Mar 07, 2018 — I first visiting the Pratt Cabin along the McKittrick Canyon Trail a few years ago, and I remember it being pretty boring. Though, I did know the trail continued for a long time after this, and I wanted to return. This time around, my opinion of the heavily-traveled trail to Pratt Cabin didn't change. Immediately after leaving the historic site, though, the trail narrows out and you get much more incredible views of the surrounding Guadalupe Mountain cliff faces. A short little side-trail leads to The Grotto, a shallow cave with stalactites, and slightly farther is the historic Hunter Line Cabin, which has a ridiculously cool mountain backdrop. There is a sign letting you know that any farther past the cabin and into the canyon beyond is closed off due to the canyon being a natural area.
Once you're done at the Hunter Line Cabin, head back to the main McKittrick Canyon Trail as it begins to get more difficult. You'll head up the side of a mountain toward McKittrick Ridge, paralleling what seems to be a gorgeous slot canyon only viewable from above (my previous mentioned "do not enter" canyon). You pass "The Notch", which is just a nice viewpoint, but the trail continues to be really pretty, and I recommend going farther. Once getting to McKittrick Ridge, the trail stops being fun and lots of the views are blocked by trees. I decided to turn around at the McKittrick Ridge Backcountry Campground, once I noticed the canyon I was paralleling stopped being as majestic as it had been.
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