in the park. This point in the McKittrick Canyon hike is considered an ideal turn around point for the average day hiker. The detour to the Grotto is marked with a metal trail sign. Wild trout in Texas who would have thought? Oregon, what with all those abundant brisk and babbling waters, is indeed a trout fishermans paradise. 5h 12m Easy 4.3 (131) McKittrick Canyon Nature Loop Trail Guadalupe Mountains National Park Length: 1.0 mi Est. It may not be the Colorado Rocky Mountains, but the mountains are plenty big for Texas. McKittrick Canyon (Guadalupe Mountains National Park) - Tripadvisor Most people begin their journey at the McKittrick Canyon Trailhead. Although the hike lacks much vertical challenge, you lowlanders will be aware of breathing immediately, and need for hydration that comes with a dry climate at a starting altitude of 5,013 feet above sea level. Uniquely lush and vibrant trees, including juniper, pine, and ash, begin to emerge and line the trail, surprisingly verdant. Judging by the smell, we also snuck up on a skunk. The Best of Caprock Canyons State Park Hiking and Camping, The Mount Mitchell Hike: The Highest Mountain in North Carolina, Hiking Mt. McKittrick Canyon is a scenic canyon within the Guadalupe Mountains of West Texas and Eddy County, New Mexico. Imagine, however, if it turned out that none of that was true. The trail is well marked and easy to follow. . McKittrick Canyon Trail Since McKittrick Canyon is a hundred miles east of El Paso and two hundred miles due west of Midland, you could say it's in the middle of nowhere. We were a bit early this year to see full fall colors, but there definitely were some, especially between Pratt Cabin and the Grotto. Active traveler discovering how far your own two feet can take you! The views all along the trail were beautiful, not to be missed. Im looking forward to learning much about the incredible state of Texas! If the cabin is open, you can take a look inside. The Permian Reef Trail heads off to the right and the McKittrick Nature Trail heads off to the left. Q: Im an avid trout fisherman who was raised in Oregon, which is blessed with many cold rivers and streams that support trout. Bryce Canyon Utah_x000D_ 3734N 11211W / 37.57N 112.18W February 25, 1928 35,835.08 acres . Expect to see resident mule deer enjoying the peaceful serenity of the canyon. You guys have to make the hike to the Notch in early November when the leafs change color! From training resources, to select active travel destinations, I can teach you how to have a different kind of vacation, an active travel vacation! Heres hoping that you find the elevated temperatures more advantageous than Oncorhynchus mykiss does. Legends of lost Spanish gold mines drew many unsuccessful prospectors before the turn of the century. You wont be missing out this shorter version of the McKittrick Canyon hike is brimming with things to see and experience, unlike anywhere else in the state of Texas! The trail gets noticeably steeper and much rockier. . To hike to Pratt Cabin, it is a 2.4-mile hike one-way. " cade michael OpenMapTiles OSM 11.0 Miles Point to Point The trail provides incredible diversity in plant life due to the presence of a small stream. McKittrick Canyon is a definite must see. There is a touch of moderate hiking involved in reaching the Grotto, but that is mostly due to short portions of gravely terrain, some stream crossings, and brief moderate inclines. One of those unique things was water. Distance: 4.75 miles out-and-back Difficulty: Easy Total Ascent: 525 feet Starting Elevation: 5,000 feet Elevation at Pratt Cabin: 5,220 feet Time: 1.5 to 3 hours, Distance: 7.25 miles out-and-back Difficulty: Easy to moderate Total Ascent: 820 feet Starting Elevation: 5,000 feet Elevation at the Grotto: 5,350 feet Time: 2 to 4 hours, Distance: 9.8 miles Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous Total Ascent: 1,675 feet Starting Elevation: 5,000 feet Highest Elevation (the Notch): 6,100 feet Time: 4 to 6 hours, McKittrick Canyon Trail elevation profile. RT) midweek in early November. Please practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace: plan ahead, stay on the trail, pack out what you bring to the hiking trail, properly dispose of waste, leave areas as you found them, minimize campfire impacts, be considerate of other hikers, and do not approach or feed wildlife. In this guide, we cover the full hike on the McKittrick Canyon Trail to the Notch, with information on the shorter versions to Pratt Cabin and the Grotto, if you dont plan to go the full distance. This part of the trail looks a lot different than the first section of the hike. The only self-sustaining population of rainbow trout in Texas is in McKittrick Canyon, near the New Mexico border in Guadalupe Mountains National Park, where the Rare Earth Elements: A Review of Production, Processing . Texas Farm and Ranch Land Conservation Program. Just the sound of such a thing fills many a fly fishing Texan with pride. You can also learn more about the national parks (and get the full list) in our Guide to the US National Parks. For those looking to explore another unique ecosystem in the Guadalupe Mountains, namely its stunning canyons, look no further than the McKittrick Canyon Trail, and the surprises that are in store for those who take on a McKittrick Canyon day hike! McKittrick Canyon and its entrance are about seven miles northeast of the primary Visitor Center, also off US-62/180. For another, back then there were other waterways in far West Texas that actually did support native populations of trout, specifically an indigenous species known as Rio Grande cutthroat trout, so named because these denizens of the Rio Grande have a distinct ruby-colored band along the chin area that sort of resembles a cut throat. Guide to Planning a Trip to China: The Great Wall Marathon Runcation. We just hiked to the Pratt Cabin and sat in the rocking chairs and had a snack. The temperatures changed a lot during the hike, so I was glad that I had layered clothing and had taken water and a snack. This unassuming brook is home to the only. Estimated Time to Hike to the Grotto/Hunter Line Cabin Roundtrip: 4 hours. mckittrick canyon trout The initial start into McKittrick Canyon is deceptive. Please note that a backpacking permit is required from the main Visitors Center in Guadalupe National Park to do this entire portion for overnight camping. Other than that, there are no native trout we know of in Texas. And You Thought Feral Hogs Were Bad. I managed to finagle a spot as the official photographer, and it probably helped that I am a member of TU and GRTU. But the views from the Notch are incredible, and worth the pain to get there. Abundant water was a part of this and one of the things that made this hike so interesting. This hike starts off relatively easy, as it is a mostly flat walk through the canyon to get to the first two sights, the Pratt Cabin and the Grotto. 915-828-3251 I drove into the park and camped overnight at the Pine Springs Campground before I grabbed my permit. Passport to Texas Blog Archive Fishing: Canyon Dam Trout Patricia Sharpe writes a regular restaurant column, Pats Pick, for Texas Monthly. Hike the McKittrick Trail to Pratt Cabin, a distance of 4.8 miles, crossing the stream twice. McKittrick Canyon is a spectacular canyon jewel hidden and protected from the outside world between a narrow outer wall (Frijole Ridge) and the main part of the Guadalupe Mountain Range of West Texas. Hike McKittrick Canyon Nature Loop Trail in the fall to see the enhanced fall colors. CARLSBAD CAVERNS NATIONAL PARK: Carlsbad Caverns sits right beside Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Recently Updated The detour to the Grotto is marked with a metal trail sign. account_circle PDF P2 S r /4 L UJ~i, T I meet Tuesday with TPWD's Western Region Inland Fisheries Director, their Habitat Restoration Chief, and the fisheries biologist who wrote the original article about Rio Grande Cutthroats in Texas to map out our initial field trip. As the trail switchbacks up the McKittrick Ridge, it can be quite steep at times, with large boulders to climb up and in some cases, long series of steep, somewhat uneven steps. Begin at the visitor center at the mouth of McKittrick Canyon to pick up a park brochure, view the outside exhibits, or start your hike into the canyon. Rip & Go: McKittrick Canyon - Backpacker Great flora and fauna with Water, On our transition day from Big Bend to Carlsbad, NM we drove El Camino del Rio but I also allowed for enough time to stretch our legs in McKittrick Canyon. Julie Last updated: May 5, 2022 United States 4 Comments. Start the hike early, ideally by 8 am (but even better is early). The Headquarters Visitor Center at Pine Springs is located off Highway 62/180 at 400 Pine Canyon Drive, Salt Flat, Texas 79847 just 55 miles southwest of Carlsbad, New Mexico, 110 miles east of El Paso, Texas, and 65 miles north of Van Horn. People can also fish in the river, which is full of trout of different kinds. Ive very recently moved to your great state, specifically Georgetown. Bring water. For this part of the hike, you have wide open views of McKittrick Canyon and Wilderness Ridge. . Thousands of visitors come to Guadalupe Mountains National Park to visit McKittrick Canyon each year, especially during the latter part of October or early November for the sensational fall colors. Wild Trout in Texas - Texas Fishing Forum The advantage of the McKittrick Canyon Trail is that its great for all ages and ability levels. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Just do it! That they survived so very, very geologically long up there in little old McKittrick canyon in that little creek; all the while the rest of the world spun on, the epochs marched on. Any Texas or southwestern U.S. road trip wouldnt be complete without experiencing all the outdoor adventures in Guadalupe Mountains National Park! Learn how to plan your visit in our article Best Things to Do in Carlsbad Caverns National Park. All in all, this is the one hike you don't want to miss if you're visiting Guadalupe Mountains NP (sorry Guadalupe Peak!). If you are lucky enough, View Post Complete Guide to the Humphreys Peak Hike: Highest Point in ArizonaContinue, There is a common misconception floating around out there that the state of Texas is all just flat and, View Post The Lost Mine Trail at Big Bend: Hiking to the Top of a National ParkContinue, What makes hiking so enjoyable, is that no matter the person, there are all different types of hiking, so, View Post Different Types of Hiking: Which Type Are You?Continue, I will always remember the day my husband and I bought our tour packages to run the Great Wall, View Post Guide to Planning a Trip to China: The Great Wall Marathon RuncationContinue, Your email address will not be published. H-E-Bs True Texas BBQ Restaurant Is Slipping, West Texans Are Learning What It Means to Live in Bear Country. Texas Journal of Science 2:117-138.) Parking A drawing of the fish was accompanied by the description: "yellowish brown above, spotted with black; a red band on each side of the chin." Hike unlike anything around. The McKittrick Canyon Trail is a great trail for almost anyone, though the turn around points may vary depending on your skill and timeline. McKittrick Canyon: A Beautiful History - Donna Blake Birchell - Google Working with other conservation organizations and Guadalupe National Park staff, they have spent the past few years studying the environment of McKittrick Creek and its suitability for reintroducing Rio Grande Cutthroats. For a day hike, you should prepare with the following: Day hiking in McKittrick Canyon was long on my bucket list of hikes, after having witnessed the surprising depth and diversity of other portions of Guadalupe Mountains National Park, including its state high point hike at Guadalupe Peak! The steep, towering walls of McKittrick Canyon protect a rich riparian oasis in the midst of the Chihuahuan Desert . Two other scientists, Jim Brooks of the US Fish & Wildlife Service and Dave Propst from New Mexico, also part of the expedition, were staying in Carlsbad, New Mexico, which is just about the same distance from our rendezvous point. From US Highway 62/180, turn onto McKittrick Road and drive to the very end. From there it is only 4.8 miles round trip to Pratt Lodge and 6.8 miles round trip to the Grotto. 10h 29m Hard 4.8 (278) Hunter Peak via Bear Canyon Trail Guadalupe Mountains National Park Length: 8.3 mi Est. As a standard for mythical tall tales and legends, it comes as no surprise that Texas holds the national corner on stories of lost treasure. Random notes on Texas fishes. The. "The Notch" is 9.8 miles round trip from the McKittrick Trailhead. A Look at Mckittrick's Naturalized Rainbow Trout - 2 Skiff Fly Line Management - THREE STYLES TO CHOOSE FROM! The landscape isnt the only showstopper here in McKittrick Canyon. Trail Junction: Pratt Cabin is to the right and the McKittrick Canyon Trail continues to the left. Good socks and liners are a must, as is plenty of water, and for real enjoyment, lunch and snacks. There is a reason that this portion of the trail is one of the most sought after fall destinations in Texas, during which season the heavy foliage here shifts into blazing and vibrant golds, reds, and oranges! Quick Facts on the McKittrick Canyon Trail, Overnight Backpacking Length: 14.8 miles roundtrip. We started off at the bottom all buttoned up in our winter coats, shivering in the cold. (The Texanist prefers to do his swimming in water with a temperature just above the 70-degree mark, cool but not too cold. Sort By: It takes you through the foothills with many informational signs about various vegetation you see. Gravelly walk for sure! Those familiar with nature know that wildlife tend to care little for human boundaries. This unassuming brook is home to the only self-sustaining population of trout in Texas, a remarkable remnant of a rainbow trout stocking program from way back in the early part of the last century. Jetties sheepshead on fly. 79847. This was the first hike recommended to me by the park rangers and if you only have one day, I think this or Devils Hall would be a good choice. We usually head out to Lost Maples to get a glimpse of Fall foliage but this year we made the trek to McKittrick Canyon. RVers will enter the park via NM-137. Three trails start right at this point. It is elusive, wild, and free. The group convened at Van Horn, Texas, the closest town to our destination on the Texas side of the GMNP. By the mid-20th century, trout were still being discussed as native or possibly native to Texas. Rainbow trout is an anadromous, cool- to cold-water fish species. Its a big event, and my first visit to the event. Jos R. Ralat is Texas Monthlys taco editor, writing about tacos and Mexican food. The six hiked into McKittrick Canyon with electrofishing equipment and collected 26 trout that may possess genetic remnants of Texas' only native trout population Pat Hutson, trout program leader, said historical records of the region . . 7. Trout numbers increased from 10,000 in 1966 to more than 260,000 in 2004. McKittrick Creek is a small creek in McKittrick Canyon, a gorgeous place in the middle of the Guadalupe Mountains National Park, elevation somewhere around 7000 feet (it's 7700 feet on McKittrick Ridge above the creek). South Padre Island and the Lower Laguna Madre fly fishing report. I knew I had to go back and explore Guadalupes canyons more, and I was equally impressed. We were surprised there were not more hikers but we did go in the middle of the week. I walked the extra half hour out to the Grotto. We had done Guadeloupe peak the day before and were pretty tired, so we had only planned to wander in for a few minutes. McKittrick Canyon surprised me, and it continues to be one of the most unique spots I have hiked in the state of Texas! We quickly crossed a dry creek bed lined with golf ball size white river rock, and it was a lot like walking on a deep pile of golf balls. Always wanted to visit McKittrick Canyon for the Fall colors, and this trip did not disappoint. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Mountains in Texas: Are They Fact or Fiction? Which is why, says Steve Magnelia, Parks and Wildlife stocks lakes and neighborhood ponds with rainbow trout every winter. In this tiny part of west Texas, the foliage (brilliant reds, subtle yellows, and deep browns) contrasts dramatically with the flavor of the arid Chihuahuan desert that includes century plants, prickly pear cacti, blacktail rattlers, steep canyon walls and crystal clear blue skies. *And since were on the topic of checking off National Parks, keep track of all the National Park gems youve been to, and still plan to visit, with this FREE U.S. National Parks Checklist! Here, plants and animals tolerate true desert conditions. Step into the Guadalupe Mountains National Park, and you are stepping into Texas mountain time zone. The bigger, the better :-). I liked the McKittreck Canyon hike enough to return the next day and go on another hike. McKittrick Canyon is located within the Guadalupe Mountains, separated from the national park and operated as a "day use" area with limited hours. Required fields are marked *. You have the option to go farther or turn around and hike back to the parking lot. The trail becomes quite steep near the end, so ending your trek in McKittrick Canyon is never a bad idea. Any Texas or southwestern U.S. road trip wouldnt be complete without experiencing, In fact, Guadalupe Mountains National Park is part of the same mountain chain that houses the other worldly depths of Carlsbad Caverns! McKittrick Canyon 119 Reviews #2 of 15 things to do in Guadalupe Mountains National Park Nature & Parks, Canyons Guadalupe Mountains National Park, TX Save Stephen S Richardson, Texas 28 27 Only Hiked to Pratt Lodge Review of McKittrick Canyon Reviewed June 14, 2016 Resolved: Release in which this issue/RFE has been resolved. From Pratt Cabin, it is just under a 1.5 mile walk to get to the next optional (but worthwhile!) Good hiking boots are a must. The hike is lot more difficult beyond the Grotto. How far is is from McKittrick Canyon to the next ecosphere that can support cold water fish such as the cutthroat? We report on vital issues from politics to education and are the indispensable authority on the Texas scene, covering everything from music to cultural events with insightful recommendations. A Rite of Autumn: Fall Colors in McKittrick Canyon From the Grotto, retrace your steps back to the McKittrick Canyon Trail and turn left to continue to the Notch. Checked out the historic cabin, then walked on to the Grotto where there were picnic tables to eat on. Most of the elevation on the McKittrick Canyon Trail comes immediately after the Grotto and adjacent Hunter Line Cabin spur trail. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Spectacular! As you watch dragonflies near the water, you may be surprised to know that some are found only here and nowhere else. Fixed: Release in which this issue/RFE has been fixed.The release containing this fix may be available for download as an Early Access Release or a General Availability Release. We have a winner! You will also get ahead of the crowds and hike in the cooler part of the day. UT Spring Bee Competition 2023. These trout, stocked by some unknown landowner around a century ago, have thrived in this environment ever since their introduction, further supporting the idea that a native trout once occupied these waters, and proving without a doubt its possibility. . The Texanist, who is admittedly biased, suspects that the more you learn, the more youll love it here in your new home. Fire Ants Have Unleashed Chaos in Texas for Decades. I teach others how to develop a mindset for active travel! At a glance. Mckittrick Canyon. Enter the Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout, a rare species found in New Mexico and Southern Colorado. Forrest Wilder writes about politics and the outdoors. This historic cabin is closing in on a 100 year old birthday soon! It remains flat after Pratt Lodge, but it narrows to a singletrack trail. McKittrick Canyon Trail to Hunter Line Shack - AllTrails To get started on your day hike in McKittrick Canyon, access the trailhead just behind the McKittrick Canyon Visitors Center. THE JUMP OFF I wish trout could handle our climate. There is a short side trail to follow off the main path to visit the Pratt Cabin. Yet Texas fly fishermen find themselves in a bit of a predicament when it comes to this addictive passion; there is no trout species native to Texas. National Parks List in the US: Explore America's Natural Treasures The northern entrance, Dog Canyon, is near the New Mexico and Texas borders. Rogers Virginia: the Highest Point in Virginia, The Best Outdoor Things to Do in Fort Davis Texas, 2 Ways to Explore Santa Elena Canyon: By Land and By Water, The Absolute Best Hikes in Texas You Cant Afford to Miss. because of seeps and springs that flow out of the limestone formations of the canyon. The trial stays near the mostly dry creek, winding back and forth across it several times. Of all the parks we visited, Guadalupe was rank first by Alltrails. By the time we reached the summit we were down to t-shirts and sweating! If you fill out the first name, last name, or agree to terms fields, you will NOT be added to the newsletter list. One walk through Mckittrick Canyon in the Guadalupe Mountains National Park and you to will be convinced. It's cable reimagined No DVR. A brief period of military camels in Texas became lost to even most history books. The Rio Bonito is a tributary of the Pecos River and is known to have contained Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout at that time (Behnke, R.J. 1979. We parked at the Visitor Center (mainly just restrooms and some outdoor displays) and took the nearby trailhead up the canyon. Enter the Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout, a rare species found in New Mexico and Southern Colorado. Sure, any fish can be pursued through fishing with flies, but the heart and soul of the sport will always lie in the pursuit of the game fish it was invented for: trout. It is apparent here that McKittrick Canyon hosts a rich environment, bordered by increasingly striking mountain peaks on the horizon. It is best suited for those wanting to make the trek a multi day, overnight, backpacking and camping trip. McKittrick Creek, Guadalupe Mountains. However, this particular post will not cover hiking past the Grotto and Hunter Line Cabin. The entrance gate on U.S.Highway 62/180 is locked each evening. On the way back to the Contact Station we encountered a park volunteer who shared stories of the area with us. In Pine Springs, you can also hike to the highest point in Texas by standing on Guadalupe Peak. . Make sure to go past the Notch another 300 yards or so for even more sweeping views. Even though the trail is ranked as easy to moderate, that depends on a few personal variables. Then the trail moves upward into the mountain range and the view gets great. As the trail continues down northeast slope you will probably recognize that less sun exposure makes this side a little more lush. So, is the McKittrick Canyon Trail worth it? any personal information to the agency. Dog Friendly: Nope! Guadalupe Mountains National Park - SummitPost The McKittrick Canyon Trail is located in Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Low tides again this morning at South Padre Island, South Padre Island sunrise at the Jetties today. At this point in the trail the incline becomes much steeper increasing more than 1,000 feet in about a mile and also becomes much rockier. If this is part of a bigger road trip to Texas and New Mexico, here is more information to help you plan your trip. Park entry fee required for all adult visitors. Beyond the Grotto, the trail gets steeper and if you look closely, you can see the trail as it switchbacks up the mountain. This lengthy and arduous hike extends from the length of McKittrick Canyons floor to the top of its ridge at the McKittrick Ridge primitive campground! Baughman (1950. Hiking shoes. Disclosure: Below are some affiliate links-these are all products I highly recommend. In fact, Guadalupe Mountains National Park is part of the same mountain chain that houses the other worldly depths of Carlsbad Caverns! How to Day Hike The McKittrick Canyon Trail in the Guadalupe Mountains The Top 5 Best Canyons in Texas You Have to See in Person I enjoyed the stops and the views along the way. As noted, the hike is really family friendly and very easy all the way past Pratt Cabin to the Grotto and Hunter Line Shack. Email subscriber privacy policy How to Hike to Guadalupe Peak, the "Top of Texas" - Earth Trekkers To get to the trailhead, walk through the building to the other side. If the results find reintroduction feasible, a decision can be made on the removal of the non-native Rainbow Trout of McKittrick Creek, and the reintroduction of the native Rio Grande Cutthroats. C, @5x5brewing in Mission Texas after reupping my TPW, A Look at McKittrick Canyons Naturalized Rainbow Trout, A Look at Mckittricks Naturalized Rainbow Trout 2. Between []. Distance: 8 miles roundtrip to Mckittrick Canyon; 14.8 miles to McKittrick Ridge Elevation change: 1,500 feet Hiking time: 5-8 hours Highlights: The sweeping hills and valleys of Dog Canyon and the rugged beauty of McKittrick Canyon. McKittrick Canyon Nature Trail - National Park Service Further supporting this theory is the existence of a wild, self-sustaining population of Rainbow Trout in McKittrick Creek, in Guadalupe Mountains National Park. RT, and I think most families could do this. Check out the 100 mile backpacking trek that connects the Caverns with Guadalupe Mountains National Park! . Download the official NPS app before your next visit. [["NAME","B01001_001E","state","school district (elementary)"], ["Clarkdale-Jerome Elementary District, Arizona","4041","04","00004"], ["Salome Consolidated . Nice and easy hike surrounded by trees. The first thing he said was that was a great hike! He loved the trail, the short but fun walk through a slot canyon, and the best part, the views from the top of the ridge. McKittrick Canyon in the Guadalupe Mountains National Park has a self-sustaining population of rainbow trout, but fishing is not allowed there. There is a large parking lot here as well as a ranger station and restrooms.