Most travelers may not associate Texas with fall foliage, but the Lone Star State’s most remote national park is one of the most spectacular places to leaf peep in the U.S. Here’s what you need to know.
Big Bend National Park may have more name recognition, but Texas’ other national park, the lesser-visited, more remote Guadalupe Mountains, is equally worthy of a visit, especially during the fall. And there’s one area within the 86,416-acre West Texas park that’s particularly special for leaf-peeping: McKittrick Canyon.
Come autumn, swaths of reds, yellows, and deep browns appears on the maples and other deciduous trees that thrive in the area’s elevation—the canyon’s highest point sits at 4,987 feet above sea level. The exact timing and the colors depend on the weather, but peak colors typically arrive around the late week of October and the first week of November. The scene is especially stunning due to the fact that it strikes a sharp contrast with the Chihuahuan Desert and its cacti. It’s certainly not a pairing you’ll find in Vermont, New Hampshire, or any other New England state that’s known for foliage.
The best way to take in the autumnal display in McKittrick Canyon is to hike—according to the National Park Service, all the note-worthy displays of fall colors require hiking in and out. Your adventure will take you along McKittrick Canyon Trail, although you certainly don’t have to complete the entire 21.3-mile journey to see the changing foliage. You can just hike to Pratt Cabin (4.8 miles out-and-back) to take in the show from the porch, opt for a challenging nine-mile hike to “the Notch,”or go all the way to McKittrick Ridge. If you decide to tackle the latter two, you’ll be rewarded with even better views and photos. Fair warning: The Hike to McKittrick Ridge is called “the toughest hike in Texas,” and it’s best done on an overnight trip, so prepare accordingly.
The NPS also recommends a few other hikes in Guadalupe Mountains National Park to those interested in the fall colors, including the Smith Spring Loop Trail and Devil’s Hall (leaving from the Pine Springs Trailhead).
Due to the popularity of the McKittrick Canyon in the fall, the NPS encourages travelers to visit during the week if at all possible. The busy season often results in full parking lots and campgrounds. A couple of other things to keep in mind as you plot out your fall trip to Guadalupe Mountains: There are no restaurants in or near the park, and gas stations are far and few between. You’ll need to bring all your own meals and snacks, as well as plenty of water.