We’ve visited Guadalupe Mountains National Park a number of times, and we mentioned doing this hike more than once. But we always managed to put it off. Then, one day we decided to just go for it. Being the nerds that we are, we knew we would enjoy seeing all the geology along the trail.
Permian Reef Trail is an 8.4 mile trail that has an elevation gain of about 2000 feet. It’s listed as strenuous, and I’d say that’s accurate. Another thing to know about this trail is that there is no shade along the way. Most of the trail is dirt, with the characteristic gravel that you find throughout Guadalupe Mountains National Park.
It was a bright spring day, with the bluest of blue skies that always take my breath away in GMNP, when we hit the dirt trail. At various spots, there are signs pointing out what geological feature you are looking at. There is also a map you can carry that will help you identify the geology you will see.
It’s a narrow trail, and rather deceptive in its length. We kept thinking we must be getting close to the top, but we were wrong. It just went on and on. But, we did see a lot of cool rocks as we walked. I realize that’s not exactly technical terminology, but it’s true nonetheless.
Another thing to know about this hike is that it’s not the most picturesque in the park (my vote for that honor is McKittrick Canyon). We took pictures (we always do) but if you are looking for staggeringly beautiful photo ops, you won’t find them here. Although, having said that, there are some very interesting outcroppings along the trail that made lovely photography subjects.
At various spots along the trail, you can look down and see the McKittrick Canyon trail as it crosses the river and heads into the canyon. We could even hear the voices of hikers heading down the trail. But, we were only halfway to the top of Permian Reef, so on we went.
When we hike, we like to stop in a shady spot to have a snack or eat some lunch. On Permian Reef Trail, that isn’t going to happen–there is no shade whatsoever. There’s really not even a wide spot in the trail to pull off for a nosh. We sat on the trail, scooted up close to the cliff wall, and enjoyed a cool drink and a snack. Check the photos to see one of my boots sticking over the edge of the trail. I’m only 5’1″, so as you can imagine, my legs aren’t that long!
Finally, even though the peak had been moving itself away from us all morning, we made it to the top. It was actually an awesome spot to sit and enjoy some strawberries and water. It also gave us a chance to see where we had been walking all day. We had a little over four miles of return trail, so after a rest and some pictures to document our hike, we headed back down.
This is not a hike we will repeat often, but it was definitely worth doing. Enjoy!
