West Texas Trail Walkers
HIKE WITH AN ALTITUDE
Guadalupe Mountains
National Park
October 9-11, 2026
Join the West Texas Trail Walkers for a hiking adventure in the Guadalupe Mountains National Park, which features the highest mountain peaks in Texas. Participants are encouraged to hike the three classic trails: McKittrick Canyon, Guadalupe or El Capitan peaks, and Devil’s Hall. For those seeking less strenuous hikes, the West Texas Trail Walkers will be offering four Guadalupe Mountains “Shorties” that are lower in altitude, shorter in distance, and feature easier trail surfaces: Pinery trail, Manzanita Spring, Smith Spring, and the Indian Nature trail. During the fall season, the mountain canyons display spectacular colors, and the weather is cooler when starting hikes early. Climbing Guadalupe Peak provides beautiful views across miles of the desert.
Friday, October 9
McKittrick Canyon
5k, 8k, 12k
This hike leads to what is often called the “most beautiful spot in Texas” because of its lush, hidden oasis at Pratt Cabin and the Grotto. The maple trees are colorful in the fall.
Trails:
5k 140’ 2C
8k 300’ 2C to Pratt Cabin
12k 600’ 3C to The Grotto
Saturday, October 10
Guadalupe Peak 13k
El Capitan 15k
Climb to the highest peak in Texas, 8,753’ to see magnificent views. The El Capitan trail is on a ridge which gives you views of the desert below and the mountains above.
Trails:
Guadalupe Peak - 3,000’ 4D
El Capitan - 1,650’ 3D
Saturday, October 10
Smith Spring
5k
A less strenuous alternative to the challenging peak. This trail takes you through desert to a hidden oasis. The seeping spring is surrounded by maidenhair fern and big-tooth maple and a good place to rest and spot wildlife.
Trail:
5k 400’ 2C
Sunday, October 11
Devil's Hall
5k, 7k
This out-and-back provides great views of surrounding mountains. The 7k descends into a riverbed with large boulders. It ends at the Devil's Staircase to a narrow slot canyon.
Rating:
5k 400’ 2C
7k 700’ 3C
Worker's Walks:
October 7 @ 8:00 am: McKittrick Canyon Trailhead ... October 8 @ 8:00 am: Pine Springs Trailhead behind the NP visitor Center
Eight fun Shorties
Easier/shorter walks available as alternatives to our more strenuous hikes.
Four shorties in Guadalupe Mts NP:
Manzanita Spring Trail (1k, 1A)
Pinery Trail (2k, 2B)
Mckittrick Canyon Nature Trl (2k, 2C)
Smith Spring Trail (5k, 2C)
Four shorties in Carlsbad NM:
Living Desert Zoo and Gardens SP (3k, 1A)
Ocotillo Trail (4k, 2B)
Pecos Riverwalk (5k, 1A)
Carlsbad Downtown Historic Walk (3k, 1A)
Host Hotel: Quality Inn, Carlsbad, NM
4200 National Parks Hwy, Carlsbad, NM 88220
Reservations: 575-689-8782
Reservations must be made before September 15 to secure the $149 rate.
Tell them you are with the West Texas Trail Walkers (WTTW).
Another less expensive option is White’s City Cavern Inn,
17 Carlsbad Cavern Hwy, Carlsbad, NM, 575-361-2687.
Annual Meeting/Banquet
Saturday October 10 @ 7:00 PM
PJ and B's Rio Cafe
711 Muscatel Ave, Carlsbad, NM
Cost is $39 for all-you-can-eat fajita buffet
Following dinner will be our annual meeting where we honor the
many volunteers that make this club a success.
Registration Thursday October 8
Pick up name tags between 5:30-7:00 pm at Quality Inn lobby or at the start point of every hike. Walk-ups are welcome!