Texas / Culberson County / Guadalupe Mountains Wilderness / Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Mckittrick Ridge Wilderness Campground

Open — Open year-round. A wilderness use permit is required for all overnight camping and can be reserved in advance through Recreation.gov or obtained up to one day in advance at Pine Springs Visitor Center. Check-in at the visitor center is mandatory before accessing the campground.

About

McKittrick Ridge Wilderness Campground is a remote backcountry camping area located on a high ridge within Guadalupe Mountains National Park. The campground features 8 primitive wilderness campsites accessible only by foot trail. Hikers typically access the ridge via the McKittrick Canyon Trail, a strenuous 7.6-mile route from McKittrick Canyon Trailhead that climbs over 2,700 feet through beautiful canyon scenery before ascending steep switchbacks to the ridge. An alternative access is from Dog Canyon, which offers a less strenuous approach. This is a true wilderness experience with no amenities whatsoever. There is no water, no toilets, and no trash service. Campers must bring all supplies including water, pack out all trash, and use required commercial toilet bag systems for human waste disposal. Campfires are prohibited throughout the park; only containerized fuel stoves are permitted. The campground sits at 7,716 feet elevation in a beautiful forested setting along the ridge. All overnight use requires a Wilderness Use Permit, which can be reserved in advance through Recreation.gov for $6 per permit plus $6 per person per night. Permit holders must check in at the Pine Springs Visitor Center before their trip. The McKittrick Canyon area below the ridge is day-use only with gates closing at 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time, but overnight parking is allowed for wilderness permit holders on backpacking trips.

Directions

From McKittrick Canyon Trailhead, follow the McKittrick Canyon Trail for 7.6 miles with 2,700 feet of elevation gain. Alternative access via Dog Canyon offers a shorter, less strenuous route.

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