About
Length (round trip)6.8 mi
ShapeOut-and-Back
DifficultyModerate
Elevation gain400 ft up
Typical time4 hr
TrailheadMcKittrick Canyon trailhead
SurfaceRocky canyon floor
Best seasonMcKittrick Canyon is beautiful all year but is especially well known for fall colors in late October.
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 🌼 Wildflowers🕳️ Cave or arch🌲 Old growth🏛️ Historic site

Stretch out your day hike into McKittrick Canyon by hiking to the Grotto. Elevation gain doubles as you travel further up canyon, but is still mild at less then 600 feet gained from the trailhead. Exposed cave features and stone picnic tables near the Hunter Line Shack make for a fabulous lunch destination. A short distance past the Grotto is the Hunter Line Shack, part of a 1920s ranching operaiton in the mountains. Distance: 7.0 miles (11.3 km) round-trip, out and back Time Estimate: 3-5 hours Difficulty: Moderate due to length

Tips
The Grotto has picnic tables under the overhang - the best lunch spot in the park. Elevation gain doubles past Pratt Cabin but is still mild.
Location

McKittrick Canyon trailhead

Other Hikers
No one has logged this trail yet.
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