Dog Canyon lies in a forested canyon on the north end of Guadalupe Mountains National Park at an elevation of 6,300 feet.  It’s about a 2-hour out-of-the-way drive from the main park entrance and hence is quite secluded.

 

 

 

 

Remote and far removed from civilization, Dog Canyon “stands at the edge of the wilderness boundary, and offers an ideal location for quiet camping, birding, hiking, and solitude.”  (source)

 

 

 

 

The Tejas Trail hike starts in a beautiful open grassy field surrounded by mountains.

 

 

 

 

There is a touch of fall color emerging in the forest.

 

 

 

 

The rocky trail climbs slowly.

 

 

 

 

We passed only two small groups of hikers the entire day.

 

 

 

 

There’s an old joke that, “It’s not the fall that kills you; it’s the sudden stop at the end.”  Well, in this case, I think the fall itself down the edge of the mountain would do major bodily damage.

 

 

 

 

I like to sit on the edge of a cliff or mountain every year on my birthday.  Happy 45th Birthday to me.

 

 

 

 

Nothing but wilderness for miles in all directions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rolling canyons in Guadalupe Mountains

 

 

 

 

Returning to the trailhead on a clear fall day.

 

 

 

 

We really enjoyed this beautiful and peaceful hike.

 

 

 

 

Theresa sneaks away to pet the horses.

 

 

 

The sky turns to gold at sunset.

Next: McKittrick Canyon  >>