Fall Foliage

— I have been to Guadalupe Mountains NP a couple of times. The first time I camped there in the spring in the very late 1980s. The second time I stayed outside the park with friends. That was back in October 2004. Even though it was early in the month, I was able to experience a little bit of the beauty of fall foliage along McKittrick Canyon. That area is famous for its foliage display.

McKittrick Canyon is at an elevation of 4,997 feet (1,523 m). The trail is initially fairly easy, especially the first 2.4 miles (3.9 km). At that point a hiker will have reached the Pratt Lodge. Wallace Pratt, a petroleum geologist, lived in the area and owned most of the canyon before donating his land to the National Park Services. Continuing a hike after that point, the trails climbs almost 2,000 feet (610 m) in the next 2 miles (3.2 km).

I made the photo above before reaching Pratt’s cabin. Although it was early in October, the leaves were beginning to change already.We could see some yellows and oranges and even bright reds in some areas. While at the park, my friends and I attempted another hike: to the top of Texas highest peak, Guadalupe Peak. Guadalupe Peak, or Signal Peak, is at an elevation of 8,751 feet (2,667 m). The hike is moderate and a constant uphill trail. A park ranger had warned us about the possibility of rain that day. He said that if that happened. we should return immediately. The reason for that is that there is no cover whatsoever along the trail. It was not our lucky day. Just about a mile or so from the top, it started hailing. So, I’ll have to return another day to attempt reaching Texas highest peak.