Field Trips

Pratt Cabin Field Trip

Grade Level:
Middle School: Sixth Grade through Eighth Grade
Subject:
Literacy and Language Arts,Math,Science,Social Studies

The hike to Pratt Cabin is 4.8 miles round-trip and generally takes 3 to 4 hours. There are picnic tables near and at the cabin, but there are no restrooms in the canyon. Beyond Pratt Cabin, the hike to the Grotto is another mile. There are stone picnic tables at the Grotto.

McKittrick Canyon contains a unique biotic community that clings to an intermittent stream which flows over fragile, travertine formations. Hikes are especially dramatic in late fall (end of October or early November) when the canyon's maples, ash, walnut, and other deciduous trees turn brilliant shades of red, yellow, and orange. A hike in McKittrick Canyon can provide an exciting opportunity to study geology or plants and animals in a natural setting. There is a informational brochure available at the trailhead. 

Safety and Resource Protection
In order to minimize impact on the environment, and to insure the safety of you and your students, we ask that you observe the following guidelines while visiting the park:

  •  Be aware of weather and ask that your students dress accordingly and bring necessary garments to accomodate sudden weather change. 
  • Hiking boots are recommended. 
  •  There should be at least one adult for every ten students. When on the trail, there must be an adult in front of the group and one in the back at all times. Students should never be allowed to hike ahead of an adult. Each adult should carry a park map and be aware of the route. 
  •  In order to minimize the potential for resource damage, large groups should split into several smaller groups. 
  •  Everyone in the group should carry water. Adults should carry extra if students have small containers. 
  •  All litter and uneaten food must be packed out by the group. Teachers should organize policing of areas after picnic and snack breaks. 
  •  Everyone must stay on the trail and out of the water when hiking McKittrick Canyon. 
  •  Please remind students that collecting or disturbing plants, animals, rocks, or other natural or historic objects is prohibited. 
Other Logistics: Picnic tables are available at the Pine Springs Campground near the restrooms, Frijole Ranch, in the lower McKittrick Canyon parking lot, in McKittrick Canyon at Pratt Cabin and at the Grotto, and in Headquarters Visitor Center parking lot. 

Flush-toilet restrooms are available at the Headquarters Visitor Center, Pine Springs Campground, and the McKittrick Canyon Contact Station. There is a dry pit toilet at Frijole Ranch. Flush-toilet restrooms are not available at Frijole Ranch or in McKittrick Canyon at Pratt Cabin. 
 

Lesson Plans

Last updated: March 8, 2019