mckittrick canyon trout mckittrick canyon trout

This one clocks in at 14-thousand views, and will actually get a follow-up this spring to let watchers know how all the tuning on the skiff turned out! Other than that, there are no native trout we know of in Texas. Hiking the McKittrick Canyon Trail to the Notch and the other detours along the way is one of the most popular hikes in Guadalupe Mountains National Park. The native range of the Rio Grande Cutthroat suspiciously cuts off right at the Texas border. Clouser Fly for Texas Saltwater fly fishing, Fly line mats for keeping fly line on boat decks keeping fly line on kayaks and drift boats. Great flora and fauna with Water, On our transition day from Big Bend to Carlsbad, NM we drove El Camino del Rio but I also allowed for enough time to stretch our legs in McKittrick Canyon. The Lone Star State, as youve apparently gathered, doesnt hold a candle to the Beaver State in the trout department. Unfortunately, the Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout is now rare throughout its native range (Western Native Trout Status Report). One of the most fascinating examples of flora and fauna appears, the striking Texas madrone, with its trademark orange bark. So as not to hijack another thread on this Forum, I thought I'd move this over to a new thread. Trail that combines desert scrub with mountain vistas, trout streams and vintage backcountry cabins . Rogers Virginia: the Highest Point in Virginia, The Best Outdoor Things to Do in Fort Davis Texas, 2 Ways to Explore Santa Elena Canyon: By Land and By Water, The Absolute Best Hikes in Texas You Cant Afford to Miss. It took me, at 62 and in pretty good shape, most of the afternoon. and the fantastic "Clint" the largest on the market at $149.+ TX&SH Made right here in Texas, the good old USA, by me. The initial start into McKittrick Canyon is deceptive. Se puede acampar? In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. McKittrick Canyon, Guadalupe Mountains National Park: Address, McKittrick Canyon Reviews: 4.5/5. Past the Grotto Spur Trail, the character of the trail changes. We report on vital issues from politics to education and are the indispensable authority on the Texas scene, covering everything from music to cultural events with insightful recommendations. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. People can also fish in the river, which is full of trout of different kinds. . This National Park can be found in far west Texas, about an hour from New Mexicos southwestern town of Carlsbad and its 8 best things to do outdoors, including its resident iconic Carlsbad Caverns. This part of the trail looks a lot different than the first section of the hike. I liked the McKittreck Canyon hike enough to return the next day and go on another hike. The elevation gain and steepness of the trail pick up considerably past the Grotto and Hunter Line Cabin, so those continuing on should be aptly prepared, or planning to camp overnight at the backcountry McKittrick Ridge Campground. Their modern-day range has been reduced to portions of southern Colorado and New Mexico, where they are the official state fish. It will take most people between 6 to 8 hours to do this hike. Part of the Guadalupe mountains national park in Texas. David Courtney, a.k.a. After handling freight to pay for his travel, nineteen-year-old Abel Head Pierce, a native of Little Compton, Rhode Island, landed at the Texas port of Indianola five months after leaving home. 2023 Yonderlust Ramblings - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP, Please enable JavaScript in your browser to submit the form, For those that love hiking in rugged secluded-ness, Texass OTHER National Park should definitely be on your radar! These trout, stocked by some unknown landowner around a century ago, have thrived in this environment ever since their introduction, further supporting the idea that a native trout once occupied these waters, and proving without a doubt its possibility. So close and so diverse. We had too much fun taking pictures of El Capitan rest stop so we did not have the full two hours to make Pratt Cabin, but we did have an amazing walk through a unique canyon. There is a self pay box at the trailhead, as well as a registry that all hikers should fill out for safety purposes. Distance: 8 miles roundtrip to Mckittrick Canyon; 14.8 miles to McKittrick Ridge Elevation change: 1,500 feet Hiking time: 5-8 hours Highlights: The sweeping hills and valleys of Dog Canyon and the rugged beauty of McKittrick Canyon. As for the hike itself, it was very flat and easy. From the Grotto, retrace your steps back to the McKittrick Canyon Trail and turn left to continue to the Notch. Sure, any fish can be pursued through fishing with flies, but the heart and soul of the sport will always lie in the pursuit of the game fish it was invented for: trout. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The trail is a moderate .9 mile round trip and takes less than one hour to complete. The trail starts here (just look for the large sign). For all these reasons, our entire group loved this. Upon returning from the expedition to McKittrick Canyon in the Guadalupe Mountain National Park (GMNP), I have been slowly reassembling all the sights, sounds and thoughts into some sort of organized, interesting and scientifically accurate report. I think at some point, everyone asked everyone else individually if they had been to McKittrick Canyon, and we slowly realized just how unique this opportunity was going to be. Some of you know my writing from here OR publications like Drake Magazine, Lone Star Outdoor News and others. favorite durable, versatile, hiking pants from Columbia. Of all the parks we visited, Guadalupe was rank first by Alltrails. Many species extended their ranges southward during the Wisconsin glacial period (75,000 - 11,000 years ago). Today Rio Grande Chub persists (barely) in Texas, but Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout didnt quite make it into modern times. Start the hike early, ideally by 8 am (but even better is early). Find out what we carry in our day packs and what we wear on the trails. We usually head out to Lost Maples to get a glimpse of Fall foliage but this year we made the trek to McKittrick Canyon. In 1991 a research paper was published in the Texas Journal of Science by two Texas Parks and Wildlife Researchers, Gary P. Garret and Gary C. Matlock. I managed to finagle a spot as the official photographer, and it probably helped that I am a member of TU and GRTU. The detour to the Grotto is marked with a metal trail sign. Any Texas or southwestern U.S. road trip wouldnt be complete without experiencing all the outdoor adventures in Guadalupe Mountains National Park! more, #2 of 15 things to do in Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Voicemail messages are responded to within five business days. . Texas Journal of Science 2:117-138.) It's a few miles away from the main part of Guadeloupe National Park. At one time there was continuity between Big Bend and the Rockies such that trout were endemic throughout. He backpacked in and got some beautiful photos of the trout in McKittrick Creek. Se puede llevar casa de acampar? However, historical records indicate Texas probably had its own native trout, the Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout Oncorhynchus clarkii virginalis (Garrett & Matlock 1991 Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout in Texas). If you are new to hiking or are curious about what you should bring on a hike, check out our. And since one cant fish McKittrick Creek, it cant be considered an actual fishery. I walked the extra half hour out to the Grotto. It remains flat after Pratt Lodge, but it narrows to a singletrack trail. E-Newsletter Archive. Great day! Start the hike early, ideally by 8 am (but even better is early). Considered by some to be the most beautiful fish in the world, it embodies everything that makes fly fishing great. The rumors of this supposed ripe, lush, canyon oasis do not appear to exist yet. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud. Monograph of the native trouts of the genus Salmo of western North America. Tim saw just 2 other people on his hike, and that was right before he got back to the trailhead. Your email address will not be published. Look for the stalactites and stalagmites that are still glazed with dainty moss, or the indentations in the rocks, giving away hints at where life, and water, are still working their magic on the Grottos landscape. For those looking to explore another unique ecosystem in the Guadalupe Mountains, namely its stunning canyons, look no further than the McKittrick Canyon Trail, and the surprises that are in store for those who take on a McKittrick Canyon day hike! You have the option to go farther or turn around and hike back to the parking lot. The McKittrick Canyon is one of the top areas to visit in Guadalupe Mountains National Park. 1973 516 2000 2000 33.603859999999997-111.5317. Thanks for writing in to let us know!! The Grotto is a small cave with formations that resemble stalactites and stalagmites, with a little bit of imagination. This 3,000 ft. deep canyon hides a riparian oasis below its big walls supporting some wildlife found in no other place on earth. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. The trail is well marked and easy to follow. Up the canyon . We have a winner! To get to the trailhead, walk through the building to the other side. There will be a new video segment out soon, and it will go over the importance of keeping a fly fishing calendar, or diary, to help we who are of lesser memory and greater activity; to keep track of your fly fishing adventures as a reference of what can happen or no longer happens (in [], Texas Clay Fest Gruene Texas This Weekend. Specifically, McKittrick Creek, which runs through the Guadalupe Mountains (no relation to the Guadalupe River), near the TexasNew Mexico border. McKittrick Canyon 119 Reviews #2 of 15 things to do in Guadalupe Mountains National Park Nature & Parks, Canyons Guadalupe Mountains National Park, TX Save Stephen S Richardson, Texas 28 27 Only Hiked to Pratt Lodge Review of McKittrick Canyon Reviewed June 14, 2016 We saw many families with children returning as we were striking out. Remember that as Daylight Saving has ended, the gate to McKittrick Canyon is now open daily from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. MST. Nice and easy hike surrounded by trees. And You Thought Feral Hogs Were Bad. Dog Friendly: Nope! See what else this Mountain Range is Home to at, *And since were on the topic of checking off National Parks, keep track of all the National Park gems youve been to, and still plan to visit, with, Best Small Towns in Texas: Road Tripping Through West Texas, The Only Hiking Checklist You Will Ever Need: The 10 Essentials Plus, Complete Guide to the Humphreys Peak Hike: Highest Point in Arizona, The Lost Mine Trail at Big Bend: Hiking to the Top of a National Park. There are even tales of some stocked trout surviving well into spring and even through the summer on that stretch of the Guadalupe, which is likely the origin of the story that brought you to the Texanist in the first place. The hike is lot more difficult beyond the Grotto. The backdrop of this frontier cabin is just as impressive as the Pratt Cabin! If there was once a trout native to Texas, what does that mean for fishermen and wildlife enthusiasts today? On the return hike, I passed literally hundreds of other hikers on the trail (we visited Guadalupe Mountains during spring break in March, one of the busiest weeks to be in the park). If you are looking for a new kind of vacation, active travel is your answer! Ragland Studio and Litho Printing Co., Georgia) noted the only possible locality for native trout in Texas was in the Davis Mountains (Limpia Creek) and that "oldtimers" had stated that trout were present in that location, but the reports were never verified. Beyond the Grotto, the trail gets rocky and rapidly climbs higher to the Notch, but the reward is a great view of McKittrick Canyon. It is best suited for those wanting to make the trek a multi day, overnight, backpacking and camping trip. Back at the trailhead, the lot was still only about half full just after lunchtime. Its a beautifully restored hotel with all modern conveniences. Enter the Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout, a rare species found in New Mexico and Southern Colorado. listed S. spilurus as having a range that included Texas. Past the Pratt Cabin, the flora and fauna of McKittrick Canyon really begins to shine, and quickly becomes the star of this hike! The trail gets noticeably steeper and much rockier. Most of the elevation on the McKittrick Canyon Trail comes immediately after the Grotto and adjacent Hunter Line Cabin spur trail. The trail itself is only moderately difficult, and the park's staff recommends allowing three to five hours to hike the canyon. Day hikers typically walk to Pratt Cabin, for a 4.8-mile round trip, or to the Grotto, for a 6.8-mile round trip. The first mile or so of the McKittrick Canyon Trail wind through the open and shrubby environment of the surrounding Chihuahuan Desert, through empty washes dotted with minimal, characteristically desert, vegetation. WHITE is the 2022 default color, but you can order color mats with a few extra days of patience. Heres hoping that you find the elevated temperatures more advantageous than Oncorhynchus mykiss does. Best Things to Do in Carlsbad Caverns National Park. The trail feels more sheltered and its a little easier to walk, now that you arent hiking on loose gravel. The Permian Reef Trail is slightly shorter than hiking to the Notch, but there is 1,000 feet more elevation gain, so overall it is a tougher hike. Then I hiked into the Canyon and climbed up to McKittrick Ridge for. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is an incredible place to visit for anyone interested in outdoor activities or simply admiring the park's breathtaking scenery. Uniquely lush and vibrant trees, including juniper, pine, and ash, begin to emerge and line the trail, surprisingly verdant. The Top 5 Best Canyons in Texas Location of the Top 5 Best Canyons in Texas #1: Santa Elena Canyon #2: McKittrick Canyon #3: Palo Duro Canyon #4: Caprock Canyon #5: Seminole Canyon Gear Recommendations for the Best Texas Canyons The Top 5 Best Canyons in Texas GET SNEAK PEAKS | BEHIND THE SCENES | EXCLUSIVE CONTENT! In its entirety, McKittrick Canyon Trail runs a total of approximately 11.1 miles from the trailhead at the McKittrick Canyon Visitor's Center (31.977596, -104.752145) to the point where it intersects Tejas Trail (31.977596, -104.752145), which is an additional 8 mile hike to park headquarters at Pine Springs Visitor's Center. Again, welcome to the greatest state in the union. McKittrick Canyon is a scenic canyon within the Guadalupe Mountains of West Texas and Eddy County, New Mexico. Oregon, what with all those abundant brisk and babbling waters, is indeed a trout fishermans paradise. This seemingly dormant formation still shows signs of life upon closer inspection. This is the easiest part of the hike to the Notch. The final 0.25 miles up to the Notch is the most difficult. McKittrick Canyon is cut into the Guadeloupe Mountains and contains a relict population of ice age flora growing along an intermittent stream. . McKittrick Creek, Guadalupe Mountains. 1997 1036 5515 6000 35.291260000000001-106.4879. Mountains in Texas: Are They Fact or Fiction? West Texas may not inspire the same type of awe as the Teton mountains, or the cultural hotbed of, View Post Best Small Towns in Texas: Road Tripping Through West TexasContinue, There are two ways to develop a foolproof hiking checklist: from a series of carefully planned and successfully executed, View Post The Only Hiking Checklist You Will Ever Need: The 10 Essentials PlusContinue, Arizona, portrayed across Instagramthrough its painted deserts, red rocks, diverging canyons, and vast expanses. The Texanist, who is admittedly biased, suspects that the more you learn, the more youll love it here in your new home. Leave them blank to get signed up. We absolutely loved the McKittrick nature trial hike an unexpected gem! Between []. As you will come to learn about six months from now, it gets hellishly hot here in the summertime, and while the states many rivers and creeks can maintain refreshingly cool temperatures through the warmer monthsif, that is, they dont completely dry up and blow awaythey do not, McKittrick Creek notwithstanding, stay chilly enough to support trout, who prefer a sub-70-degree water temperature. This information, though, comes with an asterisk. . Check out the, What to Expect on a McKittrick Canyon Day Hike, Day hiking in McKittrick Canyon was long on my bucket list of hikes, after having witnessed the surprising depth and diversity of other portions of Guadalupe Mountains National Park, including its, *Planning to tag on another nearby National Park? Its only occurrence in Texas is as a small, isolated population in the Davis Mountains, but otherwise its current range throughout the upper Rio Grande and Pecos River drainages in New Mexico and Colorado is very similar to the current range of Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout. The trail becomes quite steep near the end, so ending your trek in McKittrick Canyon is never a bad idea. The Best of Caprock Canyons State Park Hiking and Camping, The Mount Mitchell Hike: The Highest Mountain in North Carolina, Hiking Mt. . As long as you are not in a large group, the restaurant is very good as well. You will also get ahead of the crowds and hike in the cooler part of the day. The views from the trail and the detours to the cabin and Grotto are just OKnothing all that spectacularwhich had me wondering why was this hike so popular? That said, it is not, in fact, the case that the Guadalupe River, which originates in the beautiful Texas Hill Country and flows on down to San Antonio Bay on the Gulf Coast, is the only river in Texas cold enough to support trout. Hiking or trekking poles are highly recommended. Maybe someday spring-fed Texas streams could once again support our native trout and provide it safe haven for the future. 10h 29m Hard 4.8 (278) Hunter Peak via Bear Canyon Trail Guadalupe Mountains National Park Length: 8.3 mi Est. A new wonder world of water outside the door. Difficulty:moderate. Patricia Sharpe writes a regular restaurant column, Pats Pick, for Texas Monthly. It may not be the Colorado Rocky Mountains, but the mountains are plenty big for Texas. Hike McKittrick Canyon Nature Loop Trail in the fall to see the enhanced fall colors. Further supporting this theory is the existence of a wild, self-sustaining population of Rainbow Trout in McKittrick Creek, in Guadalupe Mountains National Park. This hike starts off relatively easy, as it is a mostly flat walk through the canyon to get to the first two sights, the Pratt Cabin and the Grotto. Beyond Pratt Cabin, the trail narrows, the gravel disappears, and now you are walking on a dirt singletrack trail. As we drove up 54 and merged with 62, the mountain range loomed large. The surrounding mountains are so beautiful, great vistas. By the time we reached the summit we were down to t-shirts and sweating! This historic cabin is closing in on a 100 year old birthday soon! Discover McKittrick Canyon in Culberson County, Texas: Steep canyon walls hide a forested oasis in the West Texas desert. RVers will enter the park via NM-137. If the results find reintroduction feasible, a decision can be made on the removal of the non-native Rainbow Trout of McKittrick Creek, and the reintroduction of the native Rio Grande Cutthroats. I am a hiker, backpacker, camper, state highpointer, long distance runner, cyclist, kayaker, tower runner, and avid pursuer of new destinations that allow me to interact with them in an active way! "The Notch" is 9.8 miles round trip from the McKittrick Trailhead. To hike the entire McKittrick Canyon Trail, most would consider a multi day, overnight backpacking trip. Time to mix a little art in with the fly fishing. The current state record, FYI, pulled from the Nueces River in 2010, stands at 8.92 pounds and 26.5 inches in length. Guide to Planning a Trip to China: The Great Wall Marathon Runcation. Each year, the good folks at TPWD stock hundreds of fishing spots around the state with hundreds of thousands of ready-to-catch rainbow trout. At a glance. Devils Hall, which is in Pine Springs, is shorter and more fun than the McKittrick Canyon Trail, and it leads to a cool looking slot canyon. Checked out the historic cabin, then walked on to the Grotto where there were picnic tables to eat on. I wish trout could handle our climate. This 3.4 miles one way and back covers multiple landmarks, including the Pratt Cabin, the Grotto, and the Hunter Line Cabin. and cookie statement. The landscape isnt the only showstopper here in McKittrick Canyon. . ), Now, had you moved to Texas, say, 150 years ago, the situation would have been different. As noted, the hike is really family friendly and very easy all the way past Pratt Cabin to the Grotto and Hunter Line Shack. Once you get to the 2-mile point of the hike, keep an eye out for the detour to Pratt Cabin. The northern entrance, Dog Canyon, is near the New Mexico and Texas borders. Additional land was purchased from J.C. Hunter, and in 1972, Guadalupe Mountains National Park was created by an act of congress. Not having to leave this great state to pursue these noble creatures is almost a return-to-the-promised-land scenario. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. McKittrick Canyon is a spectacular canyon jewel hidden and protected from the outside world between a narrow outer wall (Frijole Ridge) and the main part of the Guadalupe Mountain Range of West Texas. This is the steepest, narrowest, and rockiest part of the trail. At this point in the trail the incline becomes much steeper increasing more than 1,000 feet in about a mile and also becomes much rockier. any personal information to the agency. Wading in pristine mountain streams and casting flies hand-tied out of animal hair towards wild and elusive fish are so enticing that movies such as A River Runs Through It practically make themselves. Regardless of the season you visit, it is hard to argue that any visitor wouldnt be in awe at how much life is present here, hiding in this canyon surrounded by desert. Im Kristen, the author and active traveler behind Yonderlust Ramblings! It is rocky in some places. It was open when we visited in mid-October. Learn how to plan your visit in our article Best Things to Do in Carlsbad Caverns National Park. It was well worth the drive. *And since were on the topic of checking off National Parks, keep track of all the National Park gems youve been to, and still plan to visit, with this FREE U.S. National Parks Checklist! Still the experience and the wildlife was everything I wanted for this hike. As a solo traveler I felt safe. The Texanist: Why Dont Texas Houses Have Basements? Green trout on Ray Roberts! Forrest Wilder writes about politics and the outdoors. Make sure to go past the Notch another 300 yards or so for even more sweeping views. Our group hit the trail. We continued to The Grotto, another 1.0 mile where there are picnic tables. I have never been to the areas you speak of, but it would be great to restore the fish to their native waters. Hiking the McKittrick canyon trail to the 90 years old Pratt cabin. Have a question for the Texanist? In 2.5 miles, reach the Pratt Homestead (2), a stone hut where geologist Wallace Pratt lived until 1957. Rusty speaking goes with the rest of the rust. The young man would go on to amass a fortune in land and cattle, not far from where he first disembarked. Another part that was cool, both figuratively and temperature wise, was hiking in the shadows of the canyon. Hours are 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Mountain Standard . The restrooms have toilets and sinks (they are not vault toilets). Quick Facts on the McKittrick Canyon Trail, Overnight Backpacking Length: 14.8 miles roundtrip. Daniel Vaughn is the countrys first barbecue editor, and he has eaten more barbecue than you have. However, this particular post will not cover hiking past the Grotto and Hunter Line Cabin. McKittrick Canyon Trailhead Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas. Please exit McKittrick Canyon before the posted closing time. Texas Farm and Ranch Land Conservation Program. Their pickiness often borders on the non-sensical, and the pursuit of them takes anglers to locations so remote, they could double as spiritual getaways. A small portion of the trail is shaded (between Pratt Cabin and the Grotto), but you will be exposed to the sun on the remainder of the trail. The elevation gain to the Grotto is minimal, at just around 300 feet elevation gain. By starting early, you can get one of the parking spaces in the trailhead parking lot. Perhaps another asterisk is in order. For mountain hiking that traverses desert floors to forested peaks, look no further than, The McKittrick Canyon Trail is located in Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Were on the road and in Gruene, Texas, for the annual Texas Clay Festival. Mckittrick Canyon. Fairly easy 4.8mi RT hike (but it is mostly walking on gravel and river rocks, vs packed trail). And finally, I liked the Lost Peak Trail more than the McKittrick Canyon Trail, but this one is in Dog Canyon, a remote area of the park (but thats one of the reasons I liked it moreI liked the solitude and low crowds in Dog Canyon). Distance:0.9 miles (1.4 km) round-trip, loop Tried to go to Devils Hall near the main visitor center, but was turned away because lot was full, and so was campground (we got there on Wed around 10:30am). The Texanist: Did the Texas Capitols Pink Granite Come From Maine? Abundant water was a part of this and one of the things that made this hike so interesting. Children under 13 years of age must have a parent/guardian's consent before providing South Texas weather patterns are fantastic right now at South Padre Island, and now its time to start packing for the North again. Title, 400 Pine Canyon Therefore, Texas fly fisherman are relegated to traveling out of the great state of Texas if they wish to pursue non-stocked trout populations. We were the first vehicle in the parking lot just after sunrise, and did not see another person until our return back down from the Notch. The Visitor Center is open daily except Christmas Day. 79847. Fish Commission, Article 3:57-126) listed "Salmo mykiss spilurus" as in Texas at "Limpia, Devil River, San Felipe Springs, and headwaters of the Canadian River, Texas, and Rio Bonito, New Mexico.". Towering ponderosas began to dot the landscape. Dont underestimate this part of the hikeit is challenging. The extra traction on hiking shoes will make it easier and safer to hike the rocky trail to the Notch. [["NAME","B01001_001E","state","school district (elementary)"], ["Clarkdale-Jerome Elementary District, Arizona","4041","04","00004"], ["Salome Consolidated . These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. As the park time had only recently change, we did happen on 5 unsuspecting deer in the creek bottom. I felt like this hike allowed a good overview of Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Bucket list McKittrick in Fall- accomplished. McKittrick Canyon in The Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Today, TPWD stocks catchable-sized trout in approximately 100 . It is the wider of the three trails and covered with bright white gravel. TEXAS BEAUTY Of the three, McKittrick Canyon is the least strenuous and in the fall it's a spectacle of rare beauty, boasting foliage ablaze with colors that can make you think you're hiking in New England. How to Hike the Permian Reef Trail | Guadalupe Mountains National Park, 16 Great Things to Do in Guadalupe Mountains National Park, How to Hike to Guadalupe Peak, the "Top of Texas", How to Hike the Devil's Hall Trail | Guadalupe Mountains National Park. The little rainbow trout in McKittrick Creek at Guadalupe Mountains National Park are actually part of a wild population that has sustained itself, without supplemental stocking, for 80 years or so. As I met the participants, including personnel from TPWDs San Angelo, Texas, fisheries office, I began to be aware that none of us had been to McKittrick Canyon with the exception of Dr. Gary Garrett.