The Least-visited National Park in Texas Is Also the Best Place to See Fall Foliage in the State

"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 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,"

"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)."

Guadalupe Mountains National Park spans 86,416 acres in West Texas and contains McKittrick Canyon, where deciduous maples at elevations near 4,987 feet produce vivid fall colors. Peak foliage typically occurs in the late week of October through the first week of November, depending on weather. The canyon's reds, yellows, and browns contrast sharply with the surrounding Chihuahuan Desert and its cacti. The National Park Service states that the most notable displays require hiking the McKittrick Canyon Trail; options include a 4.8-mile round-trip to Pratt Cabin, a challenging nine-mile route to the Notch, or an overnight ascent to McKittrick Ridge. Other recommended hikes include the Smith Spring Loop and Devil's Hall.

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