How to Hike Smith Spring in Texas

The far West Texas Guadalupe Mountains National Park is surprisingly under-visited, which makes the area nice for hiking. Smith Spring hike is a loop that covers two natural springs in the mountains in an easy 2.3 miles. The ponds that form from the springs produce a lush vegetation that includes maples and supports a wide variety of wildlife for the area.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Comfortable hiking shoes
• Loose, layered seasonal clothing
• Water and snacks

1. Drive northeast on US 62-180 from the National Park visitor center, about 1.5 miles toward Carlsbad. Turn left to Frijole ranch and park at the old ranch at the end of the road.
2. Register at the old ranch house. Look for the trailhead on the west side of the ranch parking lot. Start the loop trail by heading northeast toward Manzanita Spring.
3. Follow the level trail to the pond at Manzanita Spring, where a sign describes a battle at the site between the Apaches and the US Army.
4. Climb the trail from the spring toward the mountain base. After crossing a dry wash, the trail begins a steeper climb before suddenly dropping down into a spring surrounded by a lush oasis of pine and bigtooth maple.
5. Take the trail back down into the valley from the spring and complete the loop. Take a left at the fork that returns to the trailhead.

Tips & Warnings

• Stay on the trail to avoid trampling the delicate vegetation.