Smith Spring

## Overview Smith Spring is a natural desert oasis nestled within Guadalupe Mountains National Park in West Texas, near the border with New Mexico. Located at an elevation of approximately 5,500 feet in McKittrick Canyon's rugged terrain, Smith Spring is one of the few reliable water sources in this arid landscape, making it a vital ecological haven. The spring supports a lush riparian area of madrone trees, bigtooth maples, and other vegetation that stands in striking contrast to the surrounding Chihuahuan Desert scrubland. The Guadalupe Mountains are composed of an ancient Permian-age reef — the Capitan Reef — one of the finest examples of a fossil reef in the world, dating back roughly 265 million years. Water percolates through this ancient limestone and emerges at Smith Spring, creating a small, shaded pool surrounded by ferns and mosses. The spring has historically served as a water source for wildlife, including mule deer, elk, and a variety of bird species, and was likely used by indigenous peoples long before European settlement. Smith Spring is a popular hiking destination within the national park and is accessible via the Smith Spring Trail, a moderate loop that also passes Manzanita Spring along the way. ## Directions 1. From the town of **Pine Springs, TX**, head to the **Frijole Ranch History Museum** trailhead within Guadalupe Mountains National Park. The turnoff is located along **US Highway 62/180**, approximately 1 mile north of the Pine Springs Visitor Center. 2. Follow the signed access road east for about 1.5 miles to the **Frijole Ranch parking area**. 3. From the trailhead at Frijole Ranch, follow the **Smith Spring Trail** (a 2.3-mile round-trip loop). The trail first passes **Manzanita Spring** at about 0.3 miles. 4. Continue along the trail as it climbs gently through desert scrub and into a wooded canyon. **Smith Spring** is located at approximately the 1-mile mark, where you'll find the shaded grotto and spring pool. 5. The loop trail returns you to the Frijole Ranch trailhead. *GPS Coordinates: 31.9185, -104.8066* ## What to Expect The hike to Smith Spring is considered moderate and family-friendly, covering roughly 2.3 miles as a loop with about 400 feet of elevation gain. The first portion of the trail crosses open desert terrain with limited shade, so sun protection and adequate water are recommended, especially during warmer months. As you approach Smith Spring, the landscape transforms dramatically. The spring emerges in a shaded grotto surrounded by towering trees, ferns, and moss-covered rocks — a surprising pocket of green in the desert. The water flow is typically modest, forming a small pool before seeping into the ground downstream. The area is particularly scenic in late October and November, when the bigtooth maples display vivid fall colors. Wildlife is frequently spotted along the trail, including mule deer, javelinas, and numerous bird species drawn to the reliable water source. The spring area is a designated day-use zone within the national park — camping is not permitted at the spring itself. Dogs are not allowed on the trail. Note: As this spring is located within a national park, visitors should check with the **Pine Springs Visitor Center** for current trail conditions and any seasonal closures. A national park entrance fee or pass is required.