Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
If you're planning on sticking around for a night or two, there aren't a lot of options. You
can drive 45 minutes to Whites City, NM, or you can camp in the park and bring your
own food. Aaaaand…that's it.
The park
campgrounds
( 915-828-3251; per night $8)
are first come, first served, unless you
have a group of 10 or more, in which case you can reserve a group camping spot up to 60
days in advance for $3 per person.
The campsites fill up during spring break as well as several nights a week in the sum-
mer, although visitors arriving by early afternoon will usually find a site. The most con-
venient campgrounds are at Pine Springs, right along Hwy 62/180 near the visitor center;
if it looks full, look for the 'campground host' sign for directions to overflow spots. If all
the sites are full, RVs are permitted to park overnight at the nearby state-highway picnic
areas.
There are even fewer eating options than sleeping options - in other words, zero. Plan
on bringing food, either to hold you over till you can get to Whites City, or to sustain you
throughout your stay without having to cross state lines. And just to make it even more
challenging, there are no wood or charcoal fires allowed within the park. (Bring on the
trail mix!)
Information
Information, rest rooms and drinking water are available at McKittrick Canyon and Dog
Canyon, in addition to the
Pine Springs Visitor Center
( 915-828-3251;
www.nps.gov/gumo
;
8am-4:30pm, to 6pm summer)
. Visit the website to download a map of the park before you visit.
McKittrick Canyon's fall colors are glorious from early October through mid-Novem-
ber, and while nights can be chilly, daytime is warmly sublime. But be aware that autumn
weekends are by far the busiest time and there may be a several-hour wait to enter the
canyon.
There are no restaurants, accommodations, gas or other supplies in the park, so some
planning is in order. Keep your gas tank full and your cooler stocked. The closest gas sta-
tions are 35 miles in either direction on Hwy 62/180 and the closest services are in Whites
City, NM, 45 minutes northeast of the park entrance on Hwy 62/180. If camping is not ap-
pealing and you want to spend more than a day exploring the park, this resort town with
over 100 motel rooms, two RV parks and a couple of mediocre restaurants is your best
bet.
DANGERS & ANNOYANCES
