sunrise

#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!