Our good friends the West Texas Trail Walkers have announced the location of their annual October walking weekend: Guadalupe Mountains National Park! Available hikes will include the windy, intermittently narrow climb to the peak of Guadalupe Mountain, Texas’s highest point, and the flat and fall-leaf-adorned McKittrick Canyon trail to an old homestead. A special features of the WTTW program is “Fun Shorties,” short accessible trails suitable for any skill level.
As you make plans, consider saving time to check out nearby White Sands National Park (half day) and the spectacular Carlsbad Caverns National Park (timed entry required, available at https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/234637/ticket/10086811). I like staying in Carlsbad, NM for its variety of lodging, groceries, dining, and strolls along the historic downtown.
Can’t wait for October? Consider joining the planning committee March 24-27, 2026 to scout routes and finalize plans. Participants in the reconnaissance weekend are requested to volunteer with at least one hike during the main event in October.
Check out their website at westtexastrailwalkers.org. Registration will be available in early June. May thanks to WTTW president Susan Noonan for sharing this information!
