May 13 at Dog Canyon

[dave2]

Was going to go for the Rim at the Bend, but have now decided to try for some hiking out of the Dog Canyon trail head in the Guads.  Thinking about car camping, then up the triail to Marcus campsite on day, then back down to the car overnight, then back up to Lost Peak the next day, then back down to the car. This limits the required water to one gallon, as opposed to two or three for the trip to the Rim.  Hope the weather is good.

[Boot Canyon 1 Cougar]

dave2,

Sounds like a neat trek.

It has been a while since I've been to GUMO, and when I was there I started and returned to the Pine Springs.   I;ve wanted to check out Dog Canyon for a while.

Have a great time.  I look forward to your trip report and photos.

[TheWildWestGuy]

Your going to do this in Mid May?   I think 1 Gal for such a long day hike is a bit too little, probably should count on more just to be safe.  The thing about the Quads and Dog Canyon in particular is that it is significantly longer drive time and there is no water in the high country.  At least in BBNP you can get water from Boot Canyon tinajas and/or other places depending upon rainfall.  But hey will be nice to see something new.. TWWG

[Boojum1]

It may be early for them but watch for ticks in the grassy areas of the campground.  The ranger will likely know the conditions.

On your drive from the north, notice how the range looks.  The worst by far is in Lincoln NF, then you go through some private land and then you get to the NP where it hasn't been grazed since the 50's.  Maybe the NF conditions have improved since I was there over 15 years ago, but I thought the lease managers for the NF should be fired for allowing the abuse and overgrazing.

[mountaindocdanny]

If you are interested in hiking the Guadalupe high country without the long hikes up and out of Dog Canyon, consider exploring the Lincoln instead of the national park. As you head west on Highway 137 toward Dog Canyon, turn south onto FR 540 about 10-11 miles. There is a large cleared area where you can camp and trails and Jeep roads radiate out from there in every direction. This is an especially nice way to explore the area in warm weather as you start out at about 7000 ft. You can actually hike by trail from here all the way down into McKittrick Canyon. If you go here, plan on bringing all of your water (there are a few somewhat reliable springs tucked away in canyons) and plan on seeing few to no other people. FR 504 is easily passable to passenger cars, but most of the other roads vary from high clearance 2WD to sweating bullets in a very capable 4WD. It's a fantastic area that is little known. Appropriate USGS quads are indispensable.

[Roy]

Hey, Danny;  where do you go to get info about this area?  Do the rangers at GUMO keep maps, etc?  or is there a local HQ for Lincoln NF?

[dave2]

Thanks, everybody, for all the tips.  Especially the one about the tics.  I've got 4WD but think I'll take a van to Dog Canyon this time so I can carry more gear.  And let's make that 2 gallons of water, just to be on the saft side.  I'll post a trip report upon return, but as a computer impaired person, I'm still unsure about how to post the photos.  Anyway, I'm looking forward to exploring some new territory.

[mountaindocdanny]

Most of my information is just from exploring the area myself. I haven't been just a ton (about 5 times), just enough to know there is still a lot of places left to explore (kind of like Big Bend). I've got TOPO! for New Mexico and use this as a way to discover new places. Also there a a few hikes in the area written up in guides and the Lincoln's website has a little info. The Guadalupe Rander District map is also useful for roads and land ownership. What follows is a list of my trips:

1. Camp Wilderness Ridge Trail- Starts off as a dirt road and progressively becomes rougher until transitioning to single track. Spectacular views into North McKittrick Canyon and GMNP. Saw no one that weekend.

2. Devil's Den Canyon- Starts off as a dirt road and transitions into single track. Descends into Devil's Den. Has a spring which was flowing in August during an "average" rainfall summer. Nice views, interesting canyon. Tons of maple. Would be pretty in the fall. Saw 1 truck parked on the side of the road.

3. Big Canyon Ridge- Follows a Jeep road. Spectacular views. See  http://griffisfamilyoutdoors.blogspot.com/2006/12/1117-192006-guadalupe-mountains-nm.html Didn't see anyone.

4. Last Chance Canyon- Did a loop up Sitting Bull Canyon past the falls, up over a ridge and down into White Oak Canyon descended into Last Chance Canyon and explored along the creek . The upper reaches of Last Chance are beautiful. Didn't see a soul.

5. Sitting Bull Trail- Started up on NM 137 and descended the trail into Sitting Bull Canyon, along the creek and down past the falls. Prior to descending into Sitting Bull Canyon the trail just follows a bulldozed track through the PJ, but is very pretty after descending into the canyon. Saw 2 other people out backpacking.

This is my experience so far in the area. There are a lot of unpublicized areas as well I have yet to explore. I hope to make it out a few times this year. I avoid the area in the spring due to winds and mule deer season in the fall.

[okiehiker]

I have done a lot of backcountry hiking in and above the Dog Canyon area.  Much of the area is quite remote and rugged as well as pristine.  I think a lot of this is better discussed in a forum like La Kiva or send me a PM if you want some detailed information.