TOUGHEST HIKE in TEXAS? | Backpacking McKittrick Canyon | Guadalupe Mountains National Park

I took a solo weekend trip to Guadalupe Mountains National Park to explore a place that has been on my mind for quite a while... Mckittrick Canyon. I drove into the park and camped overnight at the Pine Springs Campground before I grabbed my permit. Then I hiked into the Canyon and climbed up to McKittrick Ridge for one night. I woke early the next morning and hiked out before I made the long drive home.
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Music by: The Dada Weatherman- Household Blues
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"
Phillipians 4:13

[@gcwjammin]

Best Guadalupe Mountains National park video I've come across. I love it out there and you thankfully showed what's outside of the Guadalupe peak trail. Thanks for showing what Texas has to offer

[@TheNotLostNomad]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed it. GMNP is a special place to me and hopefully videos like this will help others discover this amazing place!

[@chadperling2766]

The first section of that hike, from trailhead to the grotto is extremely popular during the fall color change (search McKittrick fall colors). It's an easy 7-mile round trip with an elevation gain of just 600 feet. Your extended route adds four miles and 2,700 ft. elevation gain/ SO your total trip was about 7.5 miles with an elevation gain of 2,700 ft. BTW - Nice music. If you want the TOUGHEST version, take a friend or two with two cars. Leave one at the campground take the other one to the trailhead and hike through the wilderness (north to south) on the trail you took, but got thru the "bowl". It's 22 miles long and gains 6,300 ft.

[@TheNotLostNomad]

Yes! I’ve been trying to find a good time to head out there and do it from Pine Springs. Just about every time I start planning a trip back out to GUMO I have something else come up and have to postpone… that trek is definitely on my list though! Thanks for watching!

[@scarroll413]

Was just here last week (around the same time you were a year later), and unfortunately only got to spend ~ 20 hours in the park (including camping), but fell in love with the rawness of this place (first wild tarantulas this Yankee has ever seen!) This video brought me back - Definitely stoked to get back someday and explore the backcountry. Thanks man!

[@TheNotLostNomad]

It's such a good time to go, the weather is just starting to cool down a bit. I'm glad you enjoyed your trip...GMNP is often overlooked. And yes! the rawness is great here...once someone experiences the backcountry they fall in love with it!

[@robertsutton3001]

Yankee?! Get a rope! Lol just kidding

[@dadoleyna]

Great video. You captured the beauty, the effort, and the WIND. No one can effectively explain the effort needed to traverse several of the trails at GUMO, steep terrain, wind, heat and you have to pack in all the water you will need. I met a seasoned Colorado hiker one July day who simply gave up on this hike about 3/4 of the way up because he had underestimated the effects of those factors and was cramping up, having consumed, already, most of his water. He told me the (sometimes loose) rocky terrain was WAY more of a challenge than he had anticipated. He also promised not to be a 14-er snob anymore, since he had been bested by an 8k climb.

[@TheNotLostNomad]

dadoleyna , man I totally agree! I’ve been able to do some really incredible and challenging hikes across the US and when I come back to Texas I tend to underestimate the trail. Time and time again I’ve been humbled by the trails here in Texas...McKittrick Canyon in GUMO and Marufo Vega in BBNP are some of the most challenging trails that I’ve ever done!

[@kellycoleman715]

I can assure you that McKittrick canyon trail is far from the toughest hike in Texas. Two days ago my wife, a friend and I climbed to the summit of adjacent Guadalupe peak (8,751’) in 50-70 mph cold winds. We have also done the Lost Mine and Emory peak trail climbs at the Chisos mountains at Big Bend National park, both of which are far more difficult. Now McKittrick’s trees are peaking their beautiful Fall colors however.

[@TheNotLostNomad]

So I have also done all of the trails that you mentioned...did you climb up to McKittrick Ridge? I'd say that hauling your pack with enough water to camp at McKitrick Ridge is far more challenging than any of those. Guadalupe Peak and Lost mine trail both can be easily done as a day hike but climbing up to McKittick Ridge can really only be done as an overnight trip... Also on our last trip to GUMO we also took Bear Canyon up to Lost Peak which also beats out those for challenging hikes... also check out the Marufo Vega Trail as well in Big bend National Park...that one is a close second to this one.

[@dr.mikeluedde2632]

Thanks for showing your hike. We've done the canyon, but only a short distance past Pratt's cabin. I appreciate your sharing the rest of it.

[@TheNotLostNomad]

Dr. Mike Luedde , sure thing! You need to get up there...it’s amazing. Take plenty of water!

[@richardcrouse4644]

We've hiked GMNP several times & have seen mountain lion on every trip over the years. Love the serenity of the place.

[@TheNotLostNomad]

Wow, that's awesome! I've hiked Big Bend and Guadalupe quit a few times now and have never seen one. I'm glad I didn't see one on this trip since I was alone. Those things can get BIG!

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

That is an awesome trail. Incredible views. Great video and channel. Subscribed. ✌️

[@TheNotLostNomad]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@johnman2512]

Great video and great hike, camping and views! Really great that you did it on your own. I wouldn't do that without someone else along, so you're a much bigger man than me :-)

[@TheNotLostNomad]

Thank you! But I wouldn't go as far as to say that. I had my many moments that I had to calm my fears. You could do it to and I'd highly recommend giving it a try alone some time. Once you realize that it's not that big of a deal it is pretty empowering!

[@BluecollarBackcountry]

I did that one New Years Eve year before last. It rained off and on going up making it one of the most difficult and demanding hikes I've done, one things for sure, you'll never forget it. Epic views everywhere. Great job

[@TheNotLostNomad]

Thanks man! I can't imagine that hike in the rain. Also, the added weight from the extra water makes for a heavy pack. I want to do another trip there soon but maybe come in on the Tejas Trail.

[@HipShot4]

Awesome video. Now I have an idea what to expect.

[@TheNotLostNomad]

Thank you! I’m glad it was helpful, have a great trip!

[@cakepie3558]

19:58 made me plan my trip .

[@TheNotLostNomad]

Cake Pie you will love it...it’s challenging but so worth it!

[@FilipinaDesertGardener]

Awesome video. Guadalupe mountains is on our list to go hiking soon . Be safe

[@TheNotLostNomad]

Thank you! You’ll love it there...it’s a very underrated park. The only way to see it is by hiking the trails. Enjoy!

[@CameronHall88]

Just watched your whole video. Looked like a great trip. I had a chuckle when you just started the elevation gain and said it wasnt that bad yet. It's only funny because I knew what you were in for. And you found out. Awesome views from the top. Looks like you enjoyed your views from the ridge. How'd you feel about having that other tent right next to you? I like my space. I dont think I'd like that. But that's just me. You got to enjoy hiking with no one in sight. One of my favorite things about GUMO.

[@TheNotLostNomad]

Man this being my first solo overnight I welcomed the company! I camped right next to them the night before at Pine Springs so I had already made friends with them. I still had my solitude though. I’m definitely adding a yearly trip to GMNP.

[@TheNotLostNomad]

Also as for the hike up, man it was a lot tougher than I thought...we did the Grand Canyon in May and it was equally as tough as coming out of the Grand Canyon when you add the rough trail and added water weight. Great hike though!

[@lizstrailsandtravels4624]

Wow them views ! Got to get up there ! Thanks for sharing.

[@TheNotLostNomad]

You bet! Glad you enjoyed it! I need to revisit this trail so I can reshoot it. I film things a lot differently these days!

[@chadperling2766]

Just want people to understand that to get from Pine Springs Campground to the McKittrick Canyon Trailhead involves a 12.5 mile drive that leaves the park boundary on US Hwy 62-180 and heads north/east before re-entering the park. Your edit @ 1:05 might lead people to think the trailhead leads out of the campground.

[@TheNotLostNomad]

Yep, good call! Thanks for the info

[@texashikeaholicsadventures5651]

We are about to do this hike in a few weeks!! Thanks for the view into the trail!! YOu were making me a nervous wreck on the edge at 17:45 . thanks for sharing!!

[@TheNotLostNomad]

You are going to love it... it's a challenge but completely worth it!

[@TheNotLostNomad]

And I love hanging out on the edges! it drives my wife crazy but I cant help it...Cool channel btw I just subbed. You guys sure have covered Texas!

[@texashikeaholicsadventures5651]

The NotLostNomad thanks so much!! We’re checking out your adventures as well!! Wow!!! Really great stuff!!!

[@clydekimsey7503]

Be sure to hike it in the height of the fall foliage season. The leaves are pretty and it's cooler with less wind too.

[@TheNotLostNomad]

I've been trying to get out there during the fall foliage for years! I hear it's amazing!

[@clydekimsey7503]

@@TheNotLostNomad so, why the delay? The only time i have been there (3 times) is during the fall😊😇😅

[@TheNotLostNomad]

Clyde Kimsey, I always just miss it. September is always completely open for me to head out to GUMO or BBNP. I’d love to head out in October but I always have a week in Chicago for work and then there is Halloween with the kids...October always fills up. Then November hits and I have a week in Ethiopia, thanksgiving, and then the Holiday crazy hits and work gets busy. September is like the calm before the storm...one day I’ll make it out there to see the colors!

[@tracesoftexas327]

Having done almost all of the notorious hikes in both Big Bend and the Guadalupes, I think the climb up Hunter Peak via Bear Canyon is a bit tougher than this one. This one's pretty stiff, though. A great hike is up to McKittrick Ridge one day, down through The Bowl and up to Pine Top the next day, camp on Pine Top that night, climb Hunter Peak the next morning, then down to the Pine Spring Campground.

[@TheNotLostNomad]

I've heard that one is tough! hopefully they will open the park back up before the fall...I'm surprised that it is still closed.

[@scottmcmullen6782]

Was there in 1997 (traversed over from Pine Springs after camping @Mescalero; a car shuttle trip). Want to go back now.

[@TheNotLostNomad]

Oh wow, that sounds like an awesome trip! I hope to head back there soon so I can explore more of GUMO

[@scottmcmullen6782]

@@TheNotLostNomad It was amazing; hard to believe it was over 23 years ago. Really wish we could have repeated the trip occasionally in the intervening years; but it just never happened. If you can get a group of friends together to do a car shuttle trip, Pine Springs->McKittrick Canyon, it really is worthwhile.

[@hikingwithjackieboy]

Awesome video. Makes me want to go visit GMNP.

[@TheNotLostNomad]

Definitely check this trip out! It’s challenging but so worth it!

[@michaelhernandez410]

I always stop at the Grotto in order to make this a day-hike. That way I can return to Pine Springs to make dinner. The next day I always visit Carlsbad Caverns.

[@TheNotLostNomad]

Nice! It’s great out there. I always try to squeeze in Carlsbad and I always get impatient to drive home and I miss it.

[@SistonaCeciliaPingal]

Wow beautiful nature host am enjoying seeing ur video stay safe always new friend here.

[@TheNotLostNomad]

Thank you for watching! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@simonappleton5742]

I spent six months working as a volunteer in the park. It’s tough but rewarding. I think Dog Canyon was the hardest ascent.

[@TheNotLostNomad]

I bet that was an awesome experience! We did Dog Canyon back in May and it was tough for sure! Bear Canyon is another climb that may beat this one out for the toughest. All of the false summits on this one definitely mess with your head though!

[@martinjdesmond]

Great video. Looks like that trail was not much more than an animal trail at time.

[@TheNotLostNomad]

Thank you! yes this trail is definitely rough at times...not many make it up to the ridge.

[@marchauck2501]

How long was the hike from your campsite to the sunset overlook? Great video. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheNotLostNomad]

Thank you! If I remember correctly it was about 7.4 miles to the ridge. It's a surprisingly difficult hike...I wouldn't advise it as a dayhike...One of the guys I ran into up there was even vomiting on the way up from shear exhaustion! It is an amazing hike though...In my top three for Texas for sure!

[@seanparchem6722]

NIce, but your left shoulder stap was hurting me. How did you deal with that thing all twisted like that. Or did you not feel it? I'm heading back to GMNP in Nov to hike the ridge and then head to Dodg canyon. They say ther hike to the ridge is one of the hardest in texas. looks stunning.

[@TheNotLostNomad]

I eventually found that haha! I just returned from GMNP last week and did Bear Canyon over to Dog Canyon and back over 3 days. Bear Canyon is pretty close to the Mckittrick Ridge climb...both are beasts!

[@Canariofilms]

Fantastic video partner. How much water did you take with you? I want to do the hike in the second week of November to beat the heat and the desert wildlife.

[@TheNotLostNomad]

Hey thank you! I was still pretty new at filming when I shot this one… As for water I started with 7 liters total. 3L in my Camelback, 3L in an extra water reservoir, and 1 liter in a bottle. I tend to sweat more than others so I bring plenty and drink more than most. November will be perfect…you should get some good fall colors in the lower canyon and you should beat the winter high winds that come through there.

[@snakefield34]

Great video. Now I want to go. What time of year was this and how cold was it at night?

[@TheNotLostNomad]

Thank you! This was in early September a few years ago. It didn’t get too cold at night…maybe lower 60’s. It was very humid the night I was up there. I woke up in a cloud!

[@HINGHE]

Would you recommend using a hammock instead of a tent on this trip? I prefer a hammock, but what is your advice?

[@TheNotLostNomad]

HINGHE , I think a hammock would do just fine. I saw plenty of trees that would work for a hammock so I’d say go for it. Enjoy that climb!

[@balthazarmccohen4435]

good luck with all the spiders and snakes creeping down the trees they will slide into your clothes and you will wake up with a zoo in your underwear!!!! Be careful I am from Oklahoma and I know what I am talking about. Also I pride myself of having reached the age of 86

[@davidkozelsky]

How long did it take you to get to the notch overlook? Thanks!

[@TheNotLostNomad]

Man I wish I could remember...it’s been awhile back. It’s really not too bad for a day hike. If you get to the notch I’d suggest continuing on for maybe another half mile or so. The notch is just the beginning of the great views and they only get better the further you go past the notch.

[@tamez76]

How many miles round trip ? How much was the permit ? How much water did you take ? How long did it take you to hike up to your tent site ?

[@TheNotLostNomad]

It's around 7.5 miles up to the McKittrick Ridge campsite and will take you about 4 - 5 hours to get there depending on how fast you hike. The permit is free but you still have to pay the entrance fee of $20. Bring lots of water...I took a gallon and used all of it. This is an amazing trail but much more difficult than it seems! Enjoy!

[@tamez76]

What dates were you there ?

[@6kooter]

So which is tougher, Mckittrick canyon or Marufo Vega?

[@TheNotLostNomad]

Thats a great question... I'd have to say Mckittrick Canyon...that climb is tough. One of the guys that was camping up on the ridge at another campsite was throwing up. The climb along with the added weight of having to carry water...and the condition of the trail make it very challenging. For Marufo Vega its more about navigation and steepness...along with sun exposure. We did MV in October and it was borderline too hot. Now which hike is better?? That one is too close...they are both amazing!

[@20Hikecdt23]

That seems more beautiful than South Rim at BB.

[@TheNotLostNomad]

It’s a toss up...it’s an amazing view!

[@clairethassler]

Can you park at the Mckitrick canyon trailhead overnight or is it day parking only?

[@TheNotLostNomad]

Yes, you can park there overnight. You’ll pick up a parking permit to leave on your dash when you get your backcountry permit from the office.

[@clairethassler]

@@TheNotLostNomad thanks! GREAT video - so cool

[@dryfly1999]

What month did you do this?

[@TheNotLostNomad]

This was in mid september...just before the fall color. hopefully I can be there for the fall colors one day!

[@thomasfoster0327]

How much water did you bring

[@TheNotLostNomad]

So I totally realize that this is a lot but I always Cary 7 liters for an overnight in the desert. I tend to sweat a lot so I bring more than most. 3 liters goes in my camelbak reservoir…3 more goes in an extra reservoir that I use 1 liter for cooking and 2 for my reservoir on the hike out. The last liter goes in my collapsible bottle that I reserve for mixing my electrolyte mix at the end of the hike when I make it to camp.

[@cabinvibesebaystore8956]

New sub! Liked ✌️🙏😆😊

[@TheNotLostNomad]

Oh nice! Welcome and thank you for the sub!

[@janmckittrick1068]

Tough Like the name says...

[@TheNotLostNomad]

Yes! This climb is a beast! Plus your pack will be loaded down since you have to haul all of your water in!

[@turbofreek1360]

Looking forward to doing this with my wife This year 2023

[@TheNotLostNomad]

Oh nice! Make sure you get an early start so you can take it easy on the climb…it’s a tough one with a full pack and water.

[@Weezulguy]

Ever had to pull that pistol?

[@TheNotLostNomad]

Thankfully I never have. I usually don’t carry it if I’m with someone. This was also my first solo hike…so it felt nice to have it with me.

[@cakepie3558]

Can you have a fire there ??

[@TheNotLostNomad]

Cake Pie unfortunately no fires in Guadalupe NP, it would be great though!

[@20Hikecdt23]

Who said there is no beauty in TX and no mtns in TX?

[@TheNotLostNomad]

I know right! Beauty is out there! Lots of great mountains in Texas!

[@Ashley_Schaeffer]

This trail is not very hard... Just long.

[@TheNotLostNomad]

What!? Who are you, Superman!? This trail kicked my butt…although I did beat 2 other hikers by almost 2 hours. Maybe I should have taken my time. With all of the water I carried it was one of the more tougher hikes I’ve done in Texas. If you haven’t yet, give Bear Canyon a climb and hit Hunter Peak (GUMO)…that one is challenging as well.

[@Ashley_Schaeffer]

@@TheNotLostNomad Haha I hike ALOT... last time I was in Utah I did about 120mi of trails in 9 days... all mostly moderate-difficult. Happy hiking! 🙏🇺🇸

[@TheNotLostNomad]

@@Ashley_Schaeffer Same here... but Utah hiking is easier than GUMO hiking. I did 80+ miles in Utah over 5 days last year...Utah is hard to beat though!

[@Ashley_Schaeffer]

@@TheNotLostNomad Pacing is key... I live in the high rockies so I am trail running the mountains all the time... biggest mistake people make is going hard right off the bat... God Bless! Happy Trails! 🙏

[@TheNotLostNomad]

@@Ashley_Schaeffer Oh nice!..I wish we had something close by...It takes me two full days in high altitude before I feel like myself. The second day is the worst for me!