Last updated: January 9, 2023
Thing to Do
Pine Springs to McKittrick Canyon
NPS Photo
The Tejas Trail is the primary north/south through trail within the park, connecting the Pine Springs Trailhead with the Dog Canyon Trailhead at the park's northern boundary. This major artery can be used to connect to numerous other trails to make a variety of loops.
Headed north the trail climbs out of Pine Springs Canyon into the Wilderness high country. The central portion of the trail from Pine Top until the McKittrick Canyon Trail junction is forested, passing through the Bowl and numerous drainages.
The trail gradually ascends from the McKittrick Canyon junction to a high point of 7,916 feet before descending along the ridge above South McKittrick Canyon. The descent of 2,380 feet in about two miles provides spectacluar views into the canyon and the ridges that border it. The trail follows the floor of South McKittrick Canyon for the last four miles before returning to the McKittrick Canyon Trailhead.
This is an extremely rewarding trail, offering both the variety of McKittrick Canyon and the grandeur of the high ridges that surround it. The floor of McKittrick Canyon provides a panoramic experience through the unique environments of the canyon; to protect this special habitat, visitors are asked to stay on the trail and stay out of the water.
Overnight backpacking is recommended at Pine Top, Tejas, Mescalero, and/or McKittrick Ridge Wilderness Campgrounds.
Distance: Total distance from the Pine Springs Trailhead to the McKittrick Canyon Trailhead is 18.8 miles (30.4 km).
For more detailed information on trails, check our trail descriptions page.
Elevation Change: Accumulation of 3,200 feet
Time Estimate: 12-16 hours
Difficulty: Strenuous
Duration: Minimum of one night, two days.
Trailheads: Pine Springs and McKittrick Canyon Trailheads. The drive between the trailheads is 20-30 minutes. No shuttle service runs between the two trailheads.
Headed north the trail climbs out of Pine Springs Canyon into the Wilderness high country. The central portion of the trail from Pine Top until the McKittrick Canyon Trail junction is forested, passing through the Bowl and numerous drainages.
The trail gradually ascends from the McKittrick Canyon junction to a high point of 7,916 feet before descending along the ridge above South McKittrick Canyon. The descent of 2,380 feet in about two miles provides spectacluar views into the canyon and the ridges that border it. The trail follows the floor of South McKittrick Canyon for the last four miles before returning to the McKittrick Canyon Trailhead.
This is an extremely rewarding trail, offering both the variety of McKittrick Canyon and the grandeur of the high ridges that surround it. The floor of McKittrick Canyon provides a panoramic experience through the unique environments of the canyon; to protect this special habitat, visitors are asked to stay on the trail and stay out of the water.
Overnight backpacking is recommended at Pine Top, Tejas, Mescalero, and/or McKittrick Ridge Wilderness Campgrounds.
Distance: Total distance from the Pine Springs Trailhead to the McKittrick Canyon Trailhead is 18.8 miles (30.4 km).
For more detailed information on trails, check our trail descriptions page.
Elevation Change: Accumulation of 3,200 feet
Time Estimate: 12-16 hours
Difficulty: Strenuous
Duration: Minimum of one night, two days.
Trailheads: Pine Springs and McKittrick Canyon Trailheads. The drive between the trailheads is 20-30 minutes. No shuttle service runs between the two trailheads.
Details
Duration
12-16 Hours
For most hikers, plan to take twelve to sixteen hours to complete the hike, especially if starting at McKittrick Canyon. It can be done as a very long day hike but it is recommended as an overnight multi-day trip.
Activity
Hiking
Pets Allowed
No
Pets disturb wildlife and are not allowed on trails. Your pets should remain at home as opportunities for pets are very limited in the park.
Reservations
No
If done as a day hike, no reservations are needed. If done as of a multi-day overnight itinerary, a Wilderness Use Permit is required.
Season
Year Round
Time of Day
Any Time
The McKittrick Canyon Trail complex is designated a day use area below the McKittrick Ridge Wilderness Campground; Wilderness Use Permits must be obtained to camp overnight. The gate to the canyon closes daily at 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time. Visitors must be out of the area before the gate closure time.
Accessibility Information
Trail surfaces are loose rock or hardened rock surfaces. Hiking or trekking poles are highly recommended. Trail widths vary from two to six feet depending on the trail.
Parking
All trailhead areas have accessible parking available.
Service animals
Only service animals that have been individually trained to perform specific tasks for the benefit of persons with disabilities are allowed in the park and on trails.