Last updated: February 7, 2023
Thing to Do
Tejas Thru Hike
NPS/Bieri
The Tejas Trail is the primary north/south through trail within the park, connecting the Pine Springs Trailhead with the Dog Canyon Trailhead at the park's northern boundary. This major artery can be used to connect to numerous other trails to make a variety of loops.
Headed north the trail climbs out of Pine Springs Canyon into the Wilderness high country. The central portion of the trail from Pine Top until the McKittrick Canyon Trail junction is forested, passing through the Bowl and numerous drainages. The route passes the saddle at Lost Peak. No trail leads to the summit itself. Descending from the area of Lost Peak the trail passes through the grassy areas that define the northern portion of the park.
Overnight backpacking is recommended at Pine Top, Tejas, and/or Mescalero Wilderness Campgrounds.
Distance: 11.8 miles (19.0 km) one way
For more detailed information on trails, check our trail descriptions page.
Elevation Change: Accumulation of 3,000 feet
Time Estimate: 7-9 hours
Difficulty: Strenuous
Duration: Minimum of one night, two days.
Trailhead: Pine Springs and Dog Canyon Trailheads. The drive between the trailheads is two hours. No shuttle service runs between the two trailheads.
Headed north the trail climbs out of Pine Springs Canyon into the Wilderness high country. The central portion of the trail from Pine Top until the McKittrick Canyon Trail junction is forested, passing through the Bowl and numerous drainages. The route passes the saddle at Lost Peak. No trail leads to the summit itself. Descending from the area of Lost Peak the trail passes through the grassy areas that define the northern portion of the park.
Overnight backpacking is recommended at Pine Top, Tejas, and/or Mescalero Wilderness Campgrounds.
Distance: 11.8 miles (19.0 km) one way
For more detailed information on trails, check our trail descriptions page.
Elevation Change: Accumulation of 3,000 feet
Time Estimate: 7-9 hours
Difficulty: Strenuous
Duration: Minimum of one night, two days.
Trailhead: Pine Springs and Dog Canyon Trailheads. The drive between the trailheads is two hours. No shuttle service runs between the two trailheads.
Details
Duration
7-9 Hours
For most hikers, plan to take from seven to nine hours to complete the hike, expecially if starting at Pine Springs. This can be done as a day hike or can be done as an overnight multi-day trip.
Activity
Hiking
Pets Allowed
No
Pets disturb wildlife and are not allowed on trails. Your pets should remain at home as opportunities for pets are very limited in the park.
Reservations
No
If done as a day hike, no reservations are needed. If done as part of a multi-day overnight itinerary, a Wilderness Use Permit is required. If staying at Dog Canyon Campground, reservations are required.
Season
Year Round
Time of Day
Day, Dawn, Dusk
Accessibility Information
Trail surfaces are loose rock or hardened rock surfaces. Hiking or trekking poles are highly recommended. Trail widths vary from two to six feet depending on the trail.
Parking
All trailhead areas have accessible parking available.
Service animals
Only service animals that have been individually trained to perform specific tasks for the benefit of persons with disabilities are allowed in the park and on trails.
