About
Length19 mi
ShapePoint-to-Point
DifficultyStrenuous
Elevation gain3,400 ft up
Typical time14 hr
TrailheadPine Springs to McKittrick Canyon
SurfaceHigh country trail with big descents
Best seasonSpring and autumn. Late October and early November for McKittrick Canyon fall colour - the busiest fortnight of the year.
DogsNot allowed
AccessibilityTrail 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.
What you'll see ⛰️ Summit🌄 Big views🌲 Old growth🎒 Backpacking

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.

Tips
The park calls this a very long day hike. Almost everyone splits it with a night at Pine Top or McKittrick Ridge. No water on route.
Location

Pine Springs to McKittrick Canyon

Other Hikers
No one has logged this trail yet.
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